Miami to Bimini Crossing in May

[ChetW]

Ahoy,
Planning a crossing from Angel Fish creek to Bimini then on to Freeport in May, 2014. Sailing a 53' Jeanneau with 5'-10" draft at keel. We've never sailed out of Angel Fish Creek before and I'm looking for any info / advice. Our plan is to anchor off Pumpkin Key and get underway around 3:30 - 4:00 am for Bimini. Going in early May which I haven't done either so any advice is graciously accepted.

Chet

[RTB]

We left from No Name Harbor this past May 1. We left at 4;30 am, and made Browns Marina (north Bimini) in the late afternoon. No biggie. Have fun.

Ralph
| sailing away with R & B

[Group9]

You might want to check the charts on Anglefish Creek. I carry 5 feet of draft and I've never felt like trying it (it's deep in the middle but kind of shallow on both ends). Leaving from no-name is easier (I've done it in the dark even).

[Dave852]

Early may is great. You may want to check the tides as you will have to go at high tide. You can anchor on the ocean side of the creek, the waves are small there in the shallow water. You will not feel them in a 53' boat.

[s/v Moondancer]

I've taken 6ft through but it gets shallow on the outside near the last couple of markers, better done at 2/3rds tide rising in case you make a mistake. Go on tide and not specific time. Last time I came through at night the mosquitoes were awful. We did not have any DEET...had to use WD40!

Holding poor around Pumpkin as in all the Keys and much of the Bahamas.

Much better angle on the Gulf Stream than going from No Name.

Enjoy.

[Captain Bill]

I went through there at mid tide last winter and had only 1.8 feet under the keel and I draw 4 feet. I would suggest transitting only at hight tide with 5'10".