How I'm Prepping my PWC for the Bimini Trip

[@charlieb9954]

Jet skiing to Bimini.That’s pretty bold. I’ve never thought much about Jet skiing but,watching your videos, I’m starting to rethink it all. I’m 54. Time to do more of what I’ve never done before.

[@TheShipsLogg]

I am 57 and was 56 when I did this trip. My brother has a few years on me and he loved it. I'm at the age where I have the freedom to do the things that I want and now is the time. I hope you get to do it soon.

[@thomasnyingo7272]

I'm 54 too and I just bought Yamaha FX SVHO 2022 JETSKI INSPIRATION AND HOW IS IT FUN FROM THIS GUY

[@kleetus88]

You are my kind of guy, very smart list. I have a similar ski. I live on the east coast of FL, but I am much less experienced as a pwc operator.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thank you!! The experience part is simply a matter of time and fun! Just keep riding!! ☺️

[@broncosguru]

I have done a bunch of these trips to the Bahamas and here are a few things I wish I had known or taken. 1. Vasaline seriously bring it no joke put some on the inside of your calves thighs and on your rear end. I know its weird to say but bro imagine the worst diaper rash you can have by day 2-3 you probably won't even be able to sit on your ski if you don't do this. No one talks about it because its not a fun conversation but you will thanks me later. 2. Bring a back up GPS in 8 trips I have lost or broken 3 GPS due to poor sea conditions. Download Navionics on your phone and make sure the maps for the area are loaded at least. 3. Ditch the Cooper anchor and grab a mantis dinghy anchor that Cooper will be about worthless there its mostly hard coral bottom you are going to need a set up with a little weight. 4. Cover every piece of your skin you will burn on the crossing if not. I wear fishing pants on the crossing as well as long sleeve rash guards and gaiters that cover my face and ears as well as a hat. 5. Also just wear the googles on the crossing if things get nasty and you need them it will be tough to shuffle gear just easier to wear them out of the gate plus a few waves to the face and your eyes will be burning from the salt water google make all the difference. 6. Ditch the large group big group crossings suck. If you know a few people from the big group make your own smaller group and cross. With a large group you are only as fast as your slowest rider I promise someone is going to want to cross at 10-15 mph even if the seas are calm. I have had 5 crossings and 2 hour crossings and every 5 hour crossing was because someone wasn't will to keep up the speed. This is where the extra fuel comes on both 5 crossings required extra fuel because we were not really on plane. Never again will I cross on a ski with people I don't know that can hang it seriously makes the trip miserable if you have one person just not willing to do it.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Awesome tips! Thanks. I never would have guessed the Vaseline part! 😂

[@jrod2479]

Right on target and then some!

[@jrod2479]

CPT Frank, my buddy Bronco guru has covered most everything and then some! I think your preparation is outstanding! Is better to have and not need than other way around. I am a proud veteran of 6 crossings on ski from my record time 1hr.40M by myself following a boat to a 7+hrs crossing from hell during a storm, lightning etc because other rider/s were not mentally and physically prepared for the pounding to maintain at least 18-25MPH. The Vaseline point is real! I seen people bleeding out both calves and walking like Hop Along Cassidy and no horse for days! Not to mention the significant emotional event they went through and thinking about trip back. One Dude was trying to sell his ski and fly back. 😆 So trust us folks, unless you want to end up with a world class trophy winner case of Baboon ass do the Vaseline! 😂 No fun to be afflicted by what I call the misery 6. Baboon ass, abrasion on feet, hand blisters, bleeding calves, eyes on fire, and sun burn. I been there done that and pointing to the horizon, 10 miles out when I first saw Bimini, LOOK BOSS DA PAIN, DA PAIN! 😆 I am not big on water shoes because they trap sand, having to stop to clean them, fall behind etc, or push on and pay the price of abrasion. I wear good strong not cheap water sandals and can use off ski as well. I wear male leggins or nylon calves protectors, similar to baseball socks that almost knee high but have a loop thru your foot. I would wax the top of my goggles with open cell foam to give them a little salt water repelancy and slow seeping in right away. Wear them snug but not too tight. Some of us killed too many brain cells in our youth and restricting blood flow anywhere is not a good idea. Trust me, when that big wave with your name on it hits you in the face, you'llremember me. 😆And yes put them at start gate, prevents falling behind etc. No goggles are ever totally sealed but is a lot better than having your eyes on fire for several hours and eventually affect vision or worse. I have 2pairs of everything essential to riding, goggles, sandals, gloves, hats etc. I learned the hard way to use 550 parachute cord and dummy cord everything. I have lost many things in rough seas. Broken multiple GPS, GoPro mounts, rear view mirrors, cracked storage compartment cover, lost gas cans, snorkeling gear and probably forgot so things. I would recommend a lite nylon windbreaker and use waterproof spray on outside of it, blocks wind and rain. Have a rain mask. FLA weather is unpredictable. I been caught in it a few times and surely thought the darn weather man should have taken his darn Viper radar back to Walmart! 😆 Plenty of sunscree with high level UV protection, long sleeve rash guards and gloves. Dry bag is only thing that will keep clothes dry. I carry a large one with back pack padded straps that I can compress or expand as need. I think yours is a bit small for 8 days. I don't like washing clothes except when I jump in to cool off. I have packed as much as 10 days during Exumas trip. Key is to wear quick dry stuff, you can rinse in fresh water in sink with maybe a little Joy dish washing soap, hang out to dry and you ready to go and won't smell fishy. So for 8 days, I would pack 4 riding shorts nice enough for double duty, riding and evening wear, 4 long sleeve rash guards, 4 nicer short sleeve evening shirts to party at Big John's or Resort World, one pair sandals or nice light sneakers, my Diddy bag with all the essentials and remove the batteries from anything that uses them, stuff will turn on and be dead by time you get there. Carry extra batteries for everything essential and will also suggest a good combination head light, strove, emergency red flasher etc. I know Raul and many in this great group and you are in good company! Hope you all have a blast and above all a safe crossing! Salud! Cheers!

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@jrod2479 wow!! Some great advice!!! Thanks

[@gregfaucher6338]

As far as the Vaseline on the butt, the cheeks or for chafing between? This is a serious question.

[@AARDFD]

Great vid - I love to be ultra prepared. You obviously do too.

[@Jetwaterrunnerfeller]

Useful info. We are crossing Lake Michigan this summer and will be bringing much of the same. The siphon tube is brilliant. There is a video of two guys claiming to be “experienced” PWC riders who tried to refuel their ‘22 Yamaha VX in the middle of Lake Michigan - he jumped in and struggled in the waves for almost an hour trying to pour gas into his ski from a 5 gallon tank. Insane.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Lake Michigan! That sounds like a cool ride. I'd love to hear how it goes!!

[@LoveLeeAnne333]

Are you crossing on pwc to Milwaukee or Chicago?

[@FXWATERADVENTURES]

Thank you, Cpt. Frank, this is great as I'm planning on joining the 2023 Bimini trip with my wife

[@TheShipsLogg]

That is awesome. You two are going to have such a great time!!! The hardest part is waiting for the date to arrive!

[@DAMotorsports]

I’ve been watching videos of the trip, but never a video of the prep. This honestly a new goal of mine to learn how to do this trip.

[@TheShipsLogg]

That's awesome! I also made a video after the trip that discusses how effective my preparations were. You might wanna check that one out

[@Ryuc14911]

Excellent video Frank. Glad you're part of the fleet. We will see you at the Ramp

[@TheShipsLogg]

Can't wait!!!

[@albertojhernandez169]

I'm seriously thinking about a jetski just for this dream trip. Thanks for the tips an idea's .

[@TheShipsLogg]

You are welcome!

[@therealmitch-a-palooza7262]

I enjoyed this video. It reminded me of a few things I need before I pick up my new FX this weekend! Thank you.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Awesome! Enjoy your new toy!!

[@miah7840]

Thank you for this in depth video!!!

[@TheShipsLogg]

You are welcome!! ☺️

[@joewilson1527]

Excellent preparation! Kudos to you. I just made the trip and will share my feedback. 1) If you need fuel, it will be during rough seas where you'll get poor fuel economy and that is not the time I would want to juggle gas cans and risk getting water in the gas tank. Watercraft Journal Long Hauler tank or an equivalent gives a no fuss way to temporarily plumb reserve fuel directly into your tank. I did it and it gave great peace of mind. 2) You'll need a Bahamas Courtesy Flag for after checking in at Customs. You'll remove the Quarantine flag and fly the courtesy flag until you leave the island. 3) You can save space and leave the wheel chocks at home. This is coming from somebody who trailered over 2,000 miles and had numerous issues on the road. (Yes, I had to separate the trailer at one point). I used other items that I had to serve as wheel chocks and they worked just fine. You can bring them, but its just another thing to worry about. 4) I brought a tool kit as well. It was even more basic than yours. I literally picked out the individual socket sizes and tools needed that were specific to my machine and left everything else behind. You'll find that 90% of your small tool kit doesn't apply to your machine. 5) I used Sena headsets (homemade using the Sena 30k) for communication while underway. Communication was super clear and range was fantastic. I had a VHF radio, but it was only to call out to other ships if needed (not to communicate with the pack who probably won't hear me over the roar of their engine.) 6) Rashguards! Bring a couple long sleeve rash guards, rash guard pants, buff headwear for sun protection. 7) The PWC Superrack anchor was fantastic for the trip. Your anchor may leave you disappointed. The Superrack anchor is specific for sandy bottoms in shallow water. It holds really well! Highly recommended! 8) I did not bring this, but I would if I did the trip again....a means to jump start a dead jet ski battery. 9) I had the same idea as you with shoes and purchased a similar set. It didn't work out as well as I had hoped. I recommend that you also bring footwear specific for land even if it is flip flops. I hope this helps and I wish you an amazing trip!

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@gregfaucher6338]

Great video. Good luck brother!

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thanks!! We made it here all in one piece and have been having a ball. Stay tuned for the videos.

[@LifeBeginsOnTheWater]

Veteran of 4 Bahamas 🇧🇸 crossing myself. The Abaco’s being furthest 200+ miles one way. Sounds like most have given you advice on some keys factors and items. I would like to say bring a bunch of smaller bills 💵. The currency is dollar for dollar but a lot of times they give you Bohemian currency when change is needed. I found having smaller bills were great for tips! Also bring extra pens 🖊. Some reason they don’t seem to have a bunch while filling out immigrations & customs paperwork. Oh and with that being said, make sure you have most of your documentation and paperwork filled out before arriving! Your not going to find 91 octane while there. We have never had a issues using what fuel ⛽️ is on the islands. Many in our group crossing have Kawi 310’s and everyone knows they need 91+. None of us carried octane booster. I also recommend a Inreach /Spot device those are amazing with sharing your location to friends and love ones. End result take it all in, Bimini is absolutely amazing! By far to me the best Bahamas 🇧🇸 Island. Don’t forget to check out Dolphin 🐬 house & eat a lot of Bimini Bread 🍞. Safe travels my friend. Billy D

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thank you!! Good to know that fuel will not be a problem.

[@lman2677]

I didn't see a flare gun and horn kit. 2 things that are a must. Things happen on open water. Don't risk it. Get the flares and airhorn.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Good point. I actually have an air horn and a whistle on the ski already. I may need to get the flare gun from my boat and take it along.

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

Great video as usual. Praying you have a safe trip and an absolute BLAST. Non sequitur question and need your feed back. I’m 65 years old and started jet skiing last summer and am addicted. HOWEVER, I rode today for the first time for an easy hour or so. When I went for a walk a couple hours later my hips locked up , with lots of back and spine pain. Kind of like after riding a horse. HERE IS MY QUESTION. Do you do any exercises in the off season to prepare? Do you ever have aches and pain? Have you heard of others doing specific exercises for jet skiing?

[@TheShipsLogg]

Sorry to hear about the hip and back pain. I have not done any specific exercises but I definitely have been sore after a good ride, especially if the water is rough. I just happened to buy a hot tub around the same time I got my ski and it really has come in handy after riding. I wonder if a food chiropractor can suggest some exercises.

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

@@TheShipsLogg excellent idea regarding chiropractor recommending exercises. I will be taking a hot tub tonight. Thank you for your reply. I cannot imaging giving up jet skiing. I do have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus, which I’m sure contribute significantly. However I suspect with an exercise regime I will do much better. --

[@billk6772]

Awesome video, thanks. As for the anchor, how are you storing it so it doesn’t flop around while hitting waves? I’d like to get one too. Thanks

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@billk6772 Thanks for the compliment. I actually keep the anchor and rode in a mesh bag in the forward compartment. As it turns out, for this trip, that compartment was pretty much stuffed so nothing was going to move around in there.

[@12000Jetlag]

This sound be an awesome trip. Can't wait to see the videos. Be safe and enjoy!

[@texasrider5621]

Captain Frank another excellent video I do appreciate these videos I am planning on doing this one of these days myself I live in San Antonio so it’s quite a ways for me to go to get over there

[@TheShipsLogg]

I feel you. It is a bit of a drive from Atlanta to get down there. From what I understand, there are a couple of guys coming all the way from Delaware. They are going to be putting some miles on their vehicles!

[@el_wilo287]

I highly recommend you take a flare gun kit, it won't take much space in the ski! have a safe and fun trip!

[@TheShipsLogg]

I have one on my boat. I'll be sure to grab it before I go. Thanks!

[@charlesprice7790]

Can't wait to see tye videos from your trip. I know it's a give in, but you didn't mention sunscreen. 😉

[@TheShipsLogg]

You are correct. I will have sunscreen and will also be wearing a hat and long sleeves.

[@Justin-hz8bh]

I've just discovered your video. Hope your trip went well. One question I have is where did you leave your truck parked while on your trip? Wondering if its ok to just leave it at the ramp parking lot. I don't feel too good about that. Thanks!

[@TheShipsLogg]

It was an awesome trip! We launched from HarbourTowne Marina in Dania Beach. We were able to leave our cars/trailers there for a nightly fee.

[@RAMYSWAY]

Your list is 👍 good. Hope the weather holds for your trip.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thanks. Me too. One thing you have to be when it comes to doing the crossing is flexible. If the weather is not good one day, you may have to wait til the next.

[@jrod2479]

CPT Frank, my buddy Bronco guru has covered most everything and then some! I think your preparation is outstanding! Is better to have and not need than other way around. I am a proud veteran of 6 crossings on ski from my record time 1hr.40M by myself following a boat to a 7+hrs crossing from hell during a storm, lightning etc because other rider/s were not mentally and physically prepared for the pounding to maintain at least 18-25MPH. The Vaseline point is real! I seen people bleeding out both calves and walking like Hop Along Cassidy and no horse for days! Not to mention the significant emotional event they went through and thinking about trip back. One Dude was trying to sell his ski and fly back. 😆 So trust us folks, unless you want to end up with a world class trophy winner case of Baboon ass do the Vaseline! 😂 No fun to be afflicted by what I call the misery 6. Baboon ass, abrasion on feet, hand blisters, bleeding calves, eyes on fire, and sun burn. I been there done that and pointing to the horizon, 10 miles out when I first saw Bimini, LOOK BOSS DA PAIN, DA PAIN! 😆 I am not big on water shoes because they trap sand, having to stop to clean them, fall behind etc, or push on and pay the price of abrasion. I wear good strong not cheap water sandals and can use off ski as well. I wear male leggins or nylon calves protectors, similar to baseball socks that almost knee high but have a loop thru your foot. I would wax the top of my goggles with open cell foam to give them a little salt water repelancy and slow seeping in right away. Wear them snug but not too tight. Some of us killed too many brain cells in our youth and restricting blood flow anywhere is not a good idea. Trust me, when that big wave with your name on it hits you in the face, you'llremember me. 😆And yes put them at start gate, prevents falling behind etc. No goggles are ever totally sealed but is a lot better than having your eyes on fire for several hours and eventually affect vision or worse. I have 2pairs of everything essential to riding, goggles, sandals, gloves, hats etc. I learned the hard way to use 550 parachute cord and dummy cord everything. I have lost many things in rough seas. Broken multiple GPS, GoPro mounts, rear view mirrors, cracked storage compartment cover, lost gas cans, snorkeling gear and probably forgot so things. I would recommend a lite nylon windbreaker and use waterproof spray on outside of it, blocks wind and rain. Have a rain mask. FLA weather is unpredictable. I been caught in it a few times and surely thought the darn weather man should have taken his darn Viper radar back to Walmart! 😆 Plenty of sunscree with high level UV protection, long sleeve rash guards and gloves. Dry bag is only thing that will keep clothes dry. I carry a large one with back pack padded straps that I can compress or expand as need. I think yours is a bit small for 8 days. I don't like washing clothes except when I jump in to cool off. I have packed as much as 10 days during Exumas trip. Key is to wear quick dry stuff, you can rinse in fresh water in sink with maybe a little Joy dish washing soap, hang out to dry and you ready to go and won't smell fishy. So for 8 days, I would pack 4 riding shorts nice enough for double duty, riding and evening wear, 4 long sleeve rash guards, 4 nicer short sleeve evening shirts to party at Big John's or Resort World, one pair sandals or nice light sneakers, my Diddy bag with all the essentials and remove the batteries from anything that uses them, stuff will turn on and be dead by time you get there. Carry extra batteries for everything essential and will also suggest a good combination head light, strove, emergency red flasher etc. I know Raul and many in this great group and you are in good company! Hope you all have a blast and above all a safe crossing! Salud! Cheers!

[@TheShipsLogg]

I'm here sitting on my boat now going over your list and grabbing anything off the boat that I may need. Thanks for the thorough list!

[@kevinschrader760]

How many miles one way? Video is awesome!

[@TheShipsLogg]

From Fr. Lauderdale to Bimini is about 60 miles

[@LowReadyActual]

Great checklist thank you! Would be great to have links to every product in the notes - you could make them affiliate links and make a few bucks too.

[@el_wilo287]

Now that you're back from the trip to Bahamas, are you going to make another video of the things that you use, didn't use or needed and didn't have for the trip? I'm planning on going soon and I'm trying to get as much feedback as I can. Thanks

[@TheShipsLogg]

Yes, I will be doing that. Stay tuned!

[@latin_fashion_4345]

I cant wait to do that trip

[@VictorMMartin]

Thanks for the info. Now that you've made it back, what would you change?

[@TheShipsLogg]

I will be doing a video on that after all of the videos on the trip itself. I will tell you one thing though. I would have made sure not to forget my water shoes! 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@VictorMMartin]

@@TheShipsLogg ouch!!!

[@channingbutler6425]

Would you recommend taking a Seadoo spark on that trip?

[@TheShipsLogg]

It is possible but you would definitely be feeling it afterwards. It's not a typical lake or river ride and it is easy to get a bit overwhelmed if you run into big water. We did have one person so the crossing on an EX but it was definitely a rough ride for him. He was in a bit of pain after the crossing.

[@ThomasShue]

Where do you park you trailer and truck while you gone to bimini

[@TheShipsLogg]

We left our vehicles and trailers at HarbourTowne Marina in Dania Beach, FL. We paid a nightly fee and they do have security.

[@michaelbjorgefineart4628]

Did you mention camping gear?

[@TheShipsLogg]

We did not camp in Bimini. We actually stayed at a resort. I know a lot of people do go on jet ski/camping trips though. Might be something for me to try some day.

[@MelvinRHawkins]

If you're going to have any boats with you guys. Put your extra stuff on the boat's.

[@MichalLempicki]

Love all things Yamaha! We have a little SX195 jetboat and would love to make this trip one day. I'm trying to decide if in the future I'm going to upgrade to a bigger jetboat or get 2 skis.

[@TheShipsLogg]

I guess it all depends on how you want to be on the water. The cool thing is that no matter which one you choose, you ARE on the water. Be sure to stay tuned because I will be making videos about the trip. Thanks for watching!

[@jimmickunas120]

How about a portable Charger for your cell phone, radios etc.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Yup. I will be sure to take my chargers for both my phone and radio. I won't be able to charge them on the ski but I will be able to at the condo.

[@jasonhatfield5771]

Guy on KZbin took a hobie cat and sailed it over there

[@TheShipsLogg]

Wow!! Cool!

[@jasonhatfield5771]

@@TheShipsLogg kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKm9n4R3aNdqbtE

[@robertvillafane3753]

Trailer wiring kit and for us old folks Icy Hot and Preparation H 😃

[@TheShipsLogg]

Oooh. Good idea!!!!

[@TheShipsLogg]

Oooh. Good idea!!!!

[@jasonmekush5280]

do you think you can make it one way on the 18.5 gall tank ? curious have same skii

[@TheShipsLogg]

Definitely. On the crossing we won't be wide open. Probably will run at around 35 or 40 depending on water conditions. At that speed, the range is around 90 to 100 miles. Miami to Bimini is only 60 miles.

[@jrod2479]

Yes. I have crossed multiple times on Fx cruiser HOs, SVHO and Kawasaki 310 Ultra. All made it with Ultra being the worse on fuel and started beeping on reserve about 10 miles out. I do carry fuel just in case.

[@MelvinRHawkins]

You didn't invite any of your followers....

[@TheShipsLogg]

It is actually not my event. There is a group in South Florida that does this trip every year and I am going with them. If all goes well, I may sponsor my own one day.

[@wadesteven4270]

I want to take a Captain Frank Waverunner trip to the Bahamas.