How to take a jet ski or small boat to the Bahamas : Part 1

This will be a multipart video series explaining how our crew does prep and planning for a Bahamas trip on a Jet Ski or small boat under 30 ft. This first video is basically the pre planning phase at about 6-12 moths out from departure. We have done several trips over the last few years including Exuma, Abacos and Bimini and I often get asked what all goes into planning a trip like that so I decided to document our process to assist those new at it. We will be making the return to Exuma this year and I will document our steps as we go through planning our trip this year as well as the trip itself. Please Subscribe to stay tuned as to what all is going on.

[@skydude58]

👍 Alot of common sense advice. When is your Exuma trip planned for?

[@broncosguru]

We are planning to go June this year. We have had the best weather window luck in June.

[@juliobalance9803]

broncos guru if you do another trip this year, would you consider letting another boat tag along?

[@broncosguru]

@@juliobalance9803 We are going to Exuma in June and yes we have other boats already tagging along

[@richardc-ex7rt]

Used your tips to help plan for my first crossing a couple days ago. Had to cut the trip short due to the wave forecast, but everything else was fine because I listened to your experience. Wanted to do this for years, and couldn’t be happier I did.

[@LifeBeginsOnTheWater]

Thanks for sharing, Lots of great info!

[@sheenbean2]

So needed this, best video on this

[@05glisedan]

We have friends looking to do the same thing this year. I'll make sure to share this video. It's really helpful... Looking forward to the rest of the of the series.

[@justbrint]

So, you're Jet ski guy. I'm cruiser guy. I think your videos are killer. Keep it up!

[@thatguy9154]

I’m going to try and plan a ride from Maryland to the Florida keys on skis

[@tsibizza1]

Great video and advise people need. Keep it up can’t wait to get back to the islands

[@broncosguru]

Thanks @andrew burch I can't wait to get back either

[@TBrownRecords]

You made a awesome video that made a lot of sense

[@jerryrgaon]

We will be leaving next week around the 1st. Maybe we will see you out and about. We will be in a Tiara 3100 open named Fistful of Dollars. Have a great trip!

[@raiitaly]

THANK YOU.. always been a fantasy maybe some day it will be a reality

[@jcbenson01]

Absolutely GREAT advice!! Coming from someone who has done this trip twice. First time, we hauled about 24 hours from KC to Miami and arrived at Crandon about 4 am. Tried to nap for an hour or two to no avail and departed to Bimini about 0900. That sucked. But we made it and made memories that we will never forget.

[@broncosguru]

Thanks @jcbenson01 I bet you guys slept the rest of that first day in Bimini thats a haul.

[@liamwhelan3691]

Love those iMovie titles

[@joenance8641]

Love the vid can you do a video on best ocean boats for the best price

[@johnturner4128]

I have been waiting to do a trip. Would entertain joining others who have the experience. I would like to start the planning w/in the next month. I have a Kawi 310 and ride it often. Appreciate the video. John

[@aerialvation]

What ended up being estimated MPG for your Kawi?

[@RH-qk5lt]

I'd like to hear your research and opinion on how you pick your weather window. What resources do you use. And what exact information do you look for when you consider a trip a go or no go weather forecast. Both for the crossing and the Bimini weather while you're there.

[@AlveanAzurin]

Awesome Instructional video! Which Navionics are you using?

[@broncosguru]

Navionics boating marine and lakes appears to be the replacement to what I have. The current edition I have is called Navionics USA but it appears they have now switched it

[@haknslash]

Great vid 👍

[@broncosguru]

Thanks @haknslash it gonna be kind of hard to pull one of these trips in a Moomba maybe you should hold out for one more year lol

[@haknslash]

@@broncosguru haha or just ride with one of yall one year :D

[@broncosguru]

@@haknslash well of course I guess that works too.

[@Zharick.407]

@@broncosguru awww there goes my dream of making the cross on an Axis A20.

[@wray-blissfamily6970]

Thanks for going in depth on planning for a Bahamas sojourn. I have wanted to make a trip from Florida to Bahamas for decades. Now that my wife and I finally have the boat to make this trip, and we are retired, its time to go . I live in west Central Florida so the road trip is not that far to West Palm Beach. However, finding a location that offers security for my truck and trailer is a daunting task. Can you recommend a location where we can safely leave our truck and trailer and depart from a marina or nearby accomodations? Our first trip will be to the Abaco via West Palm, West End, Spanish Cay, Treasure Cay. We like the idea of staying at Treasure Cay with our boat moored near us and fuel is nearby. Any recommendations? I will ask more questions later. Thanks again for being so helpful. John.

[@broncosguru]

I rented a house in Treasure Cay that had a dock right behind it. Treasure Cay closes there harbor every night they put security gate up at the entrance so no one can come in and mess with the boats it is nice. We launched from Phil Foster Park and left the vehicles there no issue but this was two years ago now you would want to verify that you can still do that.

[@2fast4you25]

Also be prepared to be stoped by the coast gard, many many many times, wich some times is a big pain in the butt !!!! Yes they are out there for our safety but they need to have some kind of way to know if you allready got stoped and searched. They really need to work on that. I been stoped 3 to 4 times in the same day just on my way to bimini.

[@HoodChefTV1]

Is having a passport a must?

[@aubreynewton2334]

Perhaps UR going 2fast4them2.

[@2fast4you25]

@@HoodChefTV1 meaning what ?? Yes your going to another country so you need it to do imigration.

[@2fast4you25]

@@aubreynewton2334 its no t a matter of how fast you go, there are no speed limitits on open waters, its a matter of lack of comunication between them.

[@ALongLongWaytoGO]

If you have to plan lodging at least 6 months out, and you have to plan a weather window for departure with a + or - window of 3 days what happens to your lodging reservations? I would like to do a trip but am not comfortable with going on our own. It is feasible to do this trip in November well after hurricane season. We would be traveling from Houston Tx.

[@paul4365]

Big thumbs up about the get a full night sleep before heading out. We always sleep on the boat (41 ft Maxum) the night before so there is no 'rush to get to' the boat to get underway.

[@broncosguru]

I agree if I lived in FL I would have something with a cabin and AC

[@sharonbraselton4302]

maßter chef haß yàght seàrày suñdaçe ac geéñertors water nakers

[@Javservice]

I’m gonna start my planning for 2025... lmaooo

[@PortCharlotteAlex]

BG Are you doing this trip next year? 2022? Would love to join you guys. I have a new Sea Doo Fish Pro.

[@lindseycoggin5926]

Hey - in one of the videos, you recommend to dock overnight at the Bahia Mar Marina. They told me a couple days ago that they don't allow jet skis. What gives?

[@broncosguru]

They will if you have a boat with you as well I know thats a strange rule.

[@jonnathanberrezueta8332]

May I ask if you do that trip very often? , and if that's the case the midshipman doesn't stop them very often, isn't that very annoying?

[@sylvainhubert573]

Hi great video , do you think its possible to go at paradise island from FLL in 2 or 3 days . We have Seedoo wake pro 230

[@PortCharlotteAlex]

I would love to join you guys if you are going in 2021. New to Jet Skiing and this is on my bucket list. I am a pilot and have done it in my plane. would love to do this on my ski. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[@robertbauer247]

what month would you recommend for a pwc trip to Bimini for 1 week?

[@jasonkloehn8158]

Planning on taking the Bimini trip. If planning extra days for departing and for returning, How do you book the rooms? Do you just pay for the extra days even if they are not used at both locations?

[@seven_7748]

james braselton grammar is wonderful

[@xjr8rx987]

Hey!!! Go Gamecocks!!!

[@nywaves]

Can you tell me where we can launch in Florida to get to Freeport Bahamas ?? And where we would like to stay in Freeport we are coming from New York thanks

[@robberlin4813]

So when you guys head out, how fast are you typically running on ski's ?

[@aerialvation]

About 20-25mph depending on weather

[@TheFrogInYourClosetWatchingYou]

5:15 that's how I feel DRIVING up and down the keys.... Everyone just has to rent a Jeep and drive 15mph the ENTIRE TIME!!!!!!!

[@labronragon9591]

I am planning a trip to Bimini and Exumas in June/July for a 4 week trip. I would gladly pay you for your expertise for a trip plan for this travel area. (Fuel stops, Places that you recommend to stay, sites to see) Thank you in advance!

[@broncosguru]

no need to pay I will help in any way I can just let me know. We are also departing from Exuma in June

[@labronragon9591]

@@broncosguru We are departing hopefully the first week of June to Bimini then on to the Exumas. I have been searching the internet for months for a generic travel plan with fuel stops, places to stay, and gps locations of must see places. I am planning to cruise for a month if possible. Anything that you could offer would greatly be appreciated. I know its very time consuming and I am willing to pay. I have never been before and would like the advise from someone that has been before like yourself. Your videos has been the inspiration for this trip. We are pulling our boat from North West Georgia to the Ft. Lauderdale area to depart. Thanks again for any help you can offer! [e-mail]

[@broncosguru]

@@labronragon9591 what type of boat will you be on? So that it gives me an idea of your fuel range and I can help you out with Fuel stops and some help with places to hit.

[@labronragon9591]

@@broncosguru I am taking a Tiara 3100 Open

[@washablejunk281]

I’m trying to sail the Atlantic intra coastal water way

[@JohnBraman413]

i'd like to go, but want to go with either someone on a jet ski or another boat so not alone crossing.

[@createdbysaveourplanet6343]

I'm looking to purchase a jet ski. Which one would you recommend for travel to the bahamas and how much is the fuel costs from miami to Nassau? Thanks

[@broncosguru]

If you were buying a ski soley to travel to the Bahamas I like the Kawasaki Ultra LX it has the highest fuel capacity and most storage. If I'm buying a ski to take to the Bahamas but I plan to keep it for years I like the Yamaha FX serries. Fuel would probably run around $200-$300

[@lindseycoggin5926]

broncos guru what do you think about a 2019 Sea doo limited GTX 230?

[@broncosguru]

@@lindseycoggin5926 I love the 2019 GTX honestly probably going to be my next ski as well.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

yàmàha haß long ràbge

[@MichaelAnderson-oc4rp]

Love the flag! Go Gamecocks!

[@imrikkibobbi]

Next Trip Planned ?

[@johnborrow8819]

Curious if a Baja 245 could make that run?

[@sharonbraselton4302]

yes it çàñ wjél 13 cañ too

[@wadesteven4270]

Someone else give him a like. I gave him like 666 need to get off that.

[@BRAD5466]

I love the sound of your voice, where are you from?

[@burntdorito8297]

beijing

[@markmillevoi]

Hello. I have some friends that want to make this trip on waverunners. Can we hop in with you sometime? We would be willing to pay you for your expertise. Thank you. mark

[@jerryrgaon]

We are planning to cross over 1st of June 2019. If you would like to join see our flotilla group facebook.com/groups/2111307835595708/

[@rainman7992]

can you ramble around more...just the fax.

[@Apollo9733us]

waste of time on video...

[@brianmillsap6438]

JoJo/Clem Kadilihopper I agree!

[@user-ni3sp5mz4u]

No one else is agreeing with you two ding dongs. Expound, use your words.