Riding Our Jet Skis to Bimini, Bahamas

We did it!! We were delayed a day by Tropical Storm Alex but it did not stop us! On Monday, June 6, 27 Jet Skis left Ft. Lauderdale Bound for Bimini! Take a look at part 1 of our journey!.
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[@heyodi3092]

The idea of jet skiing over to Bimini with a big convoy sounds like so much fun!!

[@TheShipsLogg]

It absolutely was!!!

[@jacksongainey4678]

Comments on the svho’s fuel consumption? Did you bring any gas? If so, how much?

[@wadesteven4270]

I can’t speak for this trip. I have a 2021 FXHO and a 2022 GP 1800R SVHO. When I take all day trips my FX uses more gas. Obviously the FX weighs more and we can loaded it up with more items. Also my wife and I ride the FX and my son and daughter ride the GP are we have about 70-80 pounds on them. One last thing I use premium gas in the GP and 87 in the FX.

[@markmiller3058]

If you cruise around 25 or below 28 you can make it back without refueling

[@MarkMiller-fj5hv]

I burned 14.5 gallons going and 12.5 returning on a 2020 fx svho with a passenger fully loaded

[@kkutube1972]

Can you do a video of what to do if you get things suck in the port in the middle of the ocean? What are the protocol to get help if you are no other watercraft around? Sorry, I am so new to this but looks so fun.

[@TheShipsLogg]

You might have seen that this is what happened to me on this trip. If you noticed, I had to jump in the water and reach under the ski to pull it out. That's pretty much the only way you can do it.

[@thebasic95]

Some family members were talking about doing this. I thought they were joking. 😂

[@12000Jetlag]

What an awesome trip Frank! Glad everyone made it over safe and sound. Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures in Bimini and your return. I sold my boat last week so I can downsize as I get closer to retirement. I sold a Silverton 41C and am now looking for a Sea Ray 340 Sundancer.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

goód choiçe chief has 35⁰ sundaxer 1 fôt biger

[@Maxrotor1]

Great video! I am looking forward to doing this with my sons.

[@Jay_Hall]

A lot safer than a motorcycle. :)

[@sharonbraselton4302]

yes it is

[@Blackness869]

Looks like it was a awesome ride across... This trip is on my bucket list for sure... Let me know so I can join the next trip...

[@TheShipsLogg]

Check out the Gulf Streamers group on FB. That is the group that I went with. They are awesome and Raul is a cool dude!!

[@BOBBYBRUNER-g5d]

when you going again we would like to join

[@TheShipsLogg]

Not sure when I will be going again but the Gulf Streamers go every year. This year, they are going in July. Check them out on FB.

[@johnrathbun2943]

17th street boat ramp. I know this place.

[@JeTsKi_MiSfItS]

Hi Frank, hey were u able to find premium fuel for your svho at Bimini? Or did u just use regular fuel? Approximately how many miles of riding was it from ft Lauderdale to Bimini?

[@TheShipsLogg]

It was about 60 miles from Ft Lauderdale to Bimini. The pumps in Bimini did not have the octane stickers like we have in the US. We were told it was 91 octane but we had no way to verify. We did take octane booster along on the trip.

[@LuisNieves]

I cant wait to make this trip a reality.

[@SgtRusty302]

What month did you make the ride? Obviously making the crossing is dependent on the wind and if my wife and I plan the trip with our ski riding group, we're looking for the most ideal time to make the run. We enjoy your videos, love seeing all the places you've visited.

[@SgtRusty302]

Nevermind, I just saw the answer to my question in the description of your video.

[@olj-bone5822]

How long did the trip over take? I’ve heard 3-4hrs depending on weather. Cheers!

[@TheShipsLogg]

The trip over was about 3.5 hours. It was a little rough but not bad

[@Dr_Flankensteinn]

Hi Capt Frank - Congrats! Super excited for you! Could you share where you parked/boat ramp? I seen you went out of Ft. Lauderdale/Port Everglades inlet?

[@TheShipsLogg]

Yes, we did. We left from Harbour Towne Marina in Dania Beach. We were able to leave our cars and trailers there for $20 a night.

[@LorenP]

Did your Echomap not survive, Frank?

[@TheShipsLogg]

It did perfectly!! It was great having it on my ski for this trip!!

[@BiminiMedia]

We did it, finally! Thanks for the inspiration! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2OQnWydlq5peNE

[@TheShipsLogg]

That is so awesome!!! I'm going to watch the video!!

[@whittaker727]

How long did the crossing actually end up taking you? I'm planning this trip for next year and trying to get my ducks in a row. Was there a time limit or a fee per day for parking your trucks and trailers?

[@TheShipsLogg]

The crossing took about 3.5 hours. We parked at a marina which charged us $20 per night to park vehicles with trailers.

[@BC_I_LETU]

Quarantine flags? Where do I find a list everything we need to know before making a tip like this?

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@BC_I_LETU I did a video of all of the items that I got for the trip. Most of them, I was able to get off of Amazon. Also, check out The Gulfstreamers group on Facebook. They do the trip every year and they are a great source of information.

[@carlgar2007]

WOW Thats just awsome.

[@jettruth]

Likely taking this ride myself next year. 🌊

[@TheShipsLogg]

It's definitely a bucket list item!!

[@pcoakle1]

Great video! How long was the transit time?

[@TheShipsLogg]

Crossing over was about 3.5 hours. A week later when we came back, it was a little less than 3 hours.

[@jrod2479]

Cpt Frank, awesome video! That seagrass is a monster! 😆 But on the bright side provides the opportunity to cool off in deep water. 😆 Glad you all had a great adventure, fun blast and above all safe passage. Exumas next year! Salud! Cheers!

[@TheShipsLogg]

Yessir!!!!

[@earljohnson6059]

I would have been frightened jump into that water.

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@earljohnson6059 It was a little unnerving when I thought about how deep it was. 🤣

[@wildheartxxx135]

Great crossing,you gave me idea.Thx

[@maschwerer]

What an epic trip! Hopefully I can join you in a year when my wife lets me buy a jet ski 😉

[@latin_fashion_4345]

Hello, I am new to your channel and already like it a lot, all the info you share its great...I just saw your video reviewing you ski, and you answered all my questions. I am moving to Palm Bay Florida in August from CT state after 24 years, and I'm getting the 2022 Yamaha FX, I don't know yet if I'm getting the supercharger or natural aspirate...but I am getting one. hopefully one day we can link up and ride some, I am looking forward to the crossing to Bahamas it is my dream...I saw many videos and looks amazing being in open water, thank you for all the great info and be safe out there.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Welcome to the channel. I can honestly say that jet skiing is a great sport and there are so many wonderful people you will meet. Good luck with the move and your new machine when you get it!

[@exploreflorida5303]

id like to do this but what is the plan if someone breaks down? getting towed back by a buddy at 4mph for 50 miles doesnt sound great.

[@TheShipsLogg]

I always advise having a tow service membership and know what the limits are. Some people also go with a chase boat in case there are any issues.

[@exploreflorida5303]

@@TheShipsLogg ok a tow service will go out far?

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@exploreflorida5303 it depends on the plan you get. I always get the unlimited.

[@rickss69]

@@exploreflorida5303 Many limit to 25 miles now even with unlimited membership. No worry as someone will come, but it may entail a price.

[@jamesdempsey8811]

Looks Awesome how long was the trip one way and how much gas you and I have the same ski

[@jamesdempsey8811]

Also wanting to do the trip

[@TheShipsLogg]

The trip over was a little over three hours. My ski did it on one tank. I had 4 gallons left when we arrived.

[@jendrick1990]

@@TheShipsLogg can’t believe you made it with one tank! I have a FX SVHO 22 and it really consume a lot of gas. Awesome video and looking forward to make this trip soon!

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@jendrick1990 it can consume a lot of you are into the supercharger a lot. If you are riding at normal speeds, it is quite fuel efficient

[@jamesdempsey8811]

Do you think you all might do it again would love to join if it was ok I live in Alabama

[@bwfrench2616]

Hey New couple Jetski couple here, we ordered 2 new Seado gti a 90 and 130. Want to make the trip, when do you think is the best time

[@TheShipsLogg]

I would pick the May to June timeframe. Winter time typically brings winds out of the north which can create rough waters as the gulf Stream flows from the south to the north. Waiting too late in the summer season means your plans could get derailed by a tropical weather system. It doesn't mean that you can't do it anytime the weather allows but in my opinion, that is the best time to plan it

[@1761Renovations]

Hope all is well ! Do you know of any good boat ramps in south Florida?Also with wash out hook up

[@TheShipsLogg]

We used the ramp at Harbour Towne Marina in Dania Beach. We were able to leave our vehicles and trailers there for a nightly fee and they had security

[@1761Renovations]

Do you need to bring your own hose to wash out?

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@1761Renovations when we were there, they already had one hooked up. I'd probably bring one just in case though.

[@carllashley2234]

Hey Captain When is the next Bimini trip ?

[@ItzmiKe.]

gonna be another one again?

[@TheShipsLogg]

Yup. This group does it every year. Check out The Gulfstreamers on Facebook.

[@MelvinRHawkins]

Nothing like getting your money 💰 out of your ski. Have a great time and enjoy your ski

[@TheShipsLogg]

Absolutely!!! Thanks!

[@ampshotsmedia]

What gear in is that? Is it mainly a gps? Awesome video can’t wait for more!

[@TheShipsLogg]

Every ski had a GPS chartplotter, vhf marine radio and personal locater beacon.

[@ampshotsmedia]

Meant to say what “Garmin” but autocorrect had other plans haha I have a GTI 155 Limited and I use the KnowWake app on my iPhone but would prefer a dedicated gps chart plotter for my jet ski

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@ampshotsmedia ahh!! That auto correct gets you every time. 🤣 It's the Garmin Echomap 63 CV.

[@ampshotsmedia]

@@TheShipsLogg haha thank you so much! Is it rechargeable or do you have to have it tied in with the battery? And if I wanted to visit a restaurant or specific address via my ski, can I put that in on it or is it by coordinates? One day would love to ride with you guys!!

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@ampshotsmedia it's connected to the battery on the ski. It's a marine unit so it does not navigate off of addresses but will do coordinates wonderfully!

[@brucethebarguy]

Sorry If I missed it but which marina did you leave from?

[@TheShipsLogg]

We left from Harbour Town marina. We were able to leave our vehicles and trailers there for $20 a night.

[@robberlin4813]

Do you have reverse ?

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@robberlin4813 Yessir!!! Wouldn't be without it.

[@haroldrushton6735]

Very cool trip!! Looks like it was a ton of fun. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@TheShipsLogg]

It absolutely was! You are welcome!

[@lorneserpa5888]

Dude, fun! Even on boating forums say cannot do Gulfstream under 18ft boat. Just need good route/weather planning. I have a 26 boat to cross in the next few months.

[@TheShipsLogg]

You can definitely do it in your boat. Like you said route planning and make sure you have the weather. Good luck!!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

wríng undér 18 foiter bedd brubg lot of gas can 26 fóot nin stop

[@awaits9402]

Oh man, we were over there June 12th - June 17th 2022. We just missed you. Most beautiful water I have ever seen! Glad you guys had a safe trip there and back. We are already talking about going again next year. I enjoy all your videos - hope you keep them coming!

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thanks! Glad you all came back safely as well!!

[@wadesteven4270]

So I just got a 75” Sony Bravia X9FK delivered and setup and I needed to watch a Waverunner. This is the first thing I watched on my new TV. The water is even more beautiful. Just incredible.

[@TheShipsLogg]

That is awesome!! I feel honored!!!!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

just wiat yamha 75 fiot jet yaght viking 75 fiot yaght 75 incg tv starded

[@jjballay]

Thank you for making this video, didn't think about sea grass

[@TheShipsLogg]

You are welcome. That seagrass will get ya!! 🤣

[@carllashley2234]

Great video captain. What would you say your average speed was crossing over ? Also we have the 2022 FX cruiser svho. How much extra fuel is needed. And is there another trip planned ? We live here in Jacksonville FL if you need a place to crash lol

[@TheShipsLogg]

Average speed going over was about 30 mph. On the way back, we were going a little faster because we had smoother water. I still had 4 gallons in the tank when we arrived. It is always a good idea to have extra fuel when crossing though because you should be prepared for the unexpected. Take a look at the Gulf Streamers on FB. They do a trip each year.

[@carllashley2234]

Thanks captain.

[@earljohnson6059]

How did you find so many people willing to take that trip?

[@TheShipsLogg]

There is a group on Facebook called Gulf Streamers. They organize a trip every year.

[@Jnesselrotte]

Looks like it was an awesome adventure, Great video!!! Working on getting a ski to have adventures of my own. Your videos ar great and inspiring.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thanks so much. Good luck with your quest!!

[@nofameculture]

Was waiting for this video! LFG 🤙

[@TheShipsLogg]

We had an absolute blast too! There will be at least two more videos coming from this trip!

[@mefca]

Nice! It was a good crossing. :)

[@mateuszponinski5954]

In Poland cat not do that

[@tylergargas7524]

Did you use a gps to get there?

[@TheShipsLogg]

Yes. As a matter of fact, each ski that did the trip had a gps.

[@tylergargas7524]

@@TheShipsLogg did you get stopped by border patrol on the way back to Florida?

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@tylergargas7524 Actually no. We were totally expecting it, especially after a CG helicopter flew over us but we did not get stopped.

[@coatingkings]

That is so bad ass!!

[@Ryuc14911]

Awesome video Captain! It was a pleasure having you part of the fleet. Can not wait for the next one.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thank you. I had so much fun. Let's do it again!!! 😁

[@mousecake8982]

Amazing video Cap’n Bear.

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thanks!!

[@glennmayer3862]

Awesome just got a Fx cruiser

[@TheShipsLogg]

Congratulations!!!

[@jiovaniros316]

Great video Frank, I miss you and the crew already! we had an awesome time!!!! Much love bro!

[@TheShipsLogg]

Same here Bro. We really had a good crew for this trip!! Can't wait to ride with you all again!!

[@jiovaniros316]

@@TheShipsLogg heck yeah, most definitely!!!

[@jamesdempsey8811]

Where is the rest of the vlogs on this it’s neat to watch

[@TheShipsLogg]

Editing the next one now. Should be up in a few days.

[@BobBroeking]

What was the deepest your depth finder would register? Nice video! Bob

[@TheShipsLogg]

My depth finder stops registering at 1000 feet. I know that we crossed waters that were well over that so most of the time, my depth indicator was just blinking.

[@BobBroeking]

@@TheShipsLogg interesting!!! 👍😎

[@WildBikerBill]

According to Google Earth Pro, between Ft. Lauderdale and Bimini the depth maxes out at just over 2600 feet.

[@supermansr44]

Nice. We need that 4k content

[@ParrotHead1980]

Its beautiful over there, I did this trip in 2014 on a 2014 yamaha VX cruiser. If i'm correct everyone had to have passports in order to enter Bimini correct? We hunout in Alice town, and bar hopped. :)

[@TheShipsLogg]

You are correct. We did have to have passports, health visas and Cruising permits.

[@ParrotHead1980]

@@TheShipsLogg Cruising Permits? never heard of that one all we had to have was the passport.

[@TheShipsLogg]

@@ParrotHead1980 yes, to bring a vessel over from another country, you have to apply for a cruising permit which allows you to operate the vessel in Bahamian waters during your stay.

[@ParrotHead1980]

@@TheShipsLogg That's interesting I had no idea. Of course we were only there for two days. Strange they didn't ask for it back in 2014. Maybe it's because we were only there for 48 hours. That's good to know thank you for sharing.

[@alexnoa5249]

I really like to join you guys next time

[@TheShipsLogg]

Join The Gulfstreamers Facebook group. This is the group I went with and they go every year.

[@jasonmekush5280]

Glad u made it there safe

[@kckuc310]

Love it!

[@lifeafter_408]

Captain 👩‍✈️ that was awesome👍

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thank you!!

[@glendahall929]

Awesome!! New sub here...

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thank you!!!

[@thomaslove5456]

Great video!

[@TheShipsLogg]

Thank you. Hope to ride with you all again soon!

[@jbeaird5386]

What is the procedure for docking your ski and protecting it from the salt during your week stay?

[@TheShipsLogg]

We stayed at Bimini Sands which has floating docks. That made tying the skis up pretty easy. On a trip like this, salt is going to get EVERYWHERE so you just have to deal with that and make sure you give your machine a good cleaning/flushing when it is over.

[@Ryuc14911]

What I do when making these trips is to flush the ski with salt away before leaving home. Also the entire engine compartment is sprayed with CRC 6-56 anti corrosion spray. Especially any non stainless steel clamps or bolts. Out in Bimini for a week, there is not only salt in the water but in the air as well. Corrosion starts to make its presence the minute you arrive there and can quickly form over night.

[@jrod2479]

Not much you can do during the week in Bimini. I rinse down top of ski daily with water hose at docks. Best approach is doing all internal stuff with Salt Off and engine compartments with fogging oil or other lubricant as someone already mentioned.

[@JohnFitrakis]

@@Ryuc14911 Is there no option to flush the ski out there? I know it's recommended after each ride, but I can't find anything related to being able to do this on the island. I'm guessing that you have to just use the floating dock and deal with flushing when you get back home?

[@Ryuc14911]

@@JohnFitrakis correct. They have a hose for the fish stations but your ski will remain in the saltwater which defeats the purpose. Unless you find someone with an empty trailer willing to let you borrow it each day, the effort is not worth it as it’ll take up a lot of your vacation time. Best thing we suggest is pre coat it and flushing it after

[@LifeBeginsOnTheWater]

From the looks of it you guys had a successful trip glad to hear that! Awesome, thanks for sharing! Billy D

[@thedronescene7474]

Are there any plans for a 2023 Bimini trip? I own a 2022 FX HO and would love to join you guys. I live in Miami, let me know. Thanks!

[@TheShipsLogg]

Check out the Gulf Streamers group on Facebook. They are going in June

[@johnspooner4128]

Hi Frank, Say what was your average speed and how much fuel did you use for the crossing, oh and how many miles was the crossing? Thanks love the video and you are a good presenter!

[@TheShipsLogg]

We ran about 30 mph and my ski used a total of 14.5 gallons for the 60 mile trip.

[@DigitalJazz]

This seems like an awesome trip Frank! I’ve been wanting to make the crossing on my ski. How did you find out about this group of people to go with. Also if you do this trip again next year I would love to tagalong

[@TheShipsLogg]

I found the group on Facebook. The name of the group is Gulf Streamers. They do trips like this every year.