How I'm Prepping my PWC for the Bimini Trip 

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.

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

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

Right on target and then some!

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!

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

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

Thanks for the tips!!

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

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

Are you crossing on pwc to Milwaukee or Chicago?

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

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!

You are welcome!! ☺️

Awesome! Enjoy your new toy!!

Can't wait!!!

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!

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

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

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.

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

You are welcome!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

@@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. --

Yes, I will be doing that. Stay tuned!

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.

From Fr. Lauderdale to Bimini is about 60 miles

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! 🤦🏾‍♂️

@@TheShipsLogg ouch!!!

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.

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.

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

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.

Oooh. Good idea!!!!

Oooh. Good idea!!!!

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.

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.

Wow!! Cool!

@@TheShipsLogg ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VxZnQA3r78o.html

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.

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