This is part of a post to chinook in 2009 from a past MacSailor's board member.
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I saw your post in the Conch Crusers and thought one of the other members that Cruised over to Bimini in June may chip in.
Conch Cruisers are not what they use to be as for a large turn out in their cruises. Only 3 Mac.X's did it in June and they had a great time
The trip to Bimini sounds like a blast to me. I'm not super experienced in this area since I have mostly just rented boats in the past. And so I'm not the one to give advise.
However, we recently purchased a Mac 26M and are planning to increase our boating skills and knowledge on it in the upcoming years. I'm adding a Raymarine GPS/Plotter, AIS, NMEA 2000 backbone and Sirus XM weather among other things.
A trip from the Florida coast to Bimini has been on my bucket list for years. Nobody panic, we're not heading out next week or even next year. But with a 60HP Honda, the Mac should be able to do that in less than 3 hours, and then be able to visit some nice diving spots once there.
It will probably take us years of gaining experience, learning, planning, and then prepping before we're anywhere near ready. Most likely even some lengthy sailing trips in the Keys are upcoming. But the Mac has made many similar trips safely and it can be a fun experience with the proper planning and experience.
Please keep us updated on your future trip, along with any "lessons learned".
