Regan Brown
The distance between Miami and Bimini is around 50-55 nautical miles, and the trip can be made in a range of vessels, from small fishing boats to large cruise ships. The trip can take anywhere from 4 to 21+ hours, depending on the vessel, weather conditions, and other factors. Fuel usage will depend on the vessel, its fuel efficiency, and the duration of the trip, but estimates range from 46 gallons of fuel for a round trip on a 36-foot boat with four outboard motors to 150-200 gallons for a round trip on a high-performance boat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 55 miles (88.5 km) |
| Travel time | 4 hours (or 10 hours, depending on the source) |
| Fuel range | 8 hours at cruise (according to one source) |
| Fuel price in the Bahamas | Nearly $6 per gallon |
| Fuel quality in the Bahamas | Poor, with water in the fuel |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel availability: Fuel stops along the route
When travelling by boat from Miami to Bimini, there are a few fuel availability options to consider along the route. The distance between Miami and Bimini is approximately 55 miles, and while it is possible to make the trip without refuelling, it is always recommended to have enough fuel to motor the whole way.
There are fuel stops available at Bimini, North Cat Cay, and Chub Cay, with the longest distance between fuel stations being from Bimini to Chub Cay, approximately 90 miles. It is important to note that fuel availability at these locations may vary, and it is advised to refuel at every stop to avoid running out of fuel.
Additionally, some travellers choose to bring extra fuel on their boats or in jerry cans to ensure they have enough fuel for the trip. When travelling by jet ski, a chase boat is recommended for added safety, and this larger vessel can carry extra fuel and supplies.
When planning your trip, it is essential to consider the current and weather conditions, as these can impact your fuel consumption and travel time. It is advised to check the weather forecast and avoid travelling with any North in the forecast.
By taking into account fuel availability, refuelling options, and the potential impact of weather conditions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey from Miami to Bimini.
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Fuel costs: Expensive Bahamian fuel
Fuel costs are a significant consideration when travelling by boat from Miami to Bimini. While the distance is relatively short, at around 55 miles, the specific fuel range required will depend on the type of boat and its fuel burn.
One source suggests that a trawler, travelling at a speed of 2.5 knots, will take around 21 hours to make the journey, requiring a substantial amount of fuel. Another source recommends taking enough fuel to motor the whole way if necessary, and mentions that the trip can take over 10 hours.
The cost of fuel in the Bahamas is also a factor to consider. Fuel prices in the Bahamas are subject to fluctuations and can be expensive, with one ferry company citing operational cost increases due to oil and gas prices as a reason for implementing a fuel surcharge.
Additionally, Value-Added Tax (VAT) is included in the listed fuel prices in the Bahamas, which can further increase the overall cost. It is recommended that travellers call ahead to confirm the price of fuel on the day of purchase, as prices can vary daily and between locations.
Overall, while the distance from Miami to Bimini is not considerable, the fuel costs associated with the trip can be high, especially when taking into account the potential for longer travel times and the relatively expensive fuel prices in the Bahamas.
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Fuel estimates: How much fuel to bring
When estimating how much fuel to bring on a trip from Miami to Bimini, there are several factors to consider, including the type and size of your boat, the speed and duration of your trip, and the availability and quality of fuel in Bimini.
Firstly, the type and size of your boat will impact fuel consumption. For example, a 20-foot boat may struggle in the open ocean and may require more fuel to compensate, while a trawler can achieve great fuel economy at its displacement speed. Additionally, a boat with a deeper keel may require more careful navigation in shallower waters.
Secondly, your estimated speed and duration for the trip will help determine your fuel needs. The trip from Miami to Bimini is approximately 50-55 nautical miles and typically takes 4 to 10 hours, depending on conditions and the type of boat. Some boats may average around 15-20 mph, while others may achieve speeds of 6 knots or even up to 74.99 mph. It is important to consider the impact of currents, such as the Gulf Stream, which can affect your speed and fuel consumption.
Thirdly, be aware of the availability and quality of fuel in Bimini. Fuel can be difficult to find and may be of questionable quality. It is also very expensive, costing nearly $6 per gallon. Therefore, it is advisable to bring extra fuel containers and ensure you are well-fuelled before departing from Miami.
Based on these considerations, you can estimate your fuel requirements and bring along additional fuel as a precaution. It is recommended to have a capable buddy boat when making this trip, and to follow a cruise ship or join an armada for added safety. Additionally, having a fuel-efficient boat, such as a trawler, can provide more flexibility for fuel stops.
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Fuel quality: Poor quality fuel in the Bahamas
Fuel quality is an important consideration when travelling from Miami to Bimini by boat. The availability and quality of fuel vary greatly across the Caribbean islands. While there are fuel stops in the Exumas, it is recommended to take as much fuel as you need to motor the whole way if possible.
When it comes to the Bahamas, there are two choices at gas stations: gas or diesel. However, the quality and octane levels of the gas are uncertain. The age, design, and engineering of fuel storage tanks impact fuel quality, and older tanks are more likely to have issues with water and debris contamination. The Bahamas also has issues with engine repair services, so it is best to avoid poor fuel quality where possible.
If you are travelling to the Caribbean and require uncontaminated diesel and gasoline, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a good midway point between Florida and the southern Caribbean. Marinas in the Turks and Caicos typically provide ultra-low or low-sulfur diesel, and the larger marinas provide ethanol-free gasoline. The upscale marinas in the Turks and Caicos usually have high-quality and clean fuels.
If you are looking for a supplier of quality marine fuel in the Bahamas, Caribbean Fuels provides fuel and lubricant oils to fishing fleets, cruise ships, research vessels, and military and government ships. They offer competitive prices and flexible delivery schedules.
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Fuel range: How far a boat can travel
The distance a boat can travel depends on a variety of factors, including the fuel capacity of the boat, the fuel efficiency of the boat, the speed at which the boat is travelling, and the sea conditions.
A boat's fuel efficiency is measured in pounds of fuel used per horsepower developed per hour, also known as "brake-specific fuel consumption". On average, a well-maintained diesel engine burns about 0.4 pounds of fuel per hour for each unit of horsepower it produces. However, these figures do not account for factors such as drag, sea conditions, or efficiency losses through transmissions and bearings.
To calculate the fuel efficiency of a boat, one can use the formula:
> GPH = (specific fuel consumption x HP)/Fuel Specific Weight
Additionally, it is important to note that fuel consumption will be lower at cruising speeds than at peak horsepower, and engines with electronically-managed fuel injection and direct injection will yield higher fuel efficiency.
The speed at which a boat travels will also impact its fuel efficiency. For example, a boat travelling at 22 knots may be able to cruise for about 4.5 hours or about 100 miles, while a boat travelling at 6-8 knots may be able to troll for 2-3 hours with a range of about 80 miles.
Sea conditions can also affect a boat's fuel range. Vessels burn more fuel in rough conditions due to increased drag. Travelling into the wind and current will also reduce a vessel's range. Even small factors such as barnacles on the propellers and bottom of a boat can reduce its range by 30-50%.
Therefore, it is important for boaters to calculate their boat's fuel consumption and range to ensure they have sufficient fuel for their journey. While a boat's fuel gauge can provide an estimate of the amount of fuel remaining, it is not always accurate and it is recommended to calculate fuel usage based on gallons per hour rather than solely relying on the fuel gauge.
Now, to address the specific query of how much fuel is required for a trip from Miami to Bimini, we need to consider the distance and the fuel efficiency of the boat. Bimini is approximately 55 miles from Miami, and a boat with a fuel-efficient engine may be able to travel this distance without refuelling. However, it is important to note that sea conditions and other factors can affect fuel efficiency, so it is always a good idea to have a generous reserve of fuel when undertaking such a journey.
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Frequently asked questions
The ferry from Miami to Bimini costs $155 + taxes per passenger for a day trip in Economy. The price of a Premium ticket is $30 more each way. Average round-trip ticket prices range between $190 and $325 depending on the season and dates.
This depends on the type of boat you have and how fast you plan to go. A user on an online forum estimated that their boat burned 46 gallons of fuel for the trip. Another user estimated that their boat burned 50-60 gallons of fuel.
The time it takes to get to Bimini from Miami by boat varies depending on the speed of the boat and the weather conditions. Some users on online forums have reported travel times of around four hours, while others have reported travel times of up to 21 hours.
Yes, the Balearia Caribbean ferry company offers a ferry service from Fort Lauderdale (Miami) to Bimini. The ferry departs from Fort Lauderdale at 9:00 am (or 8:00 am on some days) and arrives in Bimini at 11:00 am (or 10:00 am). The duration of the journey is two hours.
The distance from Miami to Bimini is approximately 55 miles.
