Bahamas Weekender in the Abacos - Page 2

Skykingbob · #11 05-31-2016, 05:25 AM

Nice post Dan....I feel relaxed and refreshed just reading the post and looking at the great pictures

Jesse · #12 05-31-2016, 05:34 AM

I spent my 17th Anniversary in Treasure Cay. It's a great place with incredible beaches and water and very quiet and down-to-earth.

turbo · #13 05-31-2016, 06:15 AM

dan, nice trip. my first choice for vacation too. clear blue water.

donaziza · #14 05-31-2016, 09:00 AM

Just curious. All you guys flying there solo, are you taking PLB's with you? Renting life vests, or already have your own?

RickWoodall · #15 05-31-2016, 09:12 AM

Our group always pairs up for the water crossing. Out of lauderdale or ft pierce you climb to 10k and see west end in no time. Really not an issue. Crossing lake michigan on the way to oshkosh is the SAME distance across water and mucho colder, no kidding almost exactly to the mile.

We put on life jackets and have a spot tracker in most birds. A few of the cessna guys do rent the life rafts. My thoughts are that one it wont fit, two it aint getting out of the tip up and three....the other planes will know i am in trouble and help isnt too far away between boats etc. I will be busy concentrating on a gentle set down and ensuring canopy is open.

The first time you cross and get the nervousness done, you will not worry about it again. When flying around all the islands (most have no idea how many islands there are) we usually fly over the chains just to keep it as safe as possible but it is a dangerous hobby, mitigate risks as best you can but LIVE life and love the islands. It is just the best place ever!

roadrunner20 · #16 05-31-2016, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donaziza

Just curious. All you guys flying there solo, are you taking PLB's with you? Renting life vests, or already have your own?

We have a PLB & CO2 inflatable life jackets we wear.
We fly at 7500 outbound, but you see West End, grand Bahamas in about 15-20 minutes. We also spot cruise ships in the event we ever have to ditch, we'd aim for them. We hit the florida east coast after flying about 45 minutes & have comfort knowing all systems go.

MikeyDale · #17 05-31-2016, 10:59 AM

My bucket list is getting heavier! I would love to make this trip! Thanks for inspiring!

donaziza · #18 06-01-2016, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadrunner20

We have a PLB & CO2 inflatable life jackets we wear.
We fly at 7500 outbound, but you see West End, grand Bahamas in about 15-20 minutes. We also spot cruise ships in the event we ever have to ditch, we'd aim for them. We hit the florida east coast after flying about 45 minutes & have comfort knowing all systems go.

Dan, Do you own the life vests, or are you renting them. I ask, because I heard you could rent them out of Ft. Pierce, just before you would leave the coast. But I don't know if my info is true or not.

roadrunner20 · #19 06-01-2016, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donaziza

Dan, Do you own the life vests, or are you renting them. I ask, because I heard you could rent them out of Ft. Pierce, just before you would leave the coast. But I don't know if my info is true or not.

I purchased mine from a marine & boat store a few years back.
Mine are like suspenders & stored in a fanny pack pouch and are coast guard approved.
Similar to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Automa...D01V93APG3V2M5
Prices range from about $75-125

GalinHdz · #20 06-01-2016, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadrunner20

I purchased mine from a marine & boat store a few years back.
Mine are like suspenders & stored in a fanny pack pouch and are coast guard approved.
Similar to this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Automa...D01V93APG3V2M5
Prices range from about $75-125

Make sure you can deactivate the automatic inflation feature. If you are still in the airplane when it automatically inflates you may get pinned inside.