Solo crossing from Florida to Bahamas on a $2,000 small boat
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- Опубліковано 28 тра 2023
- I am happy to kickoff this new season of videos with this newest Summer video! In this video I buy an old sailboat, find an even older 2 stoke outboard engine and build the ultimate Florida to Bimini Bahamas expedition skiff boat! The end result was a boat that could float in skinny water and hang with the shallowest skiff boats around. This boat can run in 1 ft of water and float in about 6" of water. Max speed of 26 mph and cruising speed of 18-19 mph. Fuel economy of about 2.5 mpg fully loaded @ 19 mph.
I also announce my AWESOME partnership with FGCI ( Fiberglass Coatings Inc) and the direction we are headed together to bring YOU great content and some seriously awesome "paying it forward"!
PLEASE visit www.fgci.com for all of your Fiberglass and Paint needs! Or feel free to give them a shout, they are incredibly knowledgeable and here to help you tackle any project from small to large.... they've got you covered! - Навчання та стиль
No one on UA-cam is making content like this, keep it up! FGCI, get this man a drone!
Hahaha. Thank you so much buddy, I really appreciate it! A drone is in the works! But in the meanwhile I’ve got some good friends with drones who are safer pilots then myself. Lol. Although… there was this one time Travis crashed his drone. 🙃🥸
If taking a 26 foot Macgregor across is impressive you should check out Sam Holmes Sailing, he crossed to the Bahamas on a 16 foot Hobie Cat. He also sailed a 23 foot boat from Cali to Hawaii. Or Wind Hippie Sailing...she's been sailing her 28 foot boat from Maine to PR, through the Panama Canal and is currently in New Zealand.
Have you even been on UA-cam? Content like this is a dime a dozen. It comes down to the content creator and their liability and entertainment abilities. Based on that he's pretty chill. I dig it.
We feel like we make good stuff too… ;-)
Actually, it's a guy that did it on jetski
Having a big boat you can live on that only draws 6 inches of water opens up a whole new world. I like what you're doing and the enthusiasm you bring to your videos. I subscribed.
Thank you so much Rob for sharing this and the sub! Glad to have you here!
The Bahamas from Florida should not consist of deep keel boats. So many cruisers maintain a state of panic any time moving about the shallow waters is needed. I couldn't do it that way. From West Palm beach to the West End its about 65 miles. Traversing it in two hours cost a fortune in fuel but in 7 to 8 hours might be much less using 30-50 HP The right kind of boat for me would mean a cabin and generator for a/c when desired. Not a fishing boat where your family is subjected to the heat and sun all day for hours at time.
Oh this brings back memories. My very first solo trip was from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini back in the late 80s on a fiberglass over wood trimaran with nothing but a compass and paper chart. Didnt quite account for the strength of the gulf stream and ended up quite north of Bimini but did eventually get there. Good times.
This sounds amazing and what an adventure! Very cool you got to experience this with such simplicity. That’s how it was done for ages and ultimately the greatest way to connect. This was simply how it was done and what I was fortunate enough to witness growing up in the 80’s in south Florida. A Compass was key! Back then you could plan on hitting Bimini right after dark and easily see the light on the radio tower from afar which made it easier as well. Now with all the infrastructure in Bimini ( casino/hotel) you can easily navigate to the light at night. Pretty easy run back and forth but it terrifies most folks. Cheers to your experience and thank you so much for sharing!
My Dads cousin was in the navy and he was like a grandpa to us kids. I have four younger brothers and we all sailed from fort lauderdale to bimini back when I was in 8th grade, which was 1995. I totally share your enthusiasm about the color of the water. It seriously cures depression, and makes your soul jump for joy! We sailed over night and woke up to this amazing island. I dont remember specifics, but we did snorkel the famous shipwreck down there which I did with flippers and a mask. It was unreal! I used a waterproof disposable camera, wish I had those photos still! More people need to get out on the open water, im telling you it will solve so many internal struggles within us. The water, waves, wind, salt just does something amazing to your mind! I want to go sailing again so bad! Im currently in the tampa area.
Wow this is awesome Shawn. I really appreciate you sharing this experience and your perspective. The islands are special indeed and I hope you get the chance to go back someday. I promise your next trip will be even more incredible. Cheers my friend!
Yep and I have always moved back currently in Sebastian fl on the river is my backyard
I live in South Florida and I remember my first trip to Bimini and it was amazing crossing the ocean and going on the same journey this guy did. We stopped in the middle of the ocean. Camped on the boat and never really touched land till I got back! Ate fresh fish we caught. Such an amazing experience! We never had a boat that had that sort of draft though! so amazing!
This man is doing what we only think about, amazing!!
Forrest, another awesome video brother. Your seemingly endless excitement, motivation and gratitude is infectious! It’s clear to me your parents did an awesome job, you’re a testament as to what people can do when they put in the hard yards. Congratulations on the partnership, you’ve worked freaking hard for it! Looking forward to seeing Jonah again, I bet he’ll be happy with all those supplies.
Keep it up from Australia 🇦🇺
Man oh man, I can’t tell you how appreciative I am to have folks like you watching these videos and sharing your insight/ enjoyment. Thank you Matt and I’m stoked for you to see the next part of this adventure! Cheers!
Man, I'm so tempted to move out to Florida. It looks beautiful and I know the fishing is epic..
This is one of the coolest boats I’ve ever seen and I thought about doing the same thing but didn’t know how it would handle because a sailboat sits right on top but you did it!!!!!! Soooooooooo coooooooooollll!!
Omg! One of my dreams is to live on a boat! I need to find a knowledgeable person like you to teach me everything you know. I'm over on the Gulf side of Florida.
Seeing the stuff you pack laid out like that is helpful, can't wait to see your ditch bag info. Your content and projects are awesome!
Thank you so much Brian! And yes, ditch bag , navigation, and emergency stuff was all in the car and will be shared in next video. :) cheers buddy!
Have always been fascinated with the diversity of the Mcgregor....Love your enthusiasm! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you so much! The mcgregor is a cool boat indeed and they made a ton of them so they aren’t too hard to find. :) thanks for the positivity and hope you enjoy part 2!
Congratulations on the FGCI sponsorship. You make fiberglass work look easy. And the low cost projects are great content. 👍 Can't wait to see you get your own shop and out of the sun into some shade.
Thank you Steven! The beauty with glasswork is anyone can really do it. Just takes a little practice and screwing up. Haha. I think you’ll really like sone upcoming vids too. Cheers!
Loved your video. Great energy. I knew right away this was a McGregor you put a big motor on. I'm an aircraft Composite guy and knew this boat could do it years ago. How great to see you doing it and now I'll be điving into the rest of your episodes.
Right on David and thank you so much for sharing and being a part of this channel! I hope you like some of the other vids and maybe one day pull the trigger on a project! Cheers
AMAZING channel you've got going on here!! I got my first boat during covid, had some fiber glass repairs done under the boat & now I'm fascinated on how to do it myself next time! Absolutely SUBSCRIBED, love your vibe, love your story, love your channel!!!
Keep it up brother! 🔥🔥🙌🙌
Hey Buddy, That is Aweeeesomeeeee.. Love the super awesome build, beautifull beach, drone improv and the exploration vibe.. keep them comming.. Cant wait to take a trip that way with you..
Thank you Maurice! Love your support and encouragement always buddy! One day we’ll definitely make a trip! Cheers!
Great video! Glad I found your channel, we are outfitting a new “project” boat. New throttle kit and cables are next. Your carry along kits made me realize we could use some of those extra items as well. You never know with a 23 year old boat! Thank you!!
Thanks so much! I’m actually working in a really detailed video showing exactly how I plan / execute and pack for these trips. I’m sure you guys will find it interesting! Cheers!
I've watched almost every video you've made. Awesomeness!!! Great work on the boats and videos. Keep it up, please! 👍 👍
Forrest, you’re a standup guy and an awesome person. You deserve all these great things coming your way and we’ll be rooting for you every step of the way! Congrats and awesome video brother! 🤙
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support as of great energy you guys share! Cheers!
I can see how exited you are to show us what you are up to. You have thousands of people going on the ride with you. Its freaking fun.
I recently bought a 2000 macgregor26x with a used 2006 Honda 50 hp outboard ! I’m still learning to use the sails but motoring around is awesome ! It’s a very versatile boat ! I even bought a Honda gas generator and an lg portable air conditioner that I use with it ! It’s an awesome boat 🛥️!
My plan for this summer is to build a kayak/jon boat from xps. Foam and fiberglass! Thanks for the tips!
Very cool set up it's a great alternative 115 looks perfect for it great scores on both
🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾 many thanks Forrest and FGCI!! Best products combining with the best videos!!
Thanks my bro! Excited for our summer!
This kinda blows my mind. I'm familiar with this boat, but never thought about using it this way. I think it would make an awesome Great Loop boat. Keep having fun!
Indeed, I believe it would as well and dig the idea. With a new 4 stroke it would do awesome ! Cheers and thanks for sharing!
Great video thanks for sharing your experience 👍
I did that once! I emphasize once! In a 19 foot Rankin with a six cylinder Volvo and 280 outdrive,left port Everglades made it to Freeport, on my way back I ended up in Merritt Island.
Congrats on the deal, Forrest! That's awesome! So happy for your continued success!
Thank you so much Elle!
I live in cape coral and we have water like that over here on some of our west coast islands. You get big white sand bars and it makes the water look awesome.
Dude!! That thing MOVES!!! Love it.
love the skinny water, and cool color. Keep the energy coming!
Thanks Ed! That water and island is hard to beat! Thanks for watching and sharing!
Great enthusiasm Forrest, very clever sailboat mod… just like the days in Rio ! Cheers buddy.
Thank you so much buddy and haha, sone things never change! 😎👊🏼cheers!
That Bahamas water so beautiful
I just got turned on to your channel by one of the guys on the 26X page. I just bought mine three weeks ago and doing the same thing you did. I’ve removed all the rigging and going to use it as a motor cruiser. I live in KC, but have a beach condo in Pensacola, FL. So I’ll be doing the ICW down there! What a great video!! Thank you so much for putting it up!
hey buddy, i wanna thank you so much for doin this video an build, im 37 goin on 38 an ive always loved boats, motor or wind, this combines the best of three worlds not just motor an a sailboat, you have a livable long range fastboat to cover alot of ground at a good clip of speed an be comfy doing it, this is been one of my biggest wants is a 28ish foot sailboat with big interior an deceit size outboard, now i know how it will do an what it can do, the way it rides when its up on plane is alot better then i figured a long skinny sailboat would do let alone with a 100+ hp motor, this will be the first thing i make when i get the means to is pretty much just what youve built here, stay safe out there for us brotha an stay blessed !
Thank you so incredibly much for sharing this. I’m beyond stoked to hear of your ideas/thoughts/ and intentions with what you want from a boat. It’ll happen indeed! Shoot me an email and let’s stay in touch. The beautiful thing about projects like this is that mini hull sail boats are pretty cheap and easy to find by. Cheers buddy!
AHhh! So happy to see the start of the new season, and what a great video to do it with! Totally stoked to see more of this adventure!
Congrats on the sponsorship! Comes at the perfect time, I'm literally in the process of buying a boat that needs some fiberglass work :)
Thank you Kirk! I’m excited to share more and to hear you’ve got a new project. Congrats and cheers!
Dude you are inspirational my G. I am in love with that boat.
As I have said before you are an inspiration to many I have never been to the Bahamas but I will one day been looking for boats since I started watching your channel and the boat you have in this video opened up my mind for ideas it is exactly what I'm looking for I just would like to have sails also help save that fuel bill again thanks for all the inspiration and amazing views advice and all around awesome time be safe hope to meet you one day thanks
Thank you so much Eric! This is definitely a pretty awesome platform and would honestly be just as awesome with a newer 4 stroke 30-40 hp. Probably do 10-12 knots while sipping on fuel! And for sure, would love to meet one day ! Cheers!
Nice Video, Nice Exploring, Nice Oldshool Drone ;)
Just found your channel through this video. Subbed! I would love to see more of this boat. (Interior, etc)
Thanks so much and welcome! I’ve got you covered in an upcoming vid 👊🏼
Those putty sticks and j b weld are amazing pulled a flywheel with a lug wrench and popping the top with a ball pean hammer while applying pressure
You are a Bahamian in my eyes now my friend, after that saying about Exuma. Lol. Thank you for sharing my beautiful country with the world kind sir.
Hahaha. Thank you so much Stephen, I appreciate you sharing this and my heart will always be attached to The Bahamas my friend. It feels more like home to me then where I live stateside. Cheers and maybe one day our paths will cross!
I absolutely ❤ your enthusiasm and excitement. It’s so contagious and inspiring. Have you ever considered crossing in an inflatable dinghy? I have a Fastcst 14 and looking fit content on crossing in something similar.
I want to build my own skiff/boat that similar to a Stabicraft 1850 frontier, but in a glass configuration. How cool are your videos and inspirational, keep up the amazing work
Love the boat! I think that'd be good for the loop.
thank you for this video Bro!!! Thumbs way up...
Love from Waterford Ireland .. love the vids 🌊👏
Just found your channel🎉 What an adventure! Throw some fishing in, and I'm 100%😂
Hahaha. Oh man. Jonah would crack up reading this. I’m not much of a fisherman but…. Do promise to show plenty of fish on the deck and grill soon. Cheers!
This is the first video I’ve seen from you and I’m subscribing. What a crazy amazing journey. Have to hit your first video and see your growth on the tube. 👊👍
such a great build
Another great video, I am definitely going to do Thais. First I have to get my truck running. I have a skoolie and want to mount it on a barge .
Thank you so much Brian! And right on, I say you do it! Cheers!
First time watcher here. Commenting as i go. I feel your Fueling pain brother! My Bass boat has a Merc 250 2 stroke hanging off the back, I found out really quick why it has a 56-gallon cell. with 2 gallon oil res!!
She a thirsty girl too! LOL
I've only been out beyond land visibility a couple times in my life, definitely a humbling experience as you said. Trips me out how the water can flatten out and be smooth as glass, as if you could get out and take a walk across it. Then in the next moment you're in 10 ft swells!!
WOW that water is BEAUTIFUL absolutely amazing!! Definitely on my bucket list of trips to make!
Thanks so much Jason , stoked to have you watching and thank you for sharing/commenting. Dude, that’s a big tank but makes total sense! Big motors need to eat! Haha
This is beyond inspiring... Although, I missed the launching points. I thought you guys were going to launch from the keys, just as a "shortest-distance" kind of thing...but, I thought I heard you say, you were sailing to Miami from about the 10:41 point in the video? This is a spectacular channel. You're the kind of guy I'd apprentice for, for free, just to learn... Learning a trade like fiberglass via video just doesn't cut it. It's an incredible starting point, though. Would love to learn how to service, maintain, repair my 93 Evinrude 150. And, yes, I'll never forget the first time I saw water that blue in the Bahamas. You can't possibly describe that kind of beauty to someone. Pictures don't do it just it, it just makes it look fake. It's almost tough to believe your eyes, initially. Anyway...thank you for sharing!
Great project. This is a great way to give old sailboats a second life as "SUV" boats. I bet you could even charter them for inshore day trips/weekends. Cheers from N. FL.
Thank you Karl! Yes, I agree so much… waaaay too many good boats out there that are deemed junk. I like the idea too! Cheers and thanks for the continued support!
Premix, because some engines, like Yamaha RD motorcycles have oiling systems that mix it for you.
Thank You Forrest, I luv what you're doing. 😎
Thank you Dan! I really appreciate it! Part 2 uploads today! Cheers!
This is very impressive
This is amazing, my dream. You doing it big.
Right on. I live in Stuart and want to take my repowered little boat over there this year! Cool video!!
Heck yes Kenny! Shoot me an email, let’s discuss, there’s a couple of us thinking about a late summer trip. Cheers!
This is hands down one of the coolest channels I have came across! Wish I would have found it sooner! Very cool project by the way too!
Great video. I bet that hull didn’t know what to think, going that fast. Lol. That thing was used to probably 6-9 knots.
Hahaha. Right?! It is built so solid it actually rides really well surprisingly!
Brilliant way to get alot of boat with an outboard. Very cool.
Thanks so much Milo! Glad you enjoyed the vid!
Great adventure. You should do some fishing while you here. There are alot Good eating fish.
Thank you so much, and oh you can bet I do! It’s my primary source for food. :) cheers!
I have a jetski with broken fiberglass shell. My plan is to turn it into a fishing jetski with live well etc. Slow going but this is making me want to work on it again. Thank you!
Congratulations with FGCI that’s all I use . Great products.
Cheers my friend! And thank you! I’m pretty stoked about it! FGCI ROCKS!
dude, this is exactly what i want to do. you just gave me the motivation to get it done. 👍
Hell yes John! That’s music to my ears! Go for it!!! 😎
Been waiting for this one! Looks amazing out there!
Yes!!!!! Now let’s get Pottcake out there! Summer 2023 Skiff-pedition
Oklahoma here!! Just found your channel!! Love your videos!! How cool!! Love all the treasures !! I’ve never seen the beautiful waters.. in person anyways!! Maybe one day!! Definitely my number one bucket list!! I better hurry up being I’m already 61🤣🤣 Hey age is just a number so I’m counting on getting to see those pretty waters one day!! Keep on keepin on doing what makes your heart smile!! Fun!! Fun!! Fun!! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
That was fun from here too lol!
I never feel so free and vulnerable as you do on these crossings! This reminded me of my trips over to the Abacos as a kid, thank you so much! If you ever want some help with a trip over to Grand Cay, give a holler...
Right on! It’s something one has to experience in person to fully grasp. And heck yes, I’d love to do a trip
One day to grand, let’s brainstorm!
@@diywaterworld They are still putting things back together on Grand since Dorian but, Rosie's is open, customs moved to Grand Cay now, and the reef is amazing!
Yes I know a lot of that region is still working to rebuild. I’m the states it can take years to recover from a hurricane , in the islands, more like decades :(
Loved it.
Great energy bro. Love your channel
Thank you so much Caleb, I truly appreciate this. Cheers my man 👊🏼
I always wanted to do it on a 16 Compact
Gotta admit. This is pretty darn cool!
Definitely interested. It was my uncles bass boat. I would love to have it redone and on the water fishing!❤️❤️😎🇺🇸🎣
Cheers Pat and thank you!
Absolutely awesome; cool stuff!
Thanks so much! Stoked you enjoyed!
I'm amazed at how shallow that big of a boat floats.
Thanks Jeffrey! Crazy right?!?! I actually built one years ago and cut off the cabin , made it an open 25’ skiff and it floated in about 3”-4” of water. True story! Cheers!
Super cool
Excellent
Enjoyed your video as always. It's always interesting to see your boat modifications.
Glad you enjoyed the video and stoked for you to see part 2!
@@diywaterworld Looking forward to it!
woah woah woah..... what did I just hear you say about Exuma's water?!?! LOL
Love your personality and enthusiasm
Thank you so much!
Those MacGregors are great boats if you want that kind of versatility. I like them very much. A great trailer sailer. I’m surprised you didn’t want to save the sailing parts.
OK, you got me...new sub! Loved the video, would love to do that trip someday.
Haha sweet! Thank you for the comment , sub and most of all positivity. Cheers and welcome!
Great video 🤙🏽
🎉 let's go to Bahamas yeh baby 🎉 I think that you should try surface drive on this amazing skiff boat ⛵ it will work perfectly
waters in Tobago west indies is like that water really clear also Grenada
That’s a brilliant idea to convert the sail boat. And I’ll tell you what. You couldn’t have picked a better motor to do it with. I have the same one (1997) mine is black because it’s an Evinrude. But mine is on a 17’ whaler lol. It does go slightly faster haha.
It’s a great motor!
Ok I’m buying a sail boat, converting it and doing this.
Love the boat & the channel! 👍
Good content.
Fun, unique, inspiring.
As a sailboat person (I also love your skiffs and might build one), but you got a steal on that boat.
i think this is the coolest boat yet. i would love to see more info on it. Just something about a boat that you go down a creek in and cross the gulf stream
Thanks so much Stephen! I’ll definitely be doing more of a walk thru in upcoming episodes. Cheers and thanks for the comment!
Amazing initiative!! You just inspired me
Boating at its best. Great videos 🌴👍 🌴
Haha, I’d have to agree Claudio! Thank you!
I sailed on a J 24 had a 9.9 for in port and beacing preferred to anchor on a sandbar
Makes me want to trailer my boat from New York and take the trip across the the Bahamas... So sick
Keen to see where this goes from a hard place
I love that boat!
I have used fgci for years! Awesome channel!
Heck yes! FGCI ROCKS! And thank you such, much appreciated!
Congrats on the partnership! I've done some business with FGCI and they are really great people. Unfortunately my fiberglassing skills aren't as good as their customer service, so my project is still a mess unfortunately. 😂Keep up the good work Forrest!
Oh man, hahaha, too funny 😂 at least you’ve got a great sense of humor! And Heck, at least you’re doing it Andrew! Practice makes perfect right?! Cheers and good luck on the project!