First of all, there is a reason they call the area the "Devil's Triangle." There are many boats and people lost in that area. And I don't think is some mysterious doings that cause it -- just people doing dumb things in an area that has some pretty treacherous stuff going on.
For over ten years I was a charter captain out of Miami and running trips to the Bahamas on a 67' ketch that slept 28 people -- it was more of a motor sailor with a huge diesel engine.
As big as that boat was and with all its tonnage, it was often tossed around like a cork in the Gulf Stream. Whenever there is an opposing wind to the Stream (current can run over 4 knots at times) the waves stand straight up. That gives 44-miles (the distance from Miami to Bimini)of square waves that you must navigate.
I don't think a normal beach cat would hold up in those conditions.
The direct course to Bimini from Miami is 115 degrees. While the true course is around 100 degrees, you need to allow about 15 degrees for the Stream, so you need to steer more to the right. That is in a boat that is sailing around 8 knots. If you have a boat that can make 15 knots, you could cut the 15 degrees in half.
Of course, back then I used dead reckoning -- gps was not around.
But, let's assume you must take a heading of 115 to 120 degrees to hit Bimini. That means you would want the wind to be coming from around 170 degrees.., or southerly. Sounds good, right?
Wrong! When the wind shifts to the south it means there is a front approaching.., and you certainly don't want to get caught in the middle of the Stream in a Frontal Passage.
If the wind is behind you.., or out of the West, you are right in the middle of a Front. Scary!
After a Frontal Passage, the wind may blow pretty strongly from North to Northeast.
Sounds good, Right?
Wrong!
When the wind is piping out of the NNE it is directly opposing the Gulf Stream and you will experience 20 foot seas that are straight up and down vertically. You literally drop off a wave into a deep trough. Many boats and people have perished in those conditions.
Also, when you get to the islands, navigational lights are not always working properly, if at all.
The Bimini area is the first of the islands making up the Bahamas. After that it is a long, long sail to the next islands. While there is no strong currents to contend with, there are also no navigational aids along the way. There is a slim pass through the reef that opens to deep water to get to the Berry Islands and Nassau. I remember the main light there had been hit by and intra-island commercial boat that knocked it down. It was out of commission for years after that.
At any rate, if you want to be in our magazine's obit column, go for it.
By the way, a good way to do this trip is to sign on as crew with any of the boats that annually race from Miami to Bimini each June. Lots of multihulls do the race. Many continue on to Abaco for a week or so of racing over there.
Much safer and more fun than a beach cat.
Rick