Approximate Fee for Devils Backbone Pilot?

[bchaps]

We're well into our planning for our first Bahama trip. The Pavlidis guide strongly recommends hiring a Pilot to take the boat through Devils Backbone from Spanish Wells. I'm certainly not adverse to keeping my boat off the rocks, but I would like to have some idea of what charges to expect for this service. Has anyone recently used a piloting service for running the Devils Backbone and what were the fees?

Thanks,

Bill

[Sailorman Ed]

Bill,
I heard that "Bandit" charges $80 for an approx 30 something sailboat when we were there a few months ago. I put my son on the spreaders and my wife at the bow and we went thru at high tide with absolutely no problem. Remember the big high speed ferry goes thru there every day. You want to wait at least an hour after it goes thru. One you are thru, stop at the little cove at the east end and dingy back to the Preacher's Cave.
Ed

[GordMay]

Spanish Wells Pilots:
Woody Perry (Little Woody); 242-333-4433 Little Woody, Spanish Wells Yacht Pilot & Fishing Guide, Eleuthera, Bahamas
Jock Morgan; 242-333-4695
Hexton Pinder; 242-333-4427
Bandit 242-333-4695

[JusDreaming]

the price depends where you are heading. If you are just leaving from SP to the Abacos, it is a pretty easy run and follows the exact "Magenta Line" in the explorer charts. We used Bandit for two boats and it seems like it was about $35. each. But if you are going to Harbor Town every one uses a pilot, even the boats that have been in and out many times.

[Dave852]

If you even think you may need a pilot then you should use a pilot but not everyone uses a pilot!