BAHAMAS CRUISING PERMIT - PROPOSED CHANGES

[UFGator]

Originally Posted by wcapital

The magnitude of the increases don't seem unreasonable - but for an annual fee it would seem more reasonable to allow multiple exits/entries. And, the annual cost in combination with this restriction would be a consideration in deciding whether to keep a boat there for a couple of seasons or a year. Not that the government is likely to listen....

That is the question I have not been able to find an answer to. What if I want to leave my boat in the Bahamas for a year (and pay the yearly fee), then I want to fly back to the US once a month (12 times)?

Is that allowed? How would that work?

Thanks in advance!

[UFGator]

Originally Posted by Mad Multi

...the rich prop it up with another scheme to patch it together because they know if it all goes to hell in a handbasket they go down as well...

Oh yeah. That's because the rich are are the true evil in the world. Anyone that has worked hard and made good decisions in their life has to be evil. Anyone that is not rich has nothing to do with the world's problems...

[skipgundlach]

Originally Posted by UFGator

That is the question I have not been able to find an answer to. What if I want to leave my boat in the Bahamas for a year (and pay the yearly fee), then I want to fly back to the US once a month (12 times)?

Is that allowed? How would that work?

Thanks in advance!

Yup; your visa expires on exit and you start over. The cruising permit at this point is for a year, but that's the boat and accessories, not the passengers.

In and out however many times you want, if the boat stays there, the clock keeps running; if it goes out early, the current version allows the vessel to return before 90 days have elapsed, with no additional charges. Visas start over; you still have to check in.

[Trimaran Ken]

Originally Posted by Group9

The Bahamas increasing their cruising fees won't mean that cruisers will increase their cruising budget. It just means that money that was being spent in local businesses and marinas, will simply be re-directed to government coffers in Nassau.

Highly unlikely that these fees will change anything in most people's actions.

If you have a boat over 100 feet, you are not going to notice the increase in your budget, it will be a rounding error. If you stay less than 3 months on a boat less than 100 feet, there is no increase.

The only group it effects is the under 100 foot staying longer than 3 months. For a 35 foot boat staying a year, the increase is $150 for the year, or $12.50 per month. It is absurd to think the local economy will suffer from boaters having to spend an extra $12.50 per month.

[Pegu Club]

Originally Posted by Trimaran Ken

Highly unlikely that these fees will change anything in most people's actions.

If you have a boat over 100 feet, you are not going to notice the increase in your budget, it will be a rounding error. If you stay less than 3 months on a boat less than 100 feet, there is no increase.

The only group it effects is the under 100 foot staying longer than 3 months. For a 35 foot boat staying a year, the increase is $150 for the year, or $12.50 per month. It is absurd to think the local economy will suffer from boaters having to spend an extra $12.50 per month.

Yet folks will no doubt complain over $12.50 a month.

Fair winds,

[CaptBobR]

I only have a Albin Vega which is 27 feet. The increases for the cruising permit might be annoying but they are not game killers. I sail with a monthly budget and stay at marinas or anchor as my budget dictates. The same is true for eating onboard or going to restaurants.
The bottom line is I’ll still go but maybe spend a small amount less in the local economy

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, raymondrains

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Pegu Club

Yet folks will no doubt complain over $12.50 a month.

Fair winds,

My time a couple years ago were among my least expensive cruising months. I'm sure a lot depends on where you hang out there. Except for Bimini that was always a weekend trip for fishing from miami I don't think the last round of increases resulted in cruisers staying away.

Just like when I was in the Navy, a bitching sailor is a happy sailor!

[Dan Mosby]

Originally Posted by Group9

... It just means that money that was being spent in local businesses and marinas, will simply be re-directed to government coffers in Nassau.

Working as intended.

[Safari38LH]

Originally Posted by LeaseOnLife

source: https://www.bahamas.com/faq/enteringexiting-policies

Strange categories. There is a HUGE difference between a 35 ft boat and a 100 foot yacht. They should go 0-40, 40-60, 60-100.

[Group9]

Originally Posted by Trimaran Ken

Highly unlikely that these fees will change anything in most people's actions.

If you have a boat over 100 feet, you are not going to notice the increase in your budget, it will be a rounding error. If you stay less than 3 months on a boat less than 100 feet, there is no increase.

The only group it effects is the under 100 foot staying longer than 3 months. For a 35 foot boat staying a year, the increase is $150 for the year, or $12.50 per month. It is absurd to think the local economy will suffer from boaters having to spend an extra $12.50 per month.

So, you think normal people just pull extra money out of their butt, when they need it, instead of adjusting their budget?

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by Safari38LH

Strange categories. There is a HUGE difference between a 35 ft boat and a 100 foot yacht. They should go 0-40, 40-60, 60-100.

WHY!

Why does it cost any more for two people on 60 feet, 10 foot dinghy than for the same couple on 27 feet? Bigger dock if used but that charge is to the private marina operator. There is no additional cost to the Bahamas government. Put in perspective, why should we be subsidizing shorter boats? These foot rules additionally make customs officials into cashiers and boat measures.

We live aboard on a 1984 ketch we restored ourselves, retired, on anchor always. Last season we consumed 200 gallons of diesel and gasoline combined. This impact on the infrastructure is no different than most smaller boats. Small power boats put a much heavier hit on the system we ever could.

We see the similar nonsensical fees in the BVI. We and many other cruisers have quit going there due to high fees with no certainty or transparent fee structure. Each time we entered or departed the fee was different. ($40 to $210). One of our cruising friends asked to see the fee tables and was given 2 hours to leave the BVI. Their records are on copious pieces of paper filed who knows where, if or when. We checked in behind friends at Gun Creek Virgin Gorda three years ago. They paid €1 while we were charged €168.

In the Windward and leeward islands nobody cares how long your boat is. Check in at the French Islands is voluntary, €5 suggested donation. You check in typically at a computer kiosk at a chandlery, hit “print” and show your passport to the non-government clerk. Welcome to France, stay a while, have a good time.

Even in Michigan where we began our retirement, the state stopped per foot dock charges at state marinas. You pay for the dock you need no matter 45 or 55 feet. Small slips are one fixed price and larger slips cost more.

Roxy in Martinique. Say hello if you see us.

[MicHughV]

...can't wait for Cuba to open their doors to the cruising yachtie....although I'm sure there will be a cruising permit fee involved there as well....
...nonetheless, given the option, I predict that a lot of folks that used to go the B'mas will head to Cuba.

Nothing gets a politician's attention quicker than his/her wallet drying up!

[Doek]

Some seem to be looking at this incorrectly. If you spend 4 months sailing in the Bahamas (easy to do) on a 40' boat, it will cost you $150.00 every month you are there. And if you go to the Exumas to anchor without spending even one night at a marina or even on a mooring it could cost another $600.00 a month (land and Sea Park Anchoring fee) . AT ANCHOR! $750.00 plus a month to anchor out on a remote Bahama bank is way beyond reasonable. It's absurd. A four month visit now costs over $3000.00 for a 40' boat to anchor out in a huge part of the remote Exumas!
On what planet is that reasonable? And of course it's getting worse all the time.
Gee, I wonder why cruisers are now looking for other cruising grounds?

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by quackedo

Some seem to be looking at this incorrectly. If you spend 4 months sailing in the Bahamas (easy to do) on a 40' boat, it will cost you $150.00 every month you are there. And if you go to the Exumas to anchor without spending even one night at a marina or even on a mooring it could cost another $600.00 a month (land and Sea Park Anchoring fee) . AT ANCHOR! $750.00 plus a month to anchor out on a remote Bahama bank is way beyond reasonable. It's absurd. A four month visit now costs over $3000.00 for a 40' boat to anchor out in a huge part of the remote Exumas!
On what planet is that reasonable? And of course it's getting worse all the time.
Gee, I wonder why cruisers are now looking for other cruising grounds?

I humbly suggest St Martin (French side) to Grenada. Windwards and Leewards.

The prices are high where you note perhaps because Americans with money are willing to pay AND because sweet deals are cut with charter companies.

We depart Trinidad in November for our third season. Looking forward to tours with Jessie James at Members Only, Power Boats, Trinidad; Humming birds, Scarlet Ibis, Taste of Trini, street food, Pan Yards, boiling mud pots. Rain forests in Grenada, waterfalls, craft brewers, distillers. Diving in Cariacou, home made nutmeg ice cream, drum concerts at Lambi Queen. Dominica rain forest tours, diving with Fabian, street food, fresh market. Martinique’s 27 distilleries, diving, fresh markets, many chandlers, mountain hikes, Pelee volcano hike. Antigua world heritage sites, fabulous restaurants, mountain hikes, Sweet Tee’s booze infused ice cream drinks, craft brewer. Fabulous French bread and good cheap wines throughout the French Islands. Let’s dive for lions.

Notice there was no mention of beach bars and T shirt shops.

See you in the windwards and Leewards.