Bahamas Clearance Changes

[AnchorageGuy]

Just in time for the cruising season, the Bahamian government has decided to adjust fees for boaters. The duty for leaving your vessel permanently in the Bahamas has been changed to 10% for all vessels. Previously the fees were 27% for vessels under 30 feet and 6% for vessels over 30 feet. Clearance fees for boaters have also changed. Previously 4 persons were covered under the $150.00 fee (for vessels under 35 feet), or $300 (for vessels over 35 feet), but under the current change, only 3 persons (over the age of 6) will be covered. An additional $20 is due for each additional person, this was $15, and the new departure tax has also been increased to $20, which was also $15. I hope this is not too confusing. A vessel clearing in for the second time in 90 days is subject to a $30 transportation fee each for the Customs and Immigration Officers. Chuck

[nautical62]

I was considering paying duty on my Hunter when I decided to store it in the Bahamas last winter, but that extra 4% changed my mind.

Thanks for the update.

[Tellie]

When or have they yet started this? I was just there three weeks ago and they never mentioned this. At least not in Bimini where I usually check in.

Just out of curiosity because I don't think it's been discussed on CF before. How many people that go over there for a short visit always check in and really pay the fees? I know the rules and the supposed punishment. But I see, especially amoung power boaters who jus anchor out, those that just don't bother. I think it's far more prevalent in Bimini than else where but I was just curious if anybody would fess up.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by nautical62

I was considering paying duty on my Hunter when I decided to store it in the Bahamas last winter, but that extra 4% changed my mind.

Thanks for the update.

I think the duty is for importing the boat and registering it in the Bahamas. If you just want to keep it in the Bahamas for more than one year there's a fee of five hundred dollars per year. You can do this for three years.

[Vasco]

The new regulations and fees will not change anything for the usual cruising couple. It's still $150 or $300. It'll only cost more if you have four or more people aboard when you enter.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by Tellie

When or have they yet started this? I was just there three weeks ago and they never mentioned this. At least not in Bimini where I usually check in.

Just out of curiosity because I don't think it's been discussed on CF before. How many people that go over there for a short visit always check in and really pay the fees? I know the rules and the supposed punishment. But I see, especially amoung power boaters who jus anchor out, those that just don't bother. I think it's far more prevalent in Bimini than else where but I was just curious if anybody would fess up.

More than likely you did not exceed the three person limit so they did not need to tell you. If you go to the Bahamas and not touch shore you do not need to clear in. If you are fishing you must and the fines are heavy and your boat is confiscated if you get caught. We know of no cruisers that go to the Bahamas and don't check in. It is a pretty risky situation. Chuck

[John A]

Originally Posted by Tellie

Just out of curiosity because I don't think it's been discussed on CF before. How many people that go over there for a short visit always check in and really pay the fees? I know the rules and the supposed punishment. But I see, especially amoung power boaters who jus anchor out, those that just don't bother. I think it's far more prevalent in Bimini than else where but I was just curious if anybody would fess up.

I'd be curious to see if anyone would admit to doing something illegal on an international forum.
Officals may be dumb but they ain't stupid. They do have computers and they can read.

[nautical62]

Originally Posted by Vasco

I think the duty is for importing the boat and registering it in the Bahamas. If you just want to keep it in the Bahamas for more than one year there's a fee of five hundred dollars per year. You can do this for three years.

Yep, that's my understanding as well. I decided to suck up the $500 annually instead of paying the import duty as a result of the increase.

[hcharles]

what is the best outboard in 9.9 to 15 HP range for all around service in the bahamas

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, hcharles.

OMC’s (Johnson/Evinrude) used to be popular, but Yamaha has taken over in the Bahamas.

[doug86]

Originally Posted by hcharles

what is the best outboard in 9.9 to 15 HP range for all around service in the bahamas

Gets my vote for best attempted thread highjack of the week!!

[Lowcountry]

If you're in the Abacos, there is a Johnson/Evinrude dealer/repair shop on the water in Marsh Harbour. They did some work on my 2.3 in 2009 and I was very pleased with the service. I pulled right up to their dock in my dinghy and handed my outboard to them. There is also a Yamaha outboards dealer in Marsh Harbour, but I don't think they're on the water.

[Kettlewell]

I wonder how many people pay the departure tax? Last time I was there it seemed like just about everybody leaving for the USA just left, and didn't bother with clearing out.