[MarkJ]

Hi

Its a great trip

The Panama Canal is wonderful too We were just remembering it last night LOL

Speed: Its a money thing:

8kts US$600 aprox (plus refundable deposit $800) Plus mooring lines & tyres $150, Paperwork $45 - All these things REQUIRED Total $1,000

4-8kts US$2,200 (plus $800 refundable deposit) plus $400 for line handlers because its hard to get free line handlers for a small boat, Plus mooring lines & tyres $150, Paperwork $45 - All these things REQUIRED Total $2,800

Less than 4 kts: Towed by Panama Canal Tug (Some people think Towing can be by another cruiser. This is Wrong. It is only by Panama Canal Tug)
Cost unknown but high, say $3000++??



Now the politics: 8kts. Few boats can sustain that speed. But it is never asked for! Max we went was 7kts and then most of the way was at about 5kts. Even boats that can't do 8 kts should say they can!
For a 24 footer though, they will realise you can't and the money stacks up. But try! You might get a good "ad measurer" that lets you through

You must supply food and drinks of GOOD standard! Have a CLEAN boat and clean Heads etc Otherwise the Pilot (advisor) may reject your boat and you will have to pay an $800 rescheduling fee; Or the Advisor may order in his own luch to be delivered - this happened and the boat was charged over $300!!!!!!

Small / old boats come under careful scrutinary so play the game and have the boat Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion! Clean, SMELLING like a rose! The galley absolutely hygienic. The Admeasurer inspects it and so does the Advisor.

With the outboard. ensure its up to the job of an 8 hour run. Theres a motor bike shop in Colon and they serviced my 3.3hp OB for $30, so if you are worried get it serviced

The reason for the rigmarole: Blocking Panama Canal is a huge hindrance to world trade. So much so that the US invaded in 1989. You boat will not be allowed to hinder World Trade.
One of the marvels of the Panama Canal is the huge ships and the thousands of miles the canal cuts off a ships voyage. We are small fry and taken through under sufferance, but its only when you transit the canal do you understand and say: "Yes, if I was running the Canal I would treat small boats as they are treated now."

Its one place where you can't buck the system, nor get through cheaply.

But it will be a couple of the most amazing days of your voyage


Mark