2015 Bahamas gun check-in update "boarded"

[natraps116]

Hi everyone, just wanted to let everyone know that we were boarded by bahamas defense boat on our way to exumas. (as was all boats we encountered we later found out)They checked our papers, went below and checked the guns. They made me take them all out and put them on the bed. Then said "you'll need these where you going" I mentioned we were beginning our trip down the caribbean and he reiterated the customs man proclamation of "better safe than sorry" then they focused on our dog and insisted on taking photos with the dog..

Happy sails everyone!

Well be checking into t&c on 20th so stay tuned.

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[ontherocks83]

Shouldn't you be in jail after having those scary things on board. (sarc off)

Thanks for the update! As said before by several people please keep the updates coming. First hand experience with pictures is very nice to see!!!

Glad things are going well and I hope your trip is everything you want it to be!

-Happy sailling

[barboak]

Did they go below to check because they were on your clearance papers or were they searching for guns etc..?


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[FSMike]

They probably thought you were going to Nassau lol.

[Amapola]

We've never had an issue with our firearms in the Bahamas. We always declare and they always ask to see them when we are boarded. We've never encountered anything but courtesy from the Royal Defense Force. Although one year, a patrol officer was terrified of our cat (who is a sweetheart).

[Waterway Guide]

Were you past Nassau at that point or before it?

[Jon Eisberg]

Originally Posted by natraps116

They checked our papers, went below and checked the guns. They made me take them all out and put them on the bed. Then said "you'll need these where you going"...

Hmmm, not exactly the heartiest endorsement from the authorities for a pleasure cruise to the Caribbean, eh?

Gotta wonder how many passengers would head down the jetway to get on a commercial airliner, if the gate agents were passing out parachutes, and suggesting "Here, you may need one of these, where you're headed today..."

:-)

[RickD]

I am glad to see that Cruisers forum finally stopped ripping on gun owners and set up forum for them.

I guess I'll hang out (again)for a bit and see where things go

[jheldatksuedu]

I also am glad to hear first hand info on gun checks and such. I certainly don't intend to travel anywhere without them. I don't consider myself a gun person, but understand the world we live in and have given much thought on how to be armed, even when they don't want you to be. It's one of the reasons I'm in a steel boat. I've tested flare guns and even at point blank range they would only give the person a bad bruise and make them really, really mad at you.

[svfraidknot]

guns are tough here in panama i live on shore and a permit to buy and own might take a year ,, coming into panama i have never heard of a gun being declared but at times here it is good to have one ,,

[capngeo]

Just wanted to weigh in early on this thread....Stay on topic..... Political discourse (pro or con) and other off topic posts may be edited or deleted.

[Bob328]

What kind of guns were you carrying? I have a mini-14 and taurus judge. These are all ok to carry in the the Bahamas, aren't they? I heard that they were only allowing shotguns and pistols for awhile and just want to be sure.

[timbenner]

Originally Posted by Bob328

What kind of guns were you carrying? I have a mini-14 and taurus judge. These are all ok to carry in the the Bahamas, aren't they? I heard that they were only allowing shotguns and pistols for awhile and just want to be sure.

I've never heard of a restriction on the type of gun, although I would question carrying a fully automatic weapon. Those usually come with a different set of rules.

The last time I checked into Spanish Cay, Bahamas, the Customs girl said to me "why do you need to carry a 50 caliper"?? (50 caliper Desert Eagle hand gun, 10" barrel, 1' group at 100 yards)

I explained to her that I carry that gun so that I don't have to shoot any people. Next she said "what do you mean"??

I explained that I carry that gun to shoot engines and hulls, not people. If local Haitian (whom are illegal immigrants, now stealing all over the Bahamas) fisherman in their fishing boat decide they want to board and rob me, I would take out their engine and compromise their hull. This way I could escape at 8 knots. It's not like we're going to out run anyone.

I would never let anyone board me at sea, without a well marked Police/Military Boat, badge, etc. If they insist they are official, but can't prove it, they can board me in a harbor with lots of people around. Other than that, I'm disabling their boat.

Here's another "pirate gun" I've recently purchased and am testing for the aforementioned purpose:
Product: Model 460XVRâ„¢ - 14" Barrel with Bi-Pod

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore...0339_01_lg.jpg

My goal here is to disable the offending boat, since my catamaran is not going to out - run any body.

[booboo2]

AMEN, brother.

Originally Posted by RickD

I am glad to see that Cruisers forum finally stopped ripping on gun owners and set up forum for them.

I guess I'll hang out (again)for a bit and see where things go

[Formosa46AK]

So I guess my 45-70 breakdown is legal. Had mine for awhile. Maybe $1500 now minus the scope and fancy case. Scopes are cheap. One shot and the noise will scare the varmits off. And, ya, it'll probably penetrate into the engine thru the length of the boat.