Crew Available: Line-handler in Panama

[Travell]

Not so much a 'crew available' posting in the true sense perhaps. But I'm going to be in Panama with probably a few days to kill. If I show up in Shelter Bay Marina, or perhaps a better place, would it be feasible to get a line-handlers position that will get me through the canal starting the next day (I won't have time to wait around a week). Just for the experience. I don't really want to arrange anything with anybody ahead of time as I don't really know if I have the time or not. Preferable from the Atlantic to the Pacific.


All advise appreciated.


Bart.

[piloto]

Go to the bar

[model 10]

I don't think so. Even though boats leave a couple of times a week sometimes, everybody has it figured out a few days before. Often an agent, if you use one, will have line handlers ready to go. There is the shuttle to think about also. If you had a couple of weeks to spend at either end you could, no doubt get a trip. If you want it to happen in just a couple of days, good luck.

[belizesailor]

Yeah, not likely just to pop in and pick up a ride, lots of logistics/delays, loads of line handler crew postings on the board at SB. Any boat that is just a day or two away from tansiting has almost certainly already made arrangements.

Hanging around and getting to know some of the crews would be a good start, but probably going to take longer than a few days.

But, not a bad way to spend a few days. I just recently did the train ride from PC to Colon for the first time. Pretty cool. And SB is a pleasant place to hang out even if you don't get a ride. Good hiking and exploring around the old Ft. Sherman grounds. Loads of wildlife.

Careful around Colon. Much of it, but not all, is pretty dicey.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Travell

Not so much a 'crew available' posting in the true sense perhaps. But I'm going to be in Panama with probably a few days to kill. If I show up in Shelter Bay Marina, or perhaps a better place, would it be feasible to get a line-handlers position that will get me through the canal starting the next day (I won't have time to wait around a week). Just for the experience. I don't really want to arrange anything with anybody ahead of time as I don't really know if I have the time or not. Preferable from the Atlantic to the Pacific.


All advise appreciated.


Bart.

Show up at the Marina mid day... check out the notice board for 'Posts'.. then wander into the bar.. grab a beer then head out to the veranda/pool area and chat to folks.. should find out whose heading out the next day in no time..
Its quite possible you'll get a ride whether they need you or not.. if your a fun character...

[franchini41s]

Originally Posted by Travell

Not so much a 'crew available' posting in the true sense perhaps. But I'm going to be in Panama with probably a few days to kill. If I show up in Shelter Bay Marina, or perhaps a better place, would it be feasible to get a line-handlers position that will get me through the canal starting the next day (I won't have time to wait around a week). Just for the experience. I don't really want to arrange anything with anybody ahead of time as I don't really know if I have the time or not. Preferable from the Atlantic to the Pacific.


All advise appreciated.


Bart.

Hi there,

We are planning to pass through Panama around the end of march 2015, if you're still interested by then don't hestitate to drop a line.
Cheers
alison