Boat Registration for the Bahamas

[tincouch1]

I plan on sailing the bahamas this winter and am wondering if a us state registered boat is ok. Do i need to document my boat just to go to the Bahamas?
Thanks
Emmett

[capngeo]

I've spent a LOT of time in the Bahamas with just a Florida reg

[tincouch1]

Did you have any problems with customs?

[skipmac]

Been to the Bahamas several times with FL registered boats and no problems at all. There many small fishing boats from FL that are not documented that go the Bahamas so they are used to it.

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by tincouch1

Did you have any problems with customs?

Well.... once.... but the boat's reg had nothing to do with it )

[nautical62]

I've also cleared in several times with only state registration.

[capt_douglas]

In my experience, the only time you'll have a problem in the Bahamas is if you don't get your cruising (and fishing) permit. Other than that, you should be all set. BTW, don't overstay your cruising permit, something that's easy to do.

[nautical62]

Originally Posted by capt_douglas

In my experience, the only time you'll have a problem in the Bahamas is if you don't get your cruising (and fishing) permit. Other than that, you should be all set. BTW, don't overstay your cruising permit, something that's easy to do.

and visa. When asked how long I planned to stay, they issued me my visa for that length to the day.

[Vasco]

Bring cash, under 35' I think it's only $100 or $150, a bargain.

[skipgundlach]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Bring cash, under 35' I think it's only $100 or $150, a bargain.

Cash only, under 30 is 150, over is 300...

Fishing permit for up to 4 included, boat permit a year, most you'll usually get on a visa is 6 months; if you don't leave (boat can stay) you'll get a hassle to extend your visa at even 6 months, we learned. You're allowed one in-out with the boat in 90 days, free. Renewal, if the boat stays, is $500, max two renewals, same deal about YOU leaving, however - they want you to get a residen$y permit for over 8 continuous months in-country, we were alarmed to learn, as we're not scheduled to return to the states before right at that time, and the immigration guy said we'd be hard pressed to extend our current 90 day renewal (which he counted off from the time we entered on a plane in late July, giving us EXACTLY a total of 180 days)...

L8R

Skip, currently lying Governors Harbour, Eleuthera Bahamas