Panama Canal: Do You Pay Up Front ?

[MarkJ]

Hi Folks,

As you may be aware because of a go-slow strike the waiting time to transit Panama canal from Caribbean to Pacific is 6 weeks to 2 months (2 months from a boat that transited April 10th).

My question is when you you have to pay the $1500+ transit fees? Before you get on the waiting list? Or close to the date of transit?


Thanks


Mark

[Zanshin]

If I recall correctly, you need to pay up-front. The waiting period clock doesn't start ticking until the boat has been checked & measured and they won't do that until you've paid. It sucks, doesn't it? This year's slowdown has affected my planned transit and probably postponed it until next year (in the hopes that it will get better)

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

It sucks, doesn't it?

My oath it does!!!!!

Thanks for your help


Mark

[gosstyla]

They do take credit cards now - that makes it more convenient. When I went through from Pacific to Atlantic in November the extra deposit was charged separately and held without processing. On completing the transit no problem getting the deposit back since it had never been charged.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by gosstyla

the extra deposit was charged separately and held without processing. On completing the transit no problem getting the deposit back since it had never been charged.

Ooooooh! I didn't know that! Thats great!

[Alan Wheeler]

Hehe, of course, you could always go around the bottom ;-)
Although, now speaking completely from no experience, what about around the bottom of Africa, or across the Atlantic, through the Med and down that way. Of course, NZ isn't on the path then, so maybe not a good direction just because of that ;-) :-)

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

around the bottom of Africa, or across the Atlantic, through the Med ;-) :-)

Wrong time of year for the stormy capes. But we were thinking of the med. still a bit undecided.

Mark

[Macopa]

How many people/how often do people sail south around the capes? I always thought it wasn't much of an option. I should say, could an ocean worthy 30'er make them (South America & Africa are in question here)?

[Zanshin]

MarkJ - I think I've made up my mind now as well. My boat is just west of yours and all the reports I am getting from the Panama Canal regarding delays are bad, so I will most likely head east for the for summer and visit the Med.

[Joli]

Newport, Block Island, Annapolis, Lake Erie?