Where do 4 line handlers (plus yourself) sleep on a 27-foot boat?

[Ryban]

I've been thinking more and more about my impending canal transit, and am trying to figure out how I'm going to squeeze 4 line handlers onto my boat for a night, in addition to myself. Especially considering I'll probably have my spare sails and other goodies tucked away into my v-berth.

I'm happy sleeping on deck, so in theory there's enough space for everyone, but boy, is it going to packed. There's also no privacy at the toilet, so that's going to be fun.

Has anyone made the transit on a boat this size?

[Sailmonkey]

If you raft with a larger boat or two, do you still need all those line handlers?

Something like big boat in the middle, two smaller boats outboard. Operate as a single unit through the canal.

[edmundsteele]

If you hire the local lads, they get off at Gatun Lake and return in the morning. BTW, don't go swimming in the lake.......

[boatman61]

Ours stayed on board for the night, only the pilot disembarked.. also they jumped over the side for a swim before tucking into a load of spag bol and baguettes.. good lads.

[SailsWithFists]

Put your sails on the deck or in the cockpit for the night.

[Benz]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

If you raft with a larger boat or two, do you still need all those line handlers?

Something like big boat in the middle, two smaller boats outboard. Operate as a single unit through the canal.

The Canal authority requires all the line handlers regardless of what configuration you go through....it's not like you get to choose how they'll put you.

We went though with three extra line handlers plus my family of five on a 31' boat. It was squeezy, but two of our handlers were volunteer backpackers, and they didn't care where they slept--they were just in it for the adventure. The other was a cruiser (pretty big guy) and we put him on the settee.
As long as it doesn't rain (which it probably will), some can sleep on deck.

[Boatguy30]

Had a look at your blog.

What brand are those solar panels on the cabin top?

[Ryban]

Originally Posted by Benz

We went though with three extra line handlers plus my family of five on a 31' boat. It was squeezy, but two of our handlers were volunteer backpackers, and they didn't care where they slept--they were just in it for the adventure. The other was a cruiser (pretty big guy) and we put him on the settee.
As long as it doesn't rain (which it probably will), some can sleep on deck.

That sounds pretty cozy, indeed. I'll probably look into finding some backpackers if I can't fill the openings with fellow cruisers. I definitely want to volunteer on a few boats, anyway.

Do people anchor out in the flats while organizing their transit, or do most people go to the marina?

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Had a look at your blog.

What brand are those solar panels on the cabin top?

I don't remember the brand, but they were relatively cheap on Amazon, and haven't burst into flames... yet. They're 50W each.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Ryban

That sounds pretty cozy, indeed. I'll probably look into finding some backpackers if I can't fill the openings with fellow cruisers. I definitely want to volunteer on a few boats, anyway.

Do people anchor out in the flats while organizing their transit, or do most people go to the marina?



I don't remember the brand, but they were relatively cheap on Amazon, and haven't burst into flames... yet. They're 50W each.

Most people stay at Shelter Bay marina. You can setup the transit via email and phone. You need to go into Colon to the bank to pay in cash or if you have time you can pay via a bank wire. You cannot get scheduled till the payment is received.

[belizesailor]

Tarps & hammocks on deck?

[boatman61]

Your better off spending a couple of nights at Shelter Bay to set up your transit and schedule your measuring then head to Portobello or the islands then go back when you get the phone call to be measured.. then its a couple of weeks before you get a date to go through..
The year I went through a cruiser anchored on the flats got badly beaten and robbed by 4 guys who swam out to his boat.. kinda wild west over that side of the water.. and the islands are worth a little sail.

[gjordan]

I made it thru in one day with an engine that could hardly produce 5 Knts. A boat your size can raft up for the locks and go full throttle to the next lock. It might be a one day affair. ____Grant.

[Paul L]

Scheduling time depends a lot on time of year and interference by rallies. It is often only a few days after payment, but it can end up a couple weeks if things are crowded. On your Admeasure form you should put the date you want to go. The evening of the day your payment goes in you should personally call the schedulers office( they speak English, like the other Canal offices). They will give you the planned date. If you like the date, then start calling the scheduler back each day starting 3 days before your date, just to confirm and get the earliest heads up on any schedule changes.
If you don't like the date given initially because it is too far out, then call the scheduler every few days to see if you can get it early.

[Dave852]

Originally Posted by gjordan

I made it thru in one day with an engine that could hardly produce 5 Knts. A boat your size can raft up for the locks and go full throttle to the next lock. It might be a one day affair. ____Grant.

You must have been east bound (actually north bound) west bound tie up to the bouys in the lake overnight.

[Boatguy30]

I had heard anchoring on the flats is no longer allowed. I'm not sure if this is the case. It has always had a bad reputation boat seemed safe enough 10-12 years ago.