How Much Does the Panama Canal Really Cost

[George Elliott]

i went through less than 2 yrs ago and defienitely got change out of $1000. At the time it was $600 for sub 50' boats, we didn't use an agent, handlded all the paper work ourselves, used other cruisers as line handlers, paid $1.50/ea for old tires wrapped in plastic as fenders and paid a total of $609. Oh yeah, we also didn't break down, that's very expensive. They billed my card exactly what they promised to and the whole thing took 10 days start to finish. go for it. george

[sailingchic]

I've been looking into it as well, we're transiting the other way, East to West the end of this year-

I heard $600 for boats under 50' as of 2008. Also, $850 buffer fee that you MAY get back (usually you do) as long as you don't damage or delay. So minimum $1450 up front.

I have also heard one time of a $400 delay fee if you can't make the transit in one day but i have only heard that once. I also heard they may want to up the min. knots to 8 from 6? Has anyone else heard that?

George, did they charge you the $850 buffer fee on your card?

For our 37 boat, we are budgeting about $2000, expecting to get $850 back. The extra $400 we are budgeting is to clear into Panama, and possibly rent lines, maybe handlers and other unexpected fees.

Let us know how it goes - There's never too much info about Panama Canal

[wildbillca]

I went through in a Mc Greggor 65' in 2003 and it cost me $984.00 + security of the same got it back in one month.But they have changed there cost ? I'm planning to go through this year in July.I think it will cost me about $2000.00 all said and done but don't know yet.I have a 60' Pilothouse ketch that is 33 tons.Does anybody know for sure what I can expect to pay.The last time I waited for 3 weeks to get through. Now you make reservations ahead of time. At least 48 hrs.before going through and before getting to the port.

[Schaumburg]

Vessel Inspection $54

Transit toll up to 15.240 meters (50 feet) $800

more than 15.240 meters (50 feet) up to 24.384 meters (80 feet) $1300

Security fee $130

Agent's fee $300 - $450

Lines rental $100 - $250

Tyres with some agents included

Line handlers $90 - $135 each

Balboa Yacht Club launch tip for removing lines and tyres $10

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Schaumburg

Vessel Inspection $54

Transit toll up to 15.240 meters (50 feet) $800

more than 15.240 meters (50 feet) up to 24.384 meters (80 feet) $1300

Security fee $130

Agent's fee $300 - $450

Lines rental $100 - $250

Tyres with some agents included

Line handlers $90 - $135 each

Balboa Yacht Club launch tip for removing lines and tyres $10

Agent is optional. You can easily do the signup and phone calls yourself.
Other cruisers are available to use as li.e handlers. No need to hire locals.

[febail]

So, do you have some money.....
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[Tx J]

Originally Posted by Amgine

As a general rule, any route going southabout South America is not a viable alternative. The Straits of Magellan are actually more dangerous than Drake Passage primarily due to the winds being constrained by or spilling into the narrow waterways.

Of course it's interesting that it is likely cheaper to pull into Brownsville/southern Texas and have the boat shipped across to San Diego (or Acapulco for that matter.)

Corpus Christi or even Houston/Galveston would be much easier logistically, and even shorter to San Diego/CA than Brownsville (and maybe even to Acapulco, etc., via Laredo; although I cannot imagine transporting a yacht across Mexico by land).
Many more haul out and transportation options are available around CC or Houston, and they're familiar with yotties needs.
The Port Brownsville and Port Isabel area facilities are few, and more geared for shrimpers and breakers. General ambiance and security is a factor too, as you would be spending some time there (and I'm a RGV native).

There was a scheduled freighter service (marine) between Brownsville and one or more Florida ports a while ago, which connected into the Mexican interior, don't know if it is still operating.