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Old 12-10-2021, 04:11   #1
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Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

While I hear many stories of Panama Canal transits from the Atlantic, I do not think I have ever heard of someone heading from the Pacific thru to the Atlantic.

Our future plans may include a Pacific to Atlantic transit, am curious if anyone reading here has either done it or known someone who has.
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Old 12-10-2021, 04:24   #2
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

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Originally Posted by TPG View Post
While I hear many stories of Panama Canal transits from the Atlantic, I do not think I have ever heard of someone heading from the Pacific thru to the Atlantic.

Our future plans may include a Pacific to Atlantic transit, am curious if anyone reading here has either done it or known someone who has.
I have done it as a line handler on a friend's boat. But it was quite some time ago, so specific details have probably changed quite a bit.
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Old 12-10-2021, 04:59   #3
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

I did it in 2005 when delivering a Nordhavn 57 from California to Florida. At the time there was no real marina to speak of though there was a quay where we managed to find a berth with the assistance of an agent. We took-on around 1000 gals fuel (previous stop was Acapulco) and paid an expedite fee of around $1000 and picked up a pilot at around 0700 36 hours after arrival at Flamenco and transited thr Canal. Fee at that time was around $2000 as I recall. We picked up one line handler who came with lines and fenders and charged about $300. We dropped him at the YC in Colon (Cristobol Control is the official name of the Atlantic side tranait authority) and immediately headed into the Atlantic (which was a lousy ride). 7 days later we tied-up behind the owners house in Ft Lauderdale

Anything else? With exception of where to tie-up, shouldn't be a difference. Colon is supposedly a tough town.

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Old 12-10-2021, 06:02   #4
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

whilst undoubtedly more pleasure boats transit Caribbean to Pacific than the other way round, many do. Last year several yachts returned to the caribbean side when movement west was halted by border closures.
the documents required are all available on the panama canal website and you can now also pay online.

during the slightly altered procedures because of covid boats were required to arrange a transit with an agent. most boats do anyway but its perfectly feasible now to do without. they also transited in one long day rather than two day with overnight in the Lake, which is common for smaller boats.

in summary, perfectly possible and a memorable thing to do.
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Old 12-10-2021, 09:43   #5
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

No big deal. They canal authority has it set up for easy access on line. There are several people who will rent you extra tires/fenders wraped to protect the hull and the 4 150' lines required if you don't have them. All pretty easy.


Provision on the Pacific side - much easier (and safer) than on the Atlantic side.
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Old 12-10-2021, 09:45   #6
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

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While I hear many stories of Panama Canal transits from the Atlantic, I do not think I have ever heard of someone heading from the Pacific thru to the Atlantic.

Our future plans may include a Pacific to Atlantic transit, am curious if anyone reading here has either done it or known someone who has.
We did it in 2017. It was a one day trip with no over night stay on Lake Gatun. We arrived Shelter Bay in the dark. If you do it, be careful of making a straight line for Shelter Bay or you could end up on the rocks. Recommend making a wide left turn into the harbor.
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Old 12-10-2021, 11:04   #7
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

2019 Pacific to Atlantic late December. It was a great experience and all went well. Any particular questions?

We stayed in Marina La Playita on the Pacific side for about a week to get provisioned and have authorities visit the boat. The other nearby marina is Flamenco, it has a boat yard if you need work done or some boat related items, but shopping for food is very limited in this area, and anything else is a long Uber ride to town. I can't remember the name of our agent and all those papers are on my boat far away right now. The agent arranged everything for us with the authorities and supplied 3 line handlers and all the gear. I was the fourth handler and my wife took the helm in the locks.

We can only make about 7 knots and due to delays for other traffic we had to moor overnight in Lake Gatun. At first I was bummed but that also turned out to be a unique experience and one I wouldn't have missed. The guys were fantastic, no complaints even from the two that had to sleep in the cockpit on narrow cushions. Swimming around the boat in the bathtub temperature fresh water was fun - the guys watched for crocs.

On the Atlantic side we checked into Shelter Bay marina which is really the only option that I know of. Excellent marina and boat yard with shuttle service to a large and safe modern shopping center which includes a hardware and auto parts store. After a few days we left for Bocas Del Toro.

Reminder to be sure to advise traffic control of your intentions when nearing the channel on the Pacific side. All comms are in English. When exiting the canal on the Atlantic side, the pilot on board will coordinate with traffic control to give you instructions whether you are continuing to sea or going to Shelter Island. And when leaving Shelter Island you also need to check-in with traffic.
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Old 12-10-2021, 11:56   #8
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

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...you can now also pay online...
That's a big improvement, visiting the Canal office in Colon - yes it is a rough place - carrying a pocketful of cash was no fun at all.
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Old 12-10-2021, 12:11   #9
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

Is the question about W to E (S to N) itself through the canal? If so, should be little difference either way, same locks only going up down rather than down up.



In my readings over the past three decades, this question usually evolves to, or actually was intended to be: "What happens when you start heading E into the wind after you leave the canal?" It's a long ride east. There are some excellent options, although I forget the details. I'm sure others will know. Safe journey.
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Old 12-10-2021, 15:38   #10
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

I crossed Pacific to Atlantic in 1994, and so the canal has changed quite a bit since then with the new channels and locks.

What is worth knowing is that the first lock inbound on the Pacific side is the most challenging (and is not such a problem going the other way). It has a very high lift in order to adapt to the large tidal range, and the mixing of fresh and salt water is said to contribute to the turbulence. The high lift means that the line handlers have to bring in a lot of line, which can be a chore and requires strength. Inbound the yachts enter after the ships, so once the ship in front is secured the pressure is on to get the boat in and lines run - the ship is the customer; you are just a nuisance. You must have your s*** together before you enter that lock. You can use two 250' lines (I used my two rope anchor rodes) instead of the four 125' lines.

I don't know how the new locks are designed but the old ones had five rows of holes on the bottom for the water to enter the lock. The odd number results in the surface water being higher in the middle of the lock, flowing towards the walls. If transiting "center lock" it can be a bit tricky staying in the center, and requires coordination of the four line handlers; it is of course more difficult to keep a raft in the middle. Once the boat or raft gets off center it will be harder for the handlers on one side to pull it back to center, while if the other side continues pulling it becomes almost impossible. (I rafted with one boat and they pulled us off center, and failed to back off as requested while we pulled hard. If you raft you better trust the other boat.) I think there is a strong argument for hiring professional line handlers - it helps that they know what they are doing and that they work together. You can exchange work with other cruisers but be certain that all four are strong and good at line handling.

There are options for locking: 1) center chamber solo (all boats required to be able to do this), 2) alongside a tug (optional, and only available if a tug is in the lock), and 3) rafted up with another boat or boats (either centerline or with tug if that option is selected). IMHO center chamber solo is the best way to go. If you raft up and are center chamber then the loads on the 4 line handlers are higher, and you are dependent on the line handlers of the other boat to coordinate with you. Since even with just one other boat you have two skippers, two advisers, and eight line handlers this is harder than it should be. In my case the other skipper was over-confident and wouldn't listen to anyone, adviser included (who was very junior and inexperienced). I had a very experienced adviser who had spent years at sea and was an unlimited tonnage master - he was a great asset and comfort. Still, I would not do that again.

It might seem that going alongside a tug would be the best way to go - no hauling in the line as the water rises. Well, it may be the easiest but it is also the most dangerous - most loss claims result from this option (according to a Canal lawyer I met). If you agree to this option and you get a tug then be very careful. Because the surface water is flowing to the side while lifting, the tug is held to the wall and the resistance holds down the side of the tug against the wall - and thus lifts the side you or your raft will be tied to. My other boat tied directly across to the tug (instead of angled like a spring line) and cleated the lines, and the lifting pulled his cleats off the deck by about 1/4" (I could see daylight) which did no favors to the wooden deck. Run the lines at an angle and do not be tempted to belay the lines - take a turn on the cleat and be prepared to work the line. I think the most common problem results from the tug's need to get ahead of the ship as soon as it clears the lock because the ship doesn't yet have steerage. When the ship first starts moving the propeller wash created is very dangerous so you need to stay tied to the tug, but before the ship clears the lock the tug will cast off, and need you to cast off, so this calls for some careful maneuvering, and you better hope the tug's skipper doesn't cut you loose too soon.

The next two upbound locks are easier than the first. If rafted you will stay in the raft between the two chambers. Most of the trip is just a nice day of motoring through the beautiful jungle. The triple staircase down to the Caribbean is very easy (no turbulence when locking down). The boat will be put in the chamber first, before the ship, so you will see out over the gates to the Sea ahead - beautiful view and cool experience. We spent the night anchored in the lake before descending and having a nice fresh water swim was great - just have a croc watch (not a joke).

A canal transit is a special experience. Just read as much as you can beforehand and be prepared and it will be fine.

Greg

Edit: Get a copy of The Path Between the Seas and read it before the transit - a highly recommended read.
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Old 12-10-2021, 16:22   #11
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

Wifey B: We transited W to E in 2014-15, the canal itself in 2015. No problems. Great trip.
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Old 12-10-2021, 16:26   #12
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

I have transited the Panama Canal both directions over many years of sailing, the most recent was Pacific to Atlantic in 2015 when returning from Alaska and British Columbia cruising to my Great Lakes homeport.
At that time there was no availability of a berth at any of the Pacific Side marinas, so we stayed anchored and dinghied in.
Same paperwork from either side, same charges, though the wind is on the nose heading to the Caribbean side and somewhat choppier and slower.
It was a relief to get to Shelter Bay marina where we had stayed when going the other way, nice amenities, Shuttle bus to do shopping, etc.
In April we headed for Providencia, then to Grand Caymen, then round the west end of Cuba to Key West. The passages were not difficult at that time of year, though the winds can be light and variable and you have to motor to keep up the speed when sailing slows.
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Old 12-10-2021, 16:28   #13
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

We went through September 2019 from the Pacific to the Caribbean. Is there any specific questions I can help you with? The trend appeared to be an overnight in Lake Gatun for a two day transit. In our case there was a couple hour delay on the "Down Lock" into Colon side and we caught up with the ship we uplocked with thus making our transit one day. We also poured on the fuel to both engines cause our Advisor and his trainee wanted to get home for an important soccer game on television. My only advise if you wish to do it one day is feed and treat your advisors well. We sent ours home with fresh and hot baked cake for their kids.
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Old 12-10-2021, 16:33   #14
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

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That's a big improvement, visiting the Canal office in Colon - yes it is a rough place - carrying a pocketful of cash was no fun at all.
I seem to remember that we had to pay the fee at a bank in the area of the canal office. Since I assumed that every taxi driver would know that gringos going to that bank were carrying a big wad of cash I asked him to take me to the Harbormmaster's Office which was in the immediate area.
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Old 12-10-2021, 17:07   #15
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Re: Panama Canal - transit from Pacific to Atlantic

You will not have to go to the Colon office if you are transiting from Pacific to Carib. You will be on the Balboa side to process your paperwork. Much safer but the safest is use an Agent.

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...errerid=190744
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