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Crossing the Panama canal

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by Capt Bill11, Apr 2, 2010.

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  1. Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    Anybody happen to know where I would find the latest information (fees, rules, etc.) on taking a private vessel through the canal?

    Also any tips to pass along?

    Thanks.
  2. Fishtigua

    Fishtigua Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Bill,

    What type of boat are you going through with?
  3. Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    If it happens it will be with a 90' power boat.
  4. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    Location:
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    ~Take lots of cash to pay the fees.
    ~Use an agent as they will help to get you the fastest transit.
    ~Ask for "soft lines", which just means that you will loop your mooring lines through their cables and back to your boat.
    ~Pay attention that the "mules" are tending the cables properly (we had one guy nearly part a line since he wasn't paying enough cable out.
    ~Designate one head for the line handlers (I had to hire 8 of them) and then designate a crew member to escort them there when needed.
    ~Leave your schedule open
  5. Savasa

    Savasa Senior Member

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  6. aeronautic1

    aeronautic1 Member

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    Location:
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    12 Times Thru

    I've been thru 12 times. I always use Tina McBride of Panama Canal Yacht Transit as my agent. She also has the prerequiste 125' lines for rent. Contact here at tinamcbride@hotmail.com
  7. Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    Sarasota/Ft. Lauderdale FL

    Thanks. I'll contact her. Do you have a name you would like me to say referred me to her? Any other suggestions or tips?
  8. DocRon

    DocRon Member

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    Location:
    Durban, South Africa
    Went through Panama Canal on Windstar in December 2009. What an amazing experience.