Thanks Paul.

So even though you are a small vessel (46ft) they still insist on putting a
pilot on board your boat?
Is this for the entire trip across or only through the locks?

In what way is Caton dangerous? (Seedy? Anti-American? Lawless?

So you go to the Panama Yacht Club and fill out the forms and the approval
papers take 4-5 days to come back? So you sit it out at the yacht club for
that time?

Best regards
--
Garry Beattie
Ocean Spirit Trailer Sailer &
Small Yacht Cruising Emagazine
www.ocean-spirit.com


"Paul Sleightholm" wrote in message
...
It depends on a your boat length and cargo value if any. A 46ft mono hull
cost us circa 460 USD last year. Just roll up to the Panama Canal Yacht
club
and they will provide you with all the help and information you will need
to
get you through. The general parperwork will probably take 4-5 days
perhaps
quiker. Its advisable to traverse the locks 3 accross for smaller craft
as
it makes much easier work for the four rope handlers that you will need,
usually local taxi drivers or travellers that want to go therough the
canal.

A note about Colon, if you are there for a few days, you will have to go
for
supplies and the area is dangerous, just keep your cab driver with you
which
he will likely insist on anyway, the place is quite an eye opener.

It needs some organisation but is not as tricky as we anticipated. Oh and
be prepared to wait hand and foot on your pilot with food and drinks, they
are cheeky little buggers.

Hope all goes well.

Paul
"Garry Beattie" wrote in message
u...
Can someone tell me what the current charges are for taking a yacht
through
the Panama Canal?

Do you need to book or just roll up and wait in line?
--
Garry Beattie
Ocean Spirit Trailer Sailer &
Small Yacht Cruising Emagazine
www.ocean-spirit.com