You don't need to leave the S.E US. Why go 100 miles and get ripped off when the
Bahamas have nothing to offer that you can't find in the Florida Keys. It seems
like it is more of a case of bragging rights to say that you made the run to
Bimini. I guess it sounds more exotic and somehow makes you feel like a real
sailor.

Dan Krueger wrote:

Care to mention them? Are any less than 100 miles from the SE US?

Dan

RWKxxx wrote:

This is old news and is still a rip-off. There are to many places just as nice
as the Bahamas with entry fees that are reasonable. I hope everyone stays away
till they come to their senses



In a move seen as a positive sign for Bahamas-bound cruisers, the
Bahamas government has announced a change in its cruising permit fee
structure to allow for two entries within a 90-day period rather than
only one entry, BoatU.S. reports.

The fee scale announced in 2003, remains: $150 for boats up to 35
feet and $300 for boats over 35 feet. However, by allowing two entries
for the same fee, the rate is cut in half for those who choose to
frequent the islands more than once in a 90-day period.

Keith Gomez, boating and fishing specialist with the Bahamas
Tourism Centre, acknowledged that complaints from boaters and the U.S.
and Bahamas boating industries were having an impact. Further changes
could take place in June 2004 when the government's new budget year
commences.

BoatU.S. has been encouraging it's members to contact Bahamian
officials since the fee increase was announced without warning last
summer, and continues to urge boaters to voice their concerns by
e-mailing Gomez at or the Bahamian Comptroller of
Customs, John Rolle, at .

Please copy BoatU.S. Government Affairs at .

http://www.BoatUS.com/news/releases.asp