AMPowers wrote:
Could anyone provide any insights, advice or experience on crossing
the Panama canal.

I'm not sure how much help this will be, but since I participated in 2
transits of other peoples boats less than a year ago as a line handler,
I thought I'd chime in.

1) What is the correct government source for information? (is there a
website or office one contacts for specific information regarding the
canal)
Don't worry too much about this (and most other questions) until you get
down there. Once you are there, you'll find the info readily available.
There are usually a large number of other cruisers on both sides that
are either preparing to do the same as you, or have just done it.

2) What is the approximate cost for a 45' catamaran?
Sorry, I don't recall. I know it depends a lot on whether you do the
paperwork yourself or hire an agent (most do it themselves).

3) How is the scheduling handled, how well can one predetermine their
transit time?
Once you get there and do the paperwork, you will be assigned a transit
date. Last Jan, this was running 1-3 weeks later. This would
occasionally get bumped to a later date, but you could normally rely
upon it.

4) What is the average "delay" from the promised date to the actual
transit?
See #3

5) Are there any hidden costs to be aware of?
You will have to rent tires and lines. Tires can sometimes be had free
(the same sets go back and forth constantly and can sometimes be found
at either end free for the taking).

6) Are catamarans handled differently than monohulls in any appreciable
manner?
I don't believe so.

7) What airports are readily available from either side? (I'm presuming
that some portion of the "crew" will want to fly in, do the canal and
then fly out - are there airports within a reasonable distance on both
sides)
Most boats find some or all of the required 4 line handlers from other
cruisers in the area.