Cruising Bahamas
 

We plan to go around the 10th of January, but I have a couple of questions.

1. Cash: Everyone says bring a lot, but how much assuming we'll be there
about a month and use marinas and restaurants about every other day?

2. Abaco: I've read that Abaco in Jan-Feb is chilly. Others, however, have
enjoyed visits there in Winter. How good or bad is it in Jan-Feb?

3. Gulf stream crossing: How does one find boats to buddy up with for the
crossing? Where would we want to hang out waiting to depart from either Lake
Worth or Miami/Ft Lauderdale?

4. Reservations: Guide books say to make reservations for popular marinas.
Since the cell phone won't work, how do we do that? Will VHF reach
adequately?

Thanks. Appreciate the info.

Cruising Bahamas
 

We went last winter and had a good time. We took a
mooring at Man-O-War Cay as our home base and
went on short trips to other places in the Abacos.

More comments below.
Doug
s/v Callista

"George C." wrote in message
news:UcqEb.7681$PK3.5907@okepread01...
We plan to go around the 10th of January, but I have a couple of
questions.

1. Cash: Everyone says bring a lot, but how much assuming we'll be there
about a month and use marinas and restaurants about every other day?

Most of the marinas we stayed at had winter specials of
around $0.65 to $1.00 per foot per day. Electricity is
around $5 to $8 per day (Treasure Cay was $17/day).
Water was metered at $0.15/gal or flat rate at $5 to $8.
The Green Turtle Club had a deal going where anything
you spent at the resaurant or bar was deducted off of
the slip fee. Treasure Cay was the most expensive.

2. Abaco: I've read that Abaco in Jan-Feb is chilly. Others, however, have
enjoyed visits there in Winter. How good or bad is it in Jan-Feb?

It took us until Jan 22 to get a decent weather window.
It was generally in the 70's to low 80's during the day and
in the 60's at night. Might have dipped into the 50's once
or twice.

3. Gulf stream crossing: How does one find boats to buddy up with for the
crossing? Where would we want to hang out waiting to depart from either
Lake
Worth or Miami/Ft Lauderdale?

Most folks going to the Abacos leave from Lake Worth. We
left at 4am, crossed onto the bank south of Memory Rock and
continued directly to Great Sale Cay. We just talked to folks
anchored in North Lake Worth and managed to get a group
of 6 boats.

4. Reservations: Guide books say to make reservations for popular marinas.
Since the cell phone won't work, how do we do that? Will VHF reach
adequately?

Some folks cellphones work and some don't. One of our
group have an AT&T phone that worked fine and to top
it off he never got charged for any calls. That was 2 winters in a row!
Nobody else we came across could use their phones
though. Marinas monitor CH 16 if I recall correctly.

Thanks. Appreciate the info.

Cruising Bahamas
 

We went last winter and had a good time. We took a
mooring at Man-O-War Cay as our home base and
went on short trips to other places in the Abacos.

More comments below.
Doug
s/v Callista

"George C." wrote in message
news:UcqEb.7681$PK3.5907@okepread01...
We plan to go around the 10th of January, but I have a couple of
questions.

1. Cash: Everyone says bring a lot, but how much assuming we'll be there
about a month and use marinas and restaurants about every other day?

Most of the marinas we stayed at had winter specials of
around $0.65 to $1.00 per foot per day. Electricity is
around $5 to $8 per day (Treasure Cay was $17/day).
Water was metered at $0.15/gal or flat rate at $5 to $8.
The Green Turtle Club had a deal going where anything
you spent at the resaurant or bar was deducted off of
the slip fee. Treasure Cay was the most expensive.

2. Abaco: I've read that Abaco in Jan-Feb is chilly. Others, however, have
enjoyed visits there in Winter. How good or bad is it in Jan-Feb?

It took us until Jan 22 to get a decent weather window.
It was generally in the 70's to low 80's during the day and
in the 60's at night. Might have dipped into the 50's once
or twice.

3. Gulf stream crossing: How does one find boats to buddy up with for the
crossing? Where would we want to hang out waiting to depart from either
Lake
Worth or Miami/Ft Lauderdale?

Most folks going to the Abacos leave from Lake Worth. We
left at 4am, crossed onto the bank south of Memory Rock and
continued directly to Great Sale Cay. We just talked to folks
anchored in North Lake Worth and managed to get a group
of 6 boats.

4. Reservations: Guide books say to make reservations for popular marinas.
Since the cell phone won't work, how do we do that? Will VHF reach
adequately?

Some folks cellphones work and some don't. One of our
group have an AT&T phone that worked fine and to top
it off he never got charged for any calls. That was 2 winters in a row!
Nobody else we came across could use their phones
though. Marinas monitor CH 16 if I recall correctly.

Thanks. Appreciate the info.

Cruising Bahamas
 

George C. wrote:
We plan to go around the 10th of January, but I have a couple of questions.

1. Cash: Everyone says bring a lot, but how much assuming we'll be there
about a month and use marinas and restaurants about every other day?
Almost all marinas take plastic.... bring a couple in case there are
issues or you lose one. $300 customs fee-CASH (over 35 ft) Many
restaurants and groceries do NOT take credit. (50-100+per day)

Split it up and hide it inside the vessel...(don't forget where you hid
it!!)



2. Abaco: I've read that Abaco in Jan-Feb is chilly. Others, however, have
enjoyed visits there in Winter. How good or bad is it in Jan-Feb?

SImilar to SFL.... could be 75, could be 40... the further south the
better but the cold fronts do go deep in JAN.


3. Gulf stream crossing: How does one find boats to buddy up with for the
crossing? Where would we want to hang out waiting to depart from either Lake
Worth or Miami/Ft Lauderdale?
Assuming a powerboat....
Going to Freeport... leave from FLL or WPB....
Going to Bimini Leave from FLL or Miami.
If it is a sailboat... plan on leaving 20-30NM SOUTH of where you want
to cross to...

Depending on the size of the vessel... you may have to wait up to a week
for decent seas... remember.. any wind with a NORTH component... add a
couple feet to the stream.

Call around on Channel 16 for other crossers... I always go alone but
usually get in contact with others on 16 and we check up on each other
once in a while...


4. Reservations: Guide books say to make reservations for popular marinas.
Since the cell phone won't work, how do we do that? Will VHF reach
adequately?
Cell phone MAY work.... Bellsouth...YES (may require pre-registering...
DO IT NOW)
Call NOW for reservations... changes are usually OK if weather based..
Be prepared to anchor out in a pinch...(you might just never go back to
a marina... we rarely do anymore)
most marinas have really bad VHF sets... many times handhelds. Try 16,
68 and 9 for hailing.






Thanks. Appreciate the info.

Cruising Bahamas
 

George C. wrote:
We plan to go around the 10th of January, but I have a couple of questions.

1. Cash: Everyone says bring a lot, but how much assuming we'll be there
about a month and use marinas and restaurants about every other day?
Almost all marinas take plastic.... bring a couple in case there are
issues or you lose one. $300 customs fee-CASH (over 35 ft) Many
restaurants and groceries do NOT take credit. (50-100+per day)

Split it up and hide it inside the vessel...(don't forget where you hid
it!!)



2. Abaco: I've read that Abaco in Jan-Feb is chilly. Others, however, have
enjoyed visits there in Winter. How good or bad is it in Jan-Feb?

SImilar to SFL.... could be 75, could be 40... the further south the
better but the cold fronts do go deep in JAN.


3. Gulf stream crossing: How does one find boats to buddy up with for the
crossing? Where would we want to hang out waiting to depart from either Lake
Worth or Miami/Ft Lauderdale?
Assuming a powerboat....
Going to Freeport... leave from FLL or WPB....
Going to Bimini Leave from FLL or Miami.
If it is a sailboat... plan on leaving 20-30NM SOUTH of where you want
to cross to...

Depending on the size of the vessel... you may have to wait up to a week
for decent seas... remember.. any wind with a NORTH component... add a
couple feet to the stream.

Call around on Channel 16 for other crossers... I always go alone but
usually get in contact with others on 16 and we check up on each other
once in a while...


4. Reservations: Guide books say to make reservations for popular marinas.
Since the cell phone won't work, how do we do that? Will VHF reach
adequately?
Cell phone MAY work.... Bellsouth...YES (may require pre-registering...
DO IT NOW)
Call NOW for reservations... changes are usually OK if weather based..
Be prepared to anchor out in a pinch...(you might just never go back to
a marina... we rarely do anymore)
most marinas have really bad VHF sets... many times handhelds. Try 16,
68 and 9 for hailing.






Thanks. Appreciate the info.

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:

We went last winter and had a good time. We took a
mooring at Man-O-War Cay as our home base and
went on short trips to other places in the Abacos.

More comments below.
Doug
s/v Callista

I have not been to the Abacos yet, but I'll add the comments.

"George C." wrote in message
news:UcqEb.7681$PK3.5907@okepread01...
We plan to go around the 10th of January, but I have a couple of
questions.

1. Cash: Everyone says bring a lot, but how much assuming we'll be there
about a month and use marinas and restaurants about every other day?

Most of the marinas we stayed at had winter specials of
around $0.65 to $1.00 per foot per day. Electricity is
around $5 to $8 per day (Treasure Cay was $17/day).
Water was metered at $0.15/gal or flat rate at $5 to $8.
The Green Turtle Club had a deal going where anything
you spent at the resaurant or bar was deducted off of
the slip fee. Treasure Cay was the most expensive.

We didn't use cash much. We charged almost everything, except on
Highborne Cay in the Exumas where they preferred a personal check to a
charge card and Frazier's Hog Cay in the Berry Islands where they
would only accept cash. There were no winter specials at marinas
because the marinas etc were full and they didn't need to do the
specials.

2. Abaco: I've read that Abaco in Jan-Feb is chilly. Others, however, have
enjoyed visits there in Winter. How good or bad is it in Jan-Feb?

It took us until Jan 22 to get a decent weather window.
It was generally in the 70's to low 80's during the day and
in the 60's at night. Might have dipped into the 50's once
or twice.

This depends a good bit on what you want and what you consider chilly.
It's way warmer than Canada - about what it is like in St. Augustine
or Ft. Pierce in the winter. The water is too cold to swim for any
length of time without thermal protection.


3. Gulf stream crossing: How does one find boats to buddy up with for the
crossing? Where would we want to hang out waiting to depart from either
Lake
Worth or Miami/Ft Lauderdale?

Most folks going to the Abacos leave from Lake Worth. We
left at 4am, crossed onto the bank south of Memory Rock and
continued directly to Great Sale Cay. We just talked to folks
anchored in North Lake Worth and managed to get a group
of 6 boats.

Even the first time, we always went alone. We did not want to have to
depend on other folks ideas of what was the proper window - i.e. we
wanted to make the decision and go or not go without waiting for a
committee. We are quite a bit slower than most boats and we also
didn't want to hold the others back.

We did not go over from either Lake Worth or Ft. Lauderdale. I know
folks who go from Ft. Pierce but we don't like fighting the Gulf
Stream - we are slow enough without that. Both times we went to
Bimini because it is the closest and we like it - since it is close we
don't need quite so big a window. We left the first time from the No
Name Harbor area south of Miami, and the second time from Rodriguez
Key.

4. Reservations: Guide books say to make reservations for popular marinas.
Since the cell phone won't work, how do we do that? Will VHF reach
adequately?

Some folks cellphones work and some don't. One of our
group have an AT&T phone that worked fine and to top
it off he never got charged for any calls. That was 2 winters in a row!
Nobody else we came across could use their phones
though. Marinas monitor CH 16 if I recall correctly.

One thing you can do is call before you leave to the first place. My
AT&T phone never worked although my Verizon bag phone did. I don't
know what the deal is now - I suspect no phones work there now. We
used the VHF radio quite a bit and also SSB (although not for
marinas).


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:

We went last winter and had a good time. We took a
mooring at Man-O-War Cay as our home base and
went on short trips to other places in the Abacos.

More comments below.
Doug
s/v Callista

I have not been to the Abacos yet, but I'll add the comments.

"George C." wrote in message
news:UcqEb.7681$PK3.5907@okepread01...
We plan to go around the 10th of January, but I have a couple of
questions.

1. Cash: Everyone says bring a lot, but how much assuming we'll be there
about a month and use marinas and restaurants about every other day?

Most of the marinas we stayed at had winter specials of
around $0.65 to $1.00 per foot per day. Electricity is
around $5 to $8 per day (Treasure Cay was $17/day).
Water was metered at $0.15/gal or flat rate at $5 to $8.
The Green Turtle Club had a deal going where anything
you spent at the resaurant or bar was deducted off of
the slip fee. Treasure Cay was the most expensive.

We didn't use cash much. We charged almost everything, except on
Highborne Cay in the Exumas where they preferred a personal check to a
charge card and Frazier's Hog Cay in the Berry Islands where they
would only accept cash. There were no winter specials at marinas
because the marinas etc were full and they didn't need to do the
specials.

2. Abaco: I've read that Abaco in Jan-Feb is chilly. Others, however, have
enjoyed visits there in Winter. How good or bad is it in Jan-Feb?

It took us until Jan 22 to get a decent weather window.
It was generally in the 70's to low 80's during the day and
in the 60's at night. Might have dipped into the 50's once
or twice.

This depends a good bit on what you want and what you consider chilly.
It's way warmer than Canada - about what it is like in St. Augustine
or Ft. Pierce in the winter. The water is too cold to swim for any
length of time without thermal protection.


3. Gulf stream crossing: How does one find boats to buddy up with for the
crossing? Where would we want to hang out waiting to depart from either
Lake
Worth or Miami/Ft Lauderdale?

Most folks going to the Abacos leave from Lake Worth. We
left at 4am, crossed onto the bank south of Memory Rock and
continued directly to Great Sale Cay. We just talked to folks
anchored in North Lake Worth and managed to get a group
of 6 boats.

Even the first time, we always went alone. We did not want to have to
depend on other folks ideas of what was the proper window - i.e. we
wanted to make the decision and go or not go without waiting for a
committee. We are quite a bit slower than most boats and we also
didn't want to hold the others back.

We did not go over from either Lake Worth or Ft. Lauderdale. I know
folks who go from Ft. Pierce but we don't like fighting the Gulf
Stream - we are slow enough without that. Both times we went to
Bimini because it is the closest and we like it - since it is close we
don't need quite so big a window. We left the first time from the No
Name Harbor area south of Miami, and the second time from Rodriguez
Key.

4. Reservations: Guide books say to make reservations for popular marinas.
Since the cell phone won't work, how do we do that? Will VHF reach
adequately?

Some folks cellphones work and some don't. One of our
group have an AT&T phone that worked fine and to top
it off he never got charged for any calls. That was 2 winters in a row!
Nobody else we came across could use their phones
though. Marinas monitor CH 16 if I recall correctly.

One thing you can do is call before you leave to the first place. My
AT&T phone never worked although my Verizon bag phone did. I don't
know what the deal is now - I suspect no phones work there now. We
used the VHF radio quite a bit and also SSB (although not for
marinas).


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

We have not cruised The Abacos, but where there for a week the first of
November, comments below. We visited Marsh Harbour, Man-O-War, and
Hopetown. If you have any question you can send them to bcleveland AT
charter DOT net and I will tell what we know.

brian

"George C." wrote in message
news:UcqEb.7681$PK3.5907@okepread01...
We plan to go around the 10th of January, but I have a couple of
questions.

1. Cash: Everyone says bring a lot, but how much assuming we'll be there
about a month and use marinas and restaurants about every other day?

You can spend as much as you want. The restaurants and grocery stores
in Marsh Harbour all took credit cards. Getting cash while in the Abacos
can be tricky as most of the banks we saw where only open 1 or 2 days a
week. Restaurant prices were a little higher than here in central Alabama -
$7-10 for lunch, $10-16 for supper. Grocery prices were 10 to 25% higher.

2. Abaco: I've read that Abaco in Jan-Feb is chilly. Others, however, have
enjoyed visits there in Winter. How good or bad is it in Jan-Feb?

3. Gulf stream crossing: How does one find boats to buddy up with for the
crossing? Where would we want to hang out waiting to depart from either
Lake
Worth or Miami/Ft Lauderdale?

4. Reservations: Guide books say to make reservations for popular marinas.
Since the cell phone won't work, how do we do that? Will VHF reach
adequately?

Our cell phone worked (cingular) did not make any calls locally but the
couple of calls back to the kids were about $1.95/min.

Just about everybody (marinas, taxis, car/skooter rental, police) seemed to
be on 16.

Thanks. Appreciate the info.

Cruising Bahamas
 

We have not cruised The Abacos, but where there for a week the first of
November, comments below. We visited Marsh Harbour, Man-O-War, and
Hopetown. If you have any question you can send them to bcleveland AT
charter DOT net and I will tell what we know.

brian

"George C." wrote in message
news:UcqEb.7681$PK3.5907@okepread01...
We plan to go around the 10th of January, but I have a couple of
questions.

1. Cash: Everyone says bring a lot, but how much assuming we'll be there
about a month and use marinas and restaurants about every other day?

You can spend as much as you want. The restaurants and grocery stores
in Marsh Harbour all took credit cards. Getting cash while in the Abacos
can be tricky as most of the banks we saw where only open 1 or 2 days a
week. Restaurant prices were a little higher than here in central Alabama -
$7-10 for lunch, $10-16 for supper. Grocery prices were 10 to 25% higher.

2. Abaco: I've read that Abaco in Jan-Feb is chilly. Others, however, have
enjoyed visits there in Winter. How good or bad is it in Jan-Feb?

3. Gulf stream crossing: How does one find boats to buddy up with for the
crossing? Where would we want to hang out waiting to depart from either
Lake
Worth or Miami/Ft Lauderdale?

4. Reservations: Guide books say to make reservations for popular marinas.
Since the cell phone won't work, how do we do that? Will VHF reach
adequately?

Our cell phone worked (cingular) did not make any calls locally but the
couple of calls back to the kids were about $1.95/min.

Just about everybody (marinas, taxis, car/skooter rental, police) seemed to
be on 16.

Thanks. Appreciate the info.

Cruising Bahamas
 

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when enough
people stay away.

Cruising Bahamas
 

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when enough
people stay away.

Cruising Bahamas
 

RWK - Is it your job to monitor this newsgroup for mentionings of the
Bahamas and to comment in every one on the "ridicules" entry fee?


RWKxxx wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when enough
people stay away.

Cruising Bahamas
 

RWK - Is it your job to monitor this newsgroup for mentionings of the
Bahamas and to comment in every one on the "ridicules" entry fee?


RWKxxx wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when enough
people stay away.

Cruising Bahamas
 

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when enough
people stay away.

Cruising Bahamas
 

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when enough
people stay away.

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes



"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes



"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.

Doug

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes



"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when
enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.

Doug

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes



"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when
enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:

Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when
enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:

Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when
enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

Why didin't you say so. If Bob doesn't want to go
then that's it. WX windows are just a fact of life, we
had to wait 6 weeks last year. But six weeks anchored
in Lake Worth beats anything up here in Maryland.
I can agree that the Bahamas aren't that great. But
again aren't that bad. You made it sound like
the fee and reentry changes are the reasons you chose
not to go this year. Just those items are an unfortunate
fact of life and a minor inconvenience. We anchor out most
of the time and rarely stay at marinas as well. Nobody
ever made fun of us for it. Just the opposite actually.
They wish they had the skill and confidence to do it and
save all the money we did.

Doug
s/v Callista


We anchor out pretty much all the time so marina costs
are not much concern.
"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:

Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have
that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when
enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

Why didin't you say so. If Bob doesn't want to go
then that's it. WX windows are just a fact of life, we
had to wait 6 weeks last year. But six weeks anchored
in Lake Worth beats anything up here in Maryland.
I can agree that the Bahamas aren't that great. But
again aren't that bad. You made it sound like
the fee and reentry changes are the reasons you chose
not to go this year. Just those items are an unfortunate
fact of life and a minor inconvenience. We anchor out most
of the time and rarely stay at marinas as well. Nobody
ever made fun of us for it. Just the opposite actually.
They wish they had the skill and confidence to do it and
save all the money we did.

Doug
s/v Callista


We anchor out pretty much all the time so marina costs
are not much concern.
"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:

Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have
that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when
enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes



"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.




What exactly have our leaders changed regarding homeland security going
offshore and back? Given the dog and pony show they are selling in the name
of our safety, I can only imagine the lunacy that they have implemented
against law abiding U. S. citizens that are boaters. As an airline pilot and
avid aviator, I get to witness the idiocy you mention first hand! TSA is
nothing more than smoke and mirrors for the duped public who falsely believe
otherwise.

s

Cruising Bahamas
 

"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
x-no-archive:yes



"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.




What exactly have our leaders changed regarding homeland security going
offshore and back? Given the dog and pony show they are selling in the name
of our safety, I can only imagine the lunacy that they have implemented
against law abiding U. S. citizens that are boaters. As an airline pilot and
avid aviator, I get to witness the idiocy you mention first hand! TSA is
nothing more than smoke and mirrors for the duped public who falsely believe
otherwise.

s

Cruising Bahamas
 

stealth wrote:


What exactly have our leaders changed regarding homeland security going
offshore and back? Given the dog and pony show they are selling in the name
of our safety, I can only imagine the lunacy that they have implemented
against law abiding U. S. citizens that are boaters. As an airline pilot and
avid aviator, I get to witness the idiocy you mention first hand! TSA is
nothing more than smoke and mirrors for the duped public who falsely believe
otherwise.

Here is the latest word on Bahamas/South Florida clearing. First the
bahamian Government has softened a little. You can now exit and return
once in the first 90 days of the year long cruising permit. They have
also made it clearer that you are not to be charged overtime fees or for
the dinghy either on deck or towed.

On the US side, you can still clear customs by phone if you have a
sticker but Immigration wants in person check in. Once you have tied up
you have to take a $40 taxi ride to the airport or to Dodge Island.
While the crew is spending the day checking into the US, Osama can
unload the neuclear device and check into the Holliday Inn.


--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

Cruising Bahamas
 

stealth wrote:


What exactly have our leaders changed regarding homeland security going
offshore and back? Given the dog and pony show they are selling in the name
of our safety, I can only imagine the lunacy that they have implemented
against law abiding U. S. citizens that are boaters. As an airline pilot and
avid aviator, I get to witness the idiocy you mention first hand! TSA is
nothing more than smoke and mirrors for the duped public who falsely believe
otherwise.

Here is the latest word on Bahamas/South Florida clearing. First the
bahamian Government has softened a little. You can now exit and return
once in the first 90 days of the year long cruising permit. They have
also made it clearer that you are not to be charged overtime fees or for
the dinghy either on deck or towed.

On the US side, you can still clear customs by phone if you have a
sticker but Immigration wants in person check in. Once you have tied up
you have to take a $40 taxi ride to the airport or to Dodge Island.
While the crew is spending the day checking into the US, Osama can
unload the neuclear device and check into the Holliday Inn.


--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

Cruising Bahamas
 

It seems that the people not going to the Bahamas has had an impact on
the economy. The recently announced that the permit is now good for
muntiple entries. Two within 90 days. Now that probably doesn,t help
people who come down from the north for a couple weeks-months, it does
help those of us who like to jump over to Bimini for a weekend every few
weekends.
Kelton
s/v Isle Escape

Doug Dotson wrote:
Why didin't you say so. If Bob doesn't want to go
then that's it. WX windows are just a fact of life, we
had to wait 6 weeks last year. But six weeks anchored
in Lake Worth beats anything up here in Maryland.
I can agree that the Bahamas aren't that great. But
again aren't that bad. You made it sound like
the fee and reentry changes are the reasons you chose
not to go this year. Just those items are an unfortunate
fact of life and a minor inconvenience. We anchor out most
of the time and rarely stay at marinas as well. Nobody
ever made fun of us for it. Just the opposite actually.
They wish they had the skill and confidence to do it and
save all the money we did.

Doug
s/v Callista


We anchor out pretty much all the time so marina costs
are not much concern.
"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:


Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:


Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have

that

ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when

enough

people stay away.

grandma Rosalie

grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

It seems that the people not going to the Bahamas has had an impact on
the economy. The recently announced that the permit is now good for
muntiple entries. Two within 90 days. Now that probably doesn,t help
people who come down from the north for a couple weeks-months, it does
help those of us who like to jump over to Bimini for a weekend every few
weekends.
Kelton
s/v Isle Escape

Doug Dotson wrote:
Why didin't you say so. If Bob doesn't want to go
then that's it. WX windows are just a fact of life, we
had to wait 6 weeks last year. But six weeks anchored
in Lake Worth beats anything up here in Maryland.
I can agree that the Bahamas aren't that great. But
again aren't that bad. You made it sound like
the fee and reentry changes are the reasons you chose
not to go this year. Just those items are an unfortunate
fact of life and a minor inconvenience. We anchor out most
of the time and rarely stay at marinas as well. Nobody
ever made fun of us for it. Just the opposite actually.
They wish they had the skill and confidence to do it and
save all the money we did.

Doug
s/v Callista


We anchor out pretty much all the time so marina costs
are not much concern.
"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:


Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:


Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have

that

ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when

enough

people stay away.

grandma Rosalie

grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

Kelton Joyner wrote:

It seems that the people not going to the Bahamas has had an impact on
the economy. The recently announced that the permit is now good for
muntiple entries. Two within 90 days. Now that probably doesn,t help
people who come down from the north for a couple weeks-months, it does
help those of us who like to jump over to Bimini for a weekend every few
weekends.
Kelton
s/v Isle Escape

What has me bugged is that it does not matter if you are "cruising" or
not. You have to pay just to transit Bahamian waters. I am working a
return delivery, Tortola/Ft. Lauderdale in January. Our three man crew
usually works on a set fee pluss airfare and gets to keep anything over
expenses. Because time is money we normally only stop at Puerto Plata
and Georgetown but $300 is a bit much to pay for one evening on dry
ground. Looks like we will have to make the run up the Old Bahama
Channel and hope we don't meet any Cuban gunboats.

It is going to be a long slog.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

Cruising Bahamas
 

Kelton Joyner wrote:

It seems that the people not going to the Bahamas has had an impact on
the economy. The recently announced that the permit is now good for
muntiple entries. Two within 90 days. Now that probably doesn,t help
people who come down from the north for a couple weeks-months, it does
help those of us who like to jump over to Bimini for a weekend every few
weekends.
Kelton
s/v Isle Escape

What has me bugged is that it does not matter if you are "cruising" or
not. You have to pay just to transit Bahamian waters. I am working a
return delivery, Tortola/Ft. Lauderdale in January. Our three man crew
usually works on a set fee pluss airfare and gets to keep anything over
expenses. Because time is money we normally only stop at Puerto Plata
and Georgetown but $300 is a bit much to pay for one evening on dry
ground. Looks like we will have to make the run up the Old Bahama
Channel and hope we don't meet any Cuban gunboats.

It is going to be a long slog.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:

Why didin't you say so. If Bob doesn't want to go
then that's it. WX windows are just a fact of life, we
had to wait 6 weeks last year. But six weeks anchored
in Lake Worth beats anything up here in Maryland.

We haven't been to Lake Worth since our first trip down - we avoid
that whole area and just wait in Ft. Pierce until we can get offshore
to Miami. (Our daughter and grandchildren live in Miami, and we kind
of like Miami.) We would never leave to go to the Bahamas from that
far north anyway - our boat is too slow.

I can agree that the Bahamas aren't that great. But
again aren't that bad. You made it sound like
the fee and reentry changes are the reasons you chose

The fee and the re-entry changes ARE the reasons Bob has chosen not to
go this year. And maybe a bit because of his heart attack two years
ago, but that is completely unexpressed, so I may be altogether wrong
about that. I still have some level of anxiety from that which causes
me to keep asking him what he's doing or does he feel OK which
irritates him - so if I think of it in time, I try not to ask those
questions.

I'm somewhat less comfortable in lively conditions than I was before,
and I didn't really like them before.

not to go this year. Just those items are an unfortunate
fact of life and a minor inconvenience. We anchor out most
of the time and rarely stay at marinas as well. Nobody
ever made fun of us for it. Just the opposite actually.

You've got it backwards - we stay in marinas almost all the time and
people think we spend too much money that way. (Not that it is any of
their business really.)

They wish they had the skill and confidence to do it and
save all the money we did.

Doug
s/v Callista


We anchor out pretty much all the time so marina costs
are not much concern.


"Doug Dotson" wrote:

Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have
that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when
enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:

Why didin't you say so. If Bob doesn't want to go
then that's it. WX windows are just a fact of life, we
had to wait 6 weeks last year. But six weeks anchored
in Lake Worth beats anything up here in Maryland.

We haven't been to Lake Worth since our first trip down - we avoid
that whole area and just wait in Ft. Pierce until we can get offshore
to Miami. (Our daughter and grandchildren live in Miami, and we kind
of like Miami.) We would never leave to go to the Bahamas from that
far north anyway - our boat is too slow.

I can agree that the Bahamas aren't that great. But
again aren't that bad. You made it sound like
the fee and reentry changes are the reasons you chose

The fee and the re-entry changes ARE the reasons Bob has chosen not to
go this year. And maybe a bit because of his heart attack two years
ago, but that is completely unexpressed, so I may be altogether wrong
about that. I still have some level of anxiety from that which causes
me to keep asking him what he's doing or does he feel OK which
irritates him - so if I think of it in time, I try not to ask those
questions.

I'm somewhat less comfortable in lively conditions than I was before,
and I didn't really like them before.

not to go this year. Just those items are an unfortunate
fact of life and a minor inconvenience. We anchor out most
of the time and rarely stay at marinas as well. Nobody
ever made fun of us for it. Just the opposite actually.

You've got it backwards - we stay in marinas almost all the time and
people think we spend too much money that way. (Not that it is any of
their business really.)

They wish they had the skill and confidence to do it and
save all the money we did.

Doug
s/v Callista


We anchor out pretty much all the time so marina costs
are not much concern.


"Doug Dotson" wrote:

Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:

Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have
that
ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when
enough
people stay away.


grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:lFgFb.9050$JD6.3215@lakeread04...


stealth wrote:


What exactly have our leaders changed regarding homeland security going
offshore and back? Given the dog and pony show they are selling in the
name
of our safety, I can only imagine the lunacy that they have implemented
against law abiding U. S. citizens that are boaters. As an airline pilot
and
avid aviator, I get to witness the idiocy you mention first hand! TSA is
nothing more than smoke and mirrors for the duped public who falsely
believe
otherwise.

Here is the latest word on Bahamas/South Florida clearing. First the
bahamian Government has softened a little. You can now exit and return
once in the first 90 days of the year long cruising permit. They have
also made it clearer that you are not to be charged overtime fees or for
the dinghy either on deck or towed.

On the US side, you can still clear customs by phone if you have a
sticker but Immigration wants in person check in. Once you have tied up
you have to take a $40 taxi ride to the airport or to Dodge Island.
While the crew is spending the day checking into the US, Osama can
unload the neuclear device and check into the Holliday Inn.




If I understand you correctly, customs never once visits the actual boat?
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish as to who is dumber; those that
create these idiotic laws or the people who continually vote these idiots
into office and allow it to continue. TSA is a farce and nothing more than a
police state affair that gives the uninformed a false warm and cozy feeling
that they are safe from terrorist harm. It amazes me how many people I meet
in my travels actually believe that the government/TSA is doing an
outstanding job of protecting us. Point in case, they strip search airline
pilots in plain view of the passengers, take away their nail clippers, and
then allow them to board the flight deck which contains a crash axe, flares,
AND complete control of the aircraft. It would seem logical that rather than
worrying about every pair of nail clippers that may or may not get on a
flight, safety would be better served if we concerned ourselves more with
"who" is on the flight rather than "what". If someone of middle eastern
origin balks at removing their turban for inspection due to religious
reasons, they are allowed to pass through security without fail due to the
fact they we don't want to racial profile for fear of making anyone angry.
Make note that all successful terrorist hijackers have been from those of
the middle east. Yet, TSA will demand that an elderly and frail grandmother
in a wheel chair be searched with no exceptions if they so choose. In
addition, if a crew member refuses to remove their hat, they WILL be fired,
and the TSA (not the FAA) now has full authority to revoke the airmen
certificates (license) of anyone that they (again, not the FAA) deems a
national security threat. This interpretation of who and why is at the sole
discretion of the TSA. Currently, there is no check and balance of this
outrageous power, and as such, we are at the mercy of minimum wage high
school drop outs in determining who can board and who cannot. My point is
that we have the technology to determine with utmost certainty the identity
of any one individual, yet we choose to allow ourselves to be scrutinized by
a police state mentality in the name of safety. I realize I am getting off
topic for which this group is intended, but I lurk in this group from time
to time as it is my intention to buy a 35'-40' in the near future and dock
it in the Miami area. And as a law abiding citizen, I would like to be able
to retain the freedom to float my boat at will without constantly being
treated like a common criminal. As such, witnessing what the government has
done in the name of safety to the aviation sector, both commercial and
private, the topic of new TSA rules boating to and from the Bahamas peaked
my curiosity. Thanks for the reply.

s

Cruising Bahamas
 

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:lFgFb.9050$JD6.3215@lakeread04...


stealth wrote:


What exactly have our leaders changed regarding homeland security going
offshore and back? Given the dog and pony show they are selling in the
name
of our safety, I can only imagine the lunacy that they have implemented
against law abiding U. S. citizens that are boaters. As an airline pilot
and
avid aviator, I get to witness the idiocy you mention first hand! TSA is
nothing more than smoke and mirrors for the duped public who falsely
believe
otherwise.

Here is the latest word on Bahamas/South Florida clearing. First the
bahamian Government has softened a little. You can now exit and return
once in the first 90 days of the year long cruising permit. They have
also made it clearer that you are not to be charged overtime fees or for
the dinghy either on deck or towed.

On the US side, you can still clear customs by phone if you have a
sticker but Immigration wants in person check in. Once you have tied up
you have to take a $40 taxi ride to the airport or to Dodge Island.
While the crew is spending the day checking into the US, Osama can
unload the neuclear device and check into the Holliday Inn.




If I understand you correctly, customs never once visits the actual boat?
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish as to who is dumber; those that
create these idiotic laws or the people who continually vote these idiots
into office and allow it to continue. TSA is a farce and nothing more than a
police state affair that gives the uninformed a false warm and cozy feeling
that they are safe from terrorist harm. It amazes me how many people I meet
in my travels actually believe that the government/TSA is doing an
outstanding job of protecting us. Point in case, they strip search airline
pilots in plain view of the passengers, take away their nail clippers, and
then allow them to board the flight deck which contains a crash axe, flares,
AND complete control of the aircraft. It would seem logical that rather than
worrying about every pair of nail clippers that may or may not get on a
flight, safety would be better served if we concerned ourselves more with
"who" is on the flight rather than "what". If someone of middle eastern
origin balks at removing their turban for inspection due to religious
reasons, they are allowed to pass through security without fail due to the
fact they we don't want to racial profile for fear of making anyone angry.
Make note that all successful terrorist hijackers have been from those of
the middle east. Yet, TSA will demand that an elderly and frail grandmother
in a wheel chair be searched with no exceptions if they so choose. In
addition, if a crew member refuses to remove their hat, they WILL be fired,
and the TSA (not the FAA) now has full authority to revoke the airmen
certificates (license) of anyone that they (again, not the FAA) deems a
national security threat. This interpretation of who and why is at the sole
discretion of the TSA. Currently, there is no check and balance of this
outrageous power, and as such, we are at the mercy of minimum wage high
school drop outs in determining who can board and who cannot. My point is
that we have the technology to determine with utmost certainty the identity
of any one individual, yet we choose to allow ourselves to be scrutinized by
a police state mentality in the name of safety. I realize I am getting off
topic for which this group is intended, but I lurk in this group from time
to time as it is my intention to buy a 35'-40' in the near future and dock
it in the Miami area. And as a law abiding citizen, I would like to be able
to retain the freedom to float my boat at will without constantly being
treated like a common criminal. As such, witnessing what the government has
done in the name of safety to the aviation sector, both commercial and
private, the topic of new TSA rules boating to and from the Bahamas peaked
my curiosity. Thanks for the reply.

s

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes


"stealth" wrote:


"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:lFgFb.9050$JD6.3215@lakeread04...


stealth wrote:


What exactly have our leaders changed regarding homeland security going
offshore and back? Given the dog and pony show they are selling in the name
of our safety, I can only imagine the lunacy that they have implemented
against law abiding U. S. citizens that are boaters. As an airline pilot and
avid aviator, I get to witness the idiocy you mention first hand! TSA is
nothing more than smoke and mirrors for the duped public who falsely
believe otherwise.

Here is the latest word on Bahamas/South Florida clearing. First the
bahamian Government has softened a little. You can now exit and return
once in the first 90 days of the year long cruising permit. They have
also made it clearer that you are not to be charged overtime fees or for
the dinghy either on deck or towed.

On the US side, you can still clear customs by phone if you have a
sticker but Immigration wants in person check in. Once you have tied up
you have to take a $40 taxi ride to the airport or to Dodge Island.
While the crew is spending the day checking into the US, Osama can
unload the neuclear device and check into the Holliday Inn.




If I understand you correctly, customs never once visits the actual boat?

Well that's not quite correct. You can clear customs or at least
start the procedure by phone (although they do insist on a land line -
you can't or aren't supposed to be able to do it by cell phone
although I have managed to do so) whether or not you have a sticker.
If you don't have a sticker, you have to get one and then phone and
tell them the number to finish the clearing in process. (This is only
for boats over a certain length BTW)

But customs can, at their discretion, require you to wait at the dock
for them to actually visit the boat and do an inspection in person.
I'm pretty sure this is still the same. I heard that some ports of
entry were more likely to do an in person inspection than others.

I think it's pretty much the same in the Bahamas depending on the
port. In Bimini, Chub, West End, Morgan's Bluff and other small
places, one person gets off the boat and checks in with customs and
then with immigration. Actually I think at Morgan's Bluff you anchor
and they come out to you. Sometimes customs and immigration are the
same person and sometimes not. In Nassau or Lucaya, you tie up to the
dock and wait for them to get around to visiting your boat.

Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish as to who is dumber; those that
create these idiotic laws or the people who continually vote these idiots
into office and allow it to continue. TSA is a farce and nothing more than a
police state affair that gives the uninformed a false warm and cozy feeling
that they are safe from terrorist harm. It amazes me how many people I meet
in my travels actually believe that the government/TSA is doing an
outstanding job of protecting us. Point in case, they strip search airline
pilots in plain view of the passengers, take away their nail clippers, and
then allow them to board the flight deck which contains a crash axe, flares,
AND complete control of the aircraft. It would seem logical that rather than
worrying about every pair of nail clippers that may or may not get on a
flight, safety would be better served if we concerned ourselves more with
"who" is on the flight rather than "what". If someone of middle eastern
origin balks at removing their turban for inspection due to religious
reasons, they are allowed to pass through security without fail due to the
fact they we don't want to racial profile for fear of making anyone angry.
Make note that all successful terrorist hijackers have been from those of
the middle east. Yet, TSA will demand that an elderly and frail grandmother
in a wheel chair be searched with no exceptions if they so choose. In
addition, if a crew member refuses to remove their hat, they WILL be fired,
and the TSA (not the FAA) now has full authority to revoke the airmen
certificates (license) of anyone that they (again, not the FAA) deems a
national security threat. This interpretation of who and why is at the sole
discretion of the TSA. Currently, there is no check and balance of this
outrageous power, and as such, we are at the mercy of minimum wage high
school drop outs in determining who can board and who cannot. My point is
that we have the technology to determine with utmost certainty the identity
of any one individual, yet we choose to allow ourselves to be scrutinized by
a police state mentality in the name of safety. I realize I am getting off
topic for which this group is intended, but I lurk in this group from time
to time as it is my intention to buy a 35'-40' in the near future and dock
it in the Miami area. And as a law abiding citizen, I would like to be able
to retain the freedom to float my boat at will without constantly being
treated like a common criminal. As such, witnessing what the government has
done in the name of safety to the aviation sector, both commercial and
private, the topic of new TSA rules boating to and from the Bahamas peaked
my curiosity. Thanks for the reply.

s

grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

x-no-archive:yes


"stealth" wrote:


"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:lFgFb.9050$JD6.3215@lakeread04...


stealth wrote:


What exactly have our leaders changed regarding homeland security going
offshore and back? Given the dog and pony show they are selling in the name
of our safety, I can only imagine the lunacy that they have implemented
against law abiding U. S. citizens that are boaters. As an airline pilot and
avid aviator, I get to witness the idiocy you mention first hand! TSA is
nothing more than smoke and mirrors for the duped public who falsely
believe otherwise.

Here is the latest word on Bahamas/South Florida clearing. First the
bahamian Government has softened a little. You can now exit and return
once in the first 90 days of the year long cruising permit. They have
also made it clearer that you are not to be charged overtime fees or for
the dinghy either on deck or towed.

On the US side, you can still clear customs by phone if you have a
sticker but Immigration wants in person check in. Once you have tied up
you have to take a $40 taxi ride to the airport or to Dodge Island.
While the crew is spending the day checking into the US, Osama can
unload the neuclear device and check into the Holliday Inn.




If I understand you correctly, customs never once visits the actual boat?

Well that's not quite correct. You can clear customs or at least
start the procedure by phone (although they do insist on a land line -
you can't or aren't supposed to be able to do it by cell phone
although I have managed to do so) whether or not you have a sticker.
If you don't have a sticker, you have to get one and then phone and
tell them the number to finish the clearing in process. (This is only
for boats over a certain length BTW)

But customs can, at their discretion, require you to wait at the dock
for them to actually visit the boat and do an inspection in person.
I'm pretty sure this is still the same. I heard that some ports of
entry were more likely to do an in person inspection than others.

I think it's pretty much the same in the Bahamas depending on the
port. In Bimini, Chub, West End, Morgan's Bluff and other small
places, one person gets off the boat and checks in with customs and
then with immigration. Actually I think at Morgan's Bluff you anchor
and they come out to you. Sometimes customs and immigration are the
same person and sometimes not. In Nassau or Lucaya, you tie up to the
dock and wait for them to get around to visiting your boat.

Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish as to who is dumber; those that
create these idiotic laws or the people who continually vote these idiots
into office and allow it to continue. TSA is a farce and nothing more than a
police state affair that gives the uninformed a false warm and cozy feeling
that they are safe from terrorist harm. It amazes me how many people I meet
in my travels actually believe that the government/TSA is doing an
outstanding job of protecting us. Point in case, they strip search airline
pilots in plain view of the passengers, take away their nail clippers, and
then allow them to board the flight deck which contains a crash axe, flares,
AND complete control of the aircraft. It would seem logical that rather than
worrying about every pair of nail clippers that may or may not get on a
flight, safety would be better served if we concerned ourselves more with
"who" is on the flight rather than "what". If someone of middle eastern
origin balks at removing their turban for inspection due to religious
reasons, they are allowed to pass through security without fail due to the
fact they we don't want to racial profile for fear of making anyone angry.
Make note that all successful terrorist hijackers have been from those of
the middle east. Yet, TSA will demand that an elderly and frail grandmother
in a wheel chair be searched with no exceptions if they so choose. In
addition, if a crew member refuses to remove their hat, they WILL be fired,
and the TSA (not the FAA) now has full authority to revoke the airmen
certificates (license) of anyone that they (again, not the FAA) deems a
national security threat. This interpretation of who and why is at the sole
discretion of the TSA. Currently, there is no check and balance of this
outrageous power, and as such, we are at the mercy of minimum wage high
school drop outs in determining who can board and who cannot. My point is
that we have the technology to determine with utmost certainty the identity
of any one individual, yet we choose to allow ourselves to be scrutinized by
a police state mentality in the name of safety. I realize I am getting off
topic for which this group is intended, but I lurk in this group from time
to time as it is my intention to buy a 35'-40' in the near future and dock
it in the Miami area. And as a law abiding citizen, I would like to be able
to retain the freedom to float my boat at will without constantly being
treated like a common criminal. As such, witnessing what the government has
done in the name of safety to the aviation sector, both commercial and
private, the topic of new TSA rules boating to and from the Bahamas peaked
my curiosity. Thanks for the reply.

s

grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

That change came down a month or so ago. It does help
if you do hop back and forth that is for sure. If you are
heading over there for the winter then the extra $200 is
more of an annoyance than a deterent. I'm sure they will
come to their senses after they see the impact this season.

DOug
s/v Callista

"Kelton Joyner" wrote in message
...
It seems that the people not going to the Bahamas has had an impact on
the economy. The recently announced that the permit is now good for
muntiple entries. Two within 90 days. Now that probably doesn,t help
people who come down from the north for a couple weeks-months, it does
help those of us who like to jump over to Bimini for a weekend every few
weekends.
Kelton
s/v Isle Escape

Doug Dotson wrote:
Why didin't you say so. If Bob doesn't want to go
then that's it. WX windows are just a fact of life, we
had to wait 6 weeks last year. But six weeks anchored
in Lake Worth beats anything up here in Maryland.
I can agree that the Bahamas aren't that great. But
again aren't that bad. You made it sound like
the fee and reentry changes are the reasons you chose
not to go this year. Just those items are an unfortunate
fact of life and a minor inconvenience. We anchor out most
of the time and rarely stay at marinas as well. Nobody
ever made fun of us for it. Just the opposite actually.
They wish they had the skill and confidence to do it and
save all the money we did.

Doug
s/v Callista


We anchor out pretty much all the time so marina costs
are not much concern.
"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:


Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:


Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have

that

ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when

enough

people stay away.

grandma Rosalie

grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

That change came down a month or so ago. It does help
if you do hop back and forth that is for sure. If you are
heading over there for the winter then the extra $200 is
more of an annoyance than a deterent. I'm sure they will
come to their senses after they see the impact this season.

DOug
s/v Callista

"Kelton Joyner" wrote in message
...
It seems that the people not going to the Bahamas has had an impact on
the economy. The recently announced that the permit is now good for
muntiple entries. Two within 90 days. Now that probably doesn,t help
people who come down from the north for a couple weeks-months, it does
help those of us who like to jump over to Bimini for a weekend every few
weekends.
Kelton
s/v Isle Escape

Doug Dotson wrote:
Why didin't you say so. If Bob doesn't want to go
then that's it. WX windows are just a fact of life, we
had to wait 6 weeks last year. But six weeks anchored
in Lake Worth beats anything up here in Maryland.
I can agree that the Bahamas aren't that great. But
again aren't that bad. You made it sound like
the fee and reentry changes are the reasons you chose
not to go this year. Just those items are an unfortunate
fact of life and a minor inconvenience. We anchor out most
of the time and rarely stay at marinas as well. Nobody
ever made fun of us for it. Just the opposite actually.
They wish they had the skill and confidence to do it and
save all the money we did.

Doug
s/v Callista


We anchor out pretty much all the time so marina costs
are not much concern.
"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...

x-no-archive:yes



"Doug Dotson" wrote:


Rosalie,

Why are you depriving yourself of one of the finer points
of life just for a few extra dollars and a few extra procedures
to comply with? Your protest affects no one but yourself.
Life is too short.


BOb doesn't want to go. Therefore, I'm not going.

There's a lot of hassle to going to the Bahamas (I mean finding a
weather window etc.), and I just don't like the Bahamas THAT much that
I'm willing to put up with the extra fee, and the extra hassle on
coming back.

Some folks kind of look down on us because we don't anchor out every
night but spend money on marinas. And here you are telling me it's
just a few extra dollars. As I said - we could probably afford the
fee if that was all it was.


"Jerry" wrote:


Hopefully it will keep some of the rift-raft out.

I'm sorry you feel that way about us. We aren't going this year --

but in our case it's more because of the new 'homeland security'
regulations in regard to immigration than to the Bahamas entry fees
although that is a part of it too. I think the new regulations are
stupid and because they do not increase security at all but just
penalize the honest people I'm not willing to go to jail or be fined
to demonstrate that it IS stupid. I just don't know how to get
through the institutionalized stupidity.


"RWKxxx" wrote in message
...

We plan to go around the 10th of January

I am sorry to see anyone going to the Bahamas as long as they have

that

ridicules $300 entry free in place. It will be corrected only when

enough

people stay away.

grandma Rosalie

grandma Rosalie

Cruising Bahamas
 

That's true. I have a freid that departed here in October
for the BVIs. Was going to stop for fuel in the Bahamas.
He ended going down the coast instead.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:yshFb.9051$JD6.9037@lakeread04...


Kelton Joyner wrote:

It seems that the people not going to the Bahamas has had an impact on
the economy. The recently announced that the permit is now good for
muntiple entries. Two within 90 days. Now that probably doesn,t help
people who come down from the north for a couple weeks-months, it does
help those of us who like to jump over to Bimini for a weekend every few
weekends.
Kelton
s/v Isle Escape

What has me bugged is that it does not matter if you are "cruising" or
not. You have to pay just to transit Bahamian waters. I am working a
return delivery, Tortola/Ft. Lauderdale in January. Our three man crew
usually works on a set fee pluss airfare and gets to keep anything over
expenses. Because time is money we normally only stop at Puerto Plata
and Georgetown but $300 is a bit much to pay for one evening on dry
ground. Looks like we will have to make the run up the Old Bahama
Channel and hope we don't meet any Cuban gunboats.

It is going to be a long slog.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com