Bahamas Screws the Tourists again.

boatbum

boatbum

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I don't understand their mentality. They are going to raise the fees for boats coming into the Bahamas to 250 for 35' and under, and 400 bucks above 35'.

Yeah, in light of the cost of going there by boat it isn't that much more. But it isn't going to help their economy any if this causes an adverse reaction.
 
I can see this really cutting into the "weekender" crowd. It's expensive enough over there as it is. Adding another $100 for small boats is not a good idea. But it is nice to see that politicians around the globe are as stupid as the ones we have here in the States.
 
Well said, Bob.

It will be interesting to watch how much of an impact this has and how quickly the Bahamians will have to back-track. It's not like they've got crowds of boats like they used to. And this price increase is so typical of politicians. In the private sector if business is down you LOWER prices, not RAISE them! Morons.
 
+1 to Bob and Kurt. While we really wanted to be in a position to cruise the Bahamas when we retire, between things like this and the other expenses it is getting harder to justify doing that past maybe one time. Already thinking/looking at areas on both sides of the state that would give us more or better cruising to the southern part of the state and the keys. I still have a few years to figure things out but the one time plan of spending all our vacation time in the bahamas is getting smaller and smaller.
 
I would think for the smaller boat crowd there won't be a crowd soon if they keep this up.
It might not effect the 1 time trip of a lifetime boaters otherwise I hope it impacts them immediatly for their stupidity.
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by mixman

I can see this really cutting into the "weekender" crowd.
Click to expand...


I think Bimini will take it on the chin especially hard. South Florida week enders will certainly think twice now.

Bob
 
Bimini has been going downhill for 10 years, ever since they started the fees... This is not going to help them.

I don't think it will affect those who go the for longer amount of times or cruise further in. $400 is not much in the big picture of fuel, water etc but you can bet that just like any other tax fool have raised, revenue will go down.

I do wonder how accurate this is, I know Dan got this from the ABaconian page but I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else.
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

Bimini has been going downhill for 10 years, ever since they started the fees... This is not going to help them.
Click to expand...


Pascal, do the guys that go over to fish the bank on weekends bother to clear customs when they enter Bahamian waters at all? Or do they take their chances and just fish and leave?

Bob
 
Dan, if you get that larger tender you're total is going to be $650!?!?!
 
Kurt No, the tender comes along for the ride and always has.

Pascal- Old Bahama Bay is stating they have independent confirmation about the rate increase effective July 1st. Just in time for the weekend of the 4th. Apparently Bahamas Coastal Angler Magazine was also informed.
 
I m sure some folks don't clear , I know many dont clear us customs on the way back, which is not worth the risk. Either way.
 
I KNOW some folks that have not cleared. It's not often you hear people own up to it but I have heard it directly and I was astounded. With things like the Local Boater Option and the SVRS system it's a no brainer.
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatbum

Kurt No, the tender comes along for the ride and always has.

Pascal- Old Bahama Bay is stating they have independent confirmation about the rate increase effective July 1st. Just in time for the weekend of the 4th. Apparently Bahamas Coastal Angler Magazine was also informed.

Click to expand...


Are you sure? Joe and Becky got hit for that Mako of theirs. They didn't used to but about 2 years ago they started to have to pay the second fee if towing.
 
I'll consider turning the boat around if they pull that crap on us. Joe and Becky were hauling at least 17 feet of CC that was tricked out. We will be pulling a 13 foot RIB.
 
I would guess that if you check in at West End you'll be fine with a RIB (when's the last time those people ever left their office?). I think Joe and Becky got nailed at Spanish. But just beware if you're thinking of moving to something they think you can fish from.
 
Actually we have never used Freedom or the dink to fish. About all we have done is go out for conch. It will not have rod holders and such so I don't think it will be an issue. At least I hope not. I'll work with them if they try to whack us and hopefully they don't try to put us in jail but I cannot see paying all that extra cash for a RIB.

Edit:

Don't forget, the VAT tax of fifteen percent kicks in next Summer.

They really have their heads up their asses. Instead of collecting tariffs and property taxes because they listen to developers, they will shoot themselves in the foot thinking this will make up for it all.

We'll see. But based on what we have seen over the last 5 Winters, they are going in a very wrong direction.
 
If the marinas on Bimini, or elsewhere in the Bahamas for that matter, are smart they will offer some kind of offset on the increase in the form of slip, room, food or fuel rebates if you show you cleared in at that island.
 
It is true that they are going to raise the customs fees to 250 and 400. I am in the marina office at Atlantis as I type this, and they just handed me an "official" dosument with a customs stamp as of June 28 stating the new regulations. It is suppose to go into effect next week. No changes in tender fees. If you can carry it, it is free, if you have to tow it, then there is a fee. No other changes, still includes the fishing permit and 3 entries.

Capt Bill, about to head over to the Poop Deck in about an hour! That was a great recommendation.
 
Since we will be towing next year there is a very good chance we will not return.

Rick:

If you could scan those regs and ship them over I'd appreciate it.
 
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