Bahamas Screws the Tourists again.

Dan, no problem. We return to the states on Monday so I will send them early next week.
 
I know it makes no sense, and I know many that tow dinks. Sailboats, power boats, all sortsa boats. CCs in tow sure. But not a 13 foot RIB.
 
At this point in my life, while still working, I can afford $250 for my 30' boat. Will I pay it to them, NO WAY IN HELL!

Dan, we'll see you next spring in the Keys perhaps? :-)

I'll let the idiots go out of business and then I'll buy myself an island :-)
 
I'm making a motion here:

For the next 3 years NOBODY go to the Bahamas. Let them learn their lesson.

The Florida Keys ain't that bad. Take the northern route instead of Hawk's Channel. For the most part there's the same water as the Abacos. The least I saw was 5'. And there's 4G service EVERYWHERE! :-) Screw the Bahamas. Dumb-asses.
 
It brings to light the cliche a fried drops about the Bahamas. Their idea of a friendly working relationship is a handshake and a canceled check.

Actually the quip goes like this;

"Their idea of a good tourist is one that gets off the plane, hands them a check, and then gets back on the plane and leaves".

It's a shame because a few people over there really p.o.'d these people.
 
I do feel sorry for the private marinas as this is going to kill them. But like us, they need to vote "better".
 
quote:
Originally posted by Silver Lining

Capt Bill, about to head over to the Poop Deck in about an hour! That was a great recommendation.

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The Poop Deck is a classic with pretty good conch salad. Not as good as the ones made at the stalls under the bridge perhaps but still respectable. Enjoy!
 
I think I've had my last conch salad. I'll make my own from now on (I've seen the guy do it in Marsh Harbour - the secret is having really dirty hands!).
 
Yeah, but all squeezed through really dirty hands.
 
quote:
Originally posted by mixman

I'm making a motion here:

For the next 3 years NOBODY go to the Bahamas. Let them learn their lesson.

The Florida Keys ain't that bad. Take the northern route instead of Hawk's Channel. For the most part there's the same water as the Abacos. The least I saw was 5'. And there's 4G service EVERYWHERE! :-) Screw the Bahamas. Dumb-asses.

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While I understand your feelings but the Keys are not the Bahamas. While I enjoy the Keys, the water, fishing, scenery, diving and people are not the same. It really is "Better in the Bahamas" IMHO.

Sadly I think this will perhaps hurt Bimini most. And have little effect on the more Northern, Easterly and Southern islands.

I believe fuel prices play a larger role as a determining factor for a boat owner as to whether boats go to the Bahamas or not for a lengthy cruise.
 
Unfortunately the keys area great for small boats but have very little to offer to the bigger boats. Few anchorages, only one outside route and limited marinas. Even Hawks is marginal over 5'

I think Bimini will lose boaters to the keys but there is just not way to compare the keys to the exumas and by the time you add up all the costs the extra $100 is nothing.
 
I, for one, vote with my money. To me, $250 for the "privilege" of spending more of my money to support a local economy doesn't bode well. I take it as a slap in the face. We only have about 2 to 2.5 weeks of time we can spend in the Abacos, so I do not see the value with this fee increase. Yes, when we have more time and can make it to the Exumas I will probably pay it. I would tend to think at least some of the center console crowd that shoots over to the Abacos for a weekend would feel the same way. So I think West End, Lucaya, Green Turtle, etc. will see a negative impact from this just as Bimini likely will.

The backwards logic of politicians never ceases to amaze me. It makes no business sense to charge people to spend money. If they need more income, make it more inviting to visit, not less. If this is about the boats that come over and don't spend a dime (you know, the really, really SLOW boats!), then make it some sort of "deposit". Give $250 worth of coupons back in exchange that local businesses treat as cash. Now that would be quite fair in my book. But that would be way too complicated for any government to run as a program. Perhaps they could just give away free cellphones...
 
These comments sound, to me, a lot like those made the last time they raised the cruising fees. After a while most of us accepted the fees and went on over . You supposed this is deja vu all over again?

Roy
 
quote:
Originally posted by Roy

These comments sound, to me, a lot like those made the last time they raised the cruising fees. After a while most of us accepted the fees and went on over . You supposed this is deja vu all over again?

Roy

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This might be more like "the straw the broke the Camel's back".
Bill
 
Originally posted by mixman

I, for one, vote with my money. To me, $250 for the "privilege" of spending more of my money to support a local economy doesn't bode well.
[/quote

It works out to less than $15/day. Your rum/beer bill has got to be twice that. :-)
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Especially when there are 2 extra's to buy. :D

I still haven't found the regs on a tow WRT the fees.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

It works out to less than $15/day. Your rum/beer bill has got to be twice that. :-)

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You got me. It's not about the money, but rather the principal. Besides, the Keys are similar enough to the Abacos, but with infrastructure. I'm still working when we're there, so a nice 4G connection is preferred. In 4-5 years when we have more time I'm quite sure I'll be paying the fee and we'll finally get to see the Exumas. So in the meantime, I'll put that $250 to use elsewhere. Heck, at $4/gallon that's a full tank of fuel for me!
 
Ok, Rick it looks as though you must have a large tow. The bill being passed (at least I think it is being passed) outlines the new fees, and the tender policy.

See Bahamas Maritime Bill page 37 and page 38.

BTW it also mentions only 3 firearms may be brought over. Dang, I guess I'll have to cut back.
 
Years ago I was told that Its all about local, island politics. The larger resorts and more popullated areas seem to be able to swing such onerous rules and regulations with ease.

Uunderstand the situation of doing a long visit in the "old Days". Relaxed atmosphere and small islands made a great first impression on my family. Then we started to have small nickle and dime increases. Some of the charm left my mental calculations. That warm, bakery goods delivered by boat to the moorings was getting to lose its charm. We started on going to the Keys ten years ago and never looked back.
 
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