Hey Randy,
Let's definitely get together on that front and see what I should bring for the trip.
We'll probably see you on Saturday, right?
-T
Memorial Day trip to Port Lucaya
- Thread starter Odyssey
- Start date
Hey Randy,
Let's definitely get together on that front and see what I should bring for the trip.
We'll probably see you on Saturday, right?
-T
ray306
New Member
Hey Randy
I don't have confirmations yet but there may be a number of people come out of Port Everglades
Ray
I don't have confirmations yet but there may be a number of people come out of Port Everglades
Ray
Odyssey
Active Member
As far as I know, we're on for saturday and the lake. Ray, are you still coming this weekend? the weather might just cooperate.
Randy
earthmover17
New Member
Hey Randy,
I followed Ken and got reservations at Lucaya 21st thru 25th.
I am also thinking about crossing through OKE to stuart in middle of March to do some diving provided weather is good.
Seems like your out and about quite a bit and I have no agenda so maybe we could hook up.
If not I look forward to meeting everyone in May. Should be a fun trip.
One question if I could. Does customs look over the boat once you have cleared customs. I usually carry weapons and a lot of beer would this be any issue.
Thanks Jack
I followed Ken and got reservations at Lucaya 21st thru 25th.
I am also thinking about crossing through OKE to stuart in middle of March to do some diving provided weather is good.
Seems like your out and about quite a bit and I have no agenda so maybe we could hook up.
If not I look forward to meeting everyone in May. Should be a fun trip.
One question if I could. Does customs look over the boat once you have cleared customs. I usually carry weapons and a lot of beer would this be any issue.
Thanks Jack
missnmountains
Active Member
Ditto on the weapon(s) for us. Jack I believe it or they must by declared and kept locked (including ammo) while in the bahamas.
Yea!!! for the beer.
Yea!!! for the beer.
Odyssey
Active Member
I have never had Bahamas Customs board my boat while checking in. They always sit in their office and wait for you to show up.
Regarding weapons, this is from the Bahamas.com web site -
You must declare all onboard firearms with Customs. You must provide the firearm serial number and manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. Though you are allowed to have a firearm on your vessel, you cannot take it off the vessel unless you obtain a permit from the Bahamian police ahead of time. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. Any infraction of this law is dealt with severely.
Regarding beer, we always take whatever we want and don't report it. I usually take 8-10 cases of american non-lite, it is very valuable for bartering as well and consuming.
Randy
Regarding weapons, this is from the Bahamas.com web site -
You must declare all onboard firearms with Customs. You must provide the firearm serial number and manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. Though you are allowed to have a firearm on your vessel, you cannot take it off the vessel unless you obtain a permit from the Bahamian police ahead of time. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. Any infraction of this law is dealt with severely.
Regarding beer, we always take whatever we want and don't report it. I usually take 8-10 cases of american non-lite, it is very valuable for bartering as well and consuming.
Randy
Regarding Customs - has anybody ever had any experience with the Local Boater Program?
Customs To Ease Florida Re-Entry for Boaters
November 2007
In an effort to make it more convenient for U.S. boaters arriving in Florida from a foreign port to report their arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is offering a pre-departure registration program.
Until now, everyone arriving was supposed to call Customs to report their arrival and then come in person to one of their offices within 24 hours, which could be miles from a marina or closed during non-business hours. Many cruising boaters also do not have cars and must take taxis to find the nearest office to clear in.
The Local Boater Option program began in October and gives boaters in Tampa, Miami, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands the choice to register in advance with the agency. That registration would eliminate, in most cases, a requirement to meet with officials after every foreign visit.
Under the new process, boaters will be allowed to complete a one-time registration with their local Customs office. Officials say every person aboard an incoming boat must have a registration number in order to bypass the interview process, so unfortunately, everyone who is going to be on board must apply in person ahead of time for the registration number. This makes it difficult to invite last minute guests or racing crew.
For information or to enroll in the Local Boater Option, call 800-432-1216 or 800-451-0393.
Customs To Ease Florida Re-Entry for Boaters
November 2007
In an effort to make it more convenient for U.S. boaters arriving in Florida from a foreign port to report their arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is offering a pre-departure registration program.
Until now, everyone arriving was supposed to call Customs to report their arrival and then come in person to one of their offices within 24 hours, which could be miles from a marina or closed during non-business hours. Many cruising boaters also do not have cars and must take taxis to find the nearest office to clear in.
The Local Boater Option program began in October and gives boaters in Tampa, Miami, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands the choice to register in advance with the agency. That registration would eliminate, in most cases, a requirement to meet with officials after every foreign visit.
Under the new process, boaters will be allowed to complete a one-time registration with their local Customs office. Officials say every person aboard an incoming boat must have a registration number in order to bypass the interview process, so unfortunately, everyone who is going to be on board must apply in person ahead of time for the registration number. This makes it difficult to invite last minute guests or racing crew.
For information or to enroll in the Local Boater Option, call 800-432-1216 or 800-451-0393.
trit21
Active Member
That is how we did it last year when we went to Bimini. One phone call, tell the agent all the persons on board and their respective Boater ID's, and you are cleared. No more going to the office to meet in person.
We went with a group from where we bought our boat and they handled all of that stuff for us. So, not sure of how to register and what is exactly required but it was a lot easier when returning.
I will look thru my paperwork tonight and get back on here if I have any information that is useful.
We went with a group from where we bought our boat and they handled all of that stuff for us. So, not sure of how to register and what is exactly required but it was a lot easier when returning.
I will look thru my paperwork tonight and get back on here if I have any information that is useful.
Odyssey
Active Member
We registered with the LBO when it first came out and it is awesome. No more driving to Port Everglades to check in after a long crossing. 2 phone calls and you're set. Of course, you need to have a crossing decal to do it right but I feel better doing it right.
I'm pretty sure you have to pre-register in person with Customs so you can use the service (that's what we had to do). Once you do that, you're ready.
Randy
I'm pretty sure you have to pre-register in person with Customs so you can use the service (that's what we had to do). Once you do that, you're ready.
Randy
Odyssey
Active Member
Odyssey
Active Member
ray306
New Member
Hey Tim
Local boater option is the only way to go. Make sure that everyone who will be on your boat gets registered and has a card since those that don't will still have to make the trek to the port. btw looking forward to meeting you this weekend in Boca.
Ray
Local boater option is the only way to go. Make sure that everyone who will be on your boat gets registered and has a card since those that don't will still have to make the trek to the port. btw looking forward to meeting you this weekend in Boca.
Ray
FYI, I called CBP today in Ft Lauderdale and directed me toward an Officer Gama - He was gone, so I'll speak with him tomorrow.
This will be really nice to have as it's a pain to go to the freaking CBP office and do the re-entry interview.
trit21
Active Member
We would like to but just don't think it would work out this time. We thought about it, but I am hoping we can meet some of you S.FL boaters this year on one of our trips down to WPB or wherever.
If we can make it, we will but as of right now it just doesn't look like it. Thank you very much for the invite and we will take you up on it in the future for sure. :thumbsup:
earthmover17
New Member
I also called customs today and they told me to bring in my passport and boat registration and that's all I needed. Although as previously posted every one that will be on the boat will physically need to go in and register.
Jack
Jack
missnmountains
Active Member
Hey Jack we also did the LBO and the CBP in Ft. Myers. Easy at the airport. We have several trips planned before May, but this one is the most exciting one we have planned.
If you are around the SW between now and May before our trip, let me know. We will probably do one more down to the Keys or up to Venice to see my uncle at the yacht club.
Let me know.
If you are around the SW between now and May before our trip, let me know. We will probably do one more down to the Keys or up to Venice to see my uncle at the yacht club.
Let me know.
earthmover17
New Member
Ken,
I am always in to going somewhere so keep me posted. At the moment I am fixing any and everything that could possibly give me any problems for the Bermuda trip.
It simply amazes me how much there is to do on a boat as big as ours. I could spend 40 hours a week and still not get everything done.
Oh well a hole you through money into (ahh but what fun).
Jack
I am always in to going somewhere so keep me posted. At the moment I am fixing any and everything that could possibly give me any problems for the Bermuda trip.
It simply amazes me how much there is to do on a boat as big as ours. I could spend 40 hours a week and still not get everything done.
Oh well a hole you through money into (ahh but what fun).
Jack
missnmountains
Active Member
I hope that was a typo. "Bermuda" is a long way. LOL. We are still in. We too are having service completed this week. Oil, Filters, Impellers. Get's pretty expensive.
We might take a two to three day trip in Mid April down to key west if you are interested.
We might take a two to three day trip in Mid April down to key west if you are interested.
