Another Bahamas question-tender

[Mike36c]

Years ago I was told by a Bahamas Customs agent that tenders of 17' or less were included in the mothership's paperwork and didn't require separate clearance but I haven't been able to find it anywhere in print. Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[cb48lrc]

We just returned from the Bahamas. When we checked in they listed our 10 ft RIB and motor on the paper work. No big deal, no hassle we checked in at Bimini.

 

[Pascal]

I m not aware of any size limit. We always clear with a 14' rib and jet ski and they re just listed on main permit.

Afaik, bigger towed tenders (incl Center consoles) are also covered by the single cruising permit and fee.

 

[pmurphy]

Last year at Walker Cay customs office I was told 18ft and under, provided the boat can be hoisted on the mother ship, then no separate fee is due. We towed in a 17 ft Mako that couldn't possibly be put on hoisted on our 53MY, but they still didn't charge us. They can use judgement on the "hoisting" issue. We also had an 11ft inflatable on board.
This year we towed in a 23 ft Cobia and they wouldn't entertain a discussion of letting it through without paying the separate fee.

 

[Dan Mapes]

When we pulled into West End towing our 13' dink one of the dock masters went in and told the officers about it but nothing was charged.

 

[Mike36c]

Thanks guys, years ago I towed a 20' flats skiff and they always charged. This afternoon I bought a 13' whaler For island hopping fun this year so we'll see. My next concern is if/when they start nailing rec boats with the new VAT for stores on board. Nobody I know has been hit yet but the coconut telegraph is hot with rumors.

 

[Dan Mapes]

If it is on the boat you pull in with I would not sweat it. Just make sure the papers are all accurate.

Yeah I have been wondering about the VAT on consumables as well. A lot of their imports duties is all based on the agent's impression and valuation so we could be taken for a serious ride. It makes me reconsider stopping at some check in points given the attitude that is growing. West End was definitively less sociable last year, and I can easily skip it for any of the others in the Abacos. Much to the chagrin of the dock hands that get a good tip and etc..

 

[thoward]

We are going to loop around the abacos this summer. Hope my Rib is still in Grand....

 

[Hat52MY]

The past several years we have been going over with a 12' RIB in a cradle and a 16' RIB in tow. We typically clear in GTC or Spanish. To date we have not been charged a separate fee for the RIBS. Note the RIBs were clearly marked as Tenders with the T/T designation. This year will be interesting as we sold both ribs and will tow a 22' CC (designated with T/T). Will let you know once I'm over there what happens with customs.

 

[Pascal]

We clear at Cat, no issues with VAT for stuff on board when we cleared in early March, no questions asked. Never had any issues there.

We had guests flying in last month with a lot of booze, wine, champagne... No issues.

 

[Dan Mapes]

David I have never cleared at GTC or Spanish but have stopped in at both on many occasions. At GTC do they come over to the Green Turtle Club or do you travel to New Providence to check in?

 

[Hat52MY]

Dan - They have a customs agent at both Spanish & GTC. At GTC, the come to your boat & Spanish, they are at the bar. I have found tipping, $50 goes a LONG way in aiding the process.

 

[Dan Mapes]

Been there done that in Lucaya. Been scalped there twice. West End has two agents frequently thus this "tradition" is less frequent because they cannot get you one on one. I know people that have traded a case of beer or some ribs for leniency.

 

[Hat52MY]

Following up on my previous post. We just got back from the Bahamas. This was the first year with a 22' tender in tow (previous years it was a 16' RIB). Sad to say they had us register it as a separate vessal. When all was said and done, it netted out to be $80 ($100-20). No big deal. $100 to register the the second vessel but able to associate one person as "on-board" the vessel and thus saved $20 on head count on the primary vessel.

Personally, I think it just depends on who you get and the type of mood they are in at the time. We did not have our usual customs agent as they were off that day and the individual that cleared us was from the mainland airport and he was more by the book. I could not wait to get him off my boat.

On a side note, we had a friend who checked in a few days earlier with an 18' tender in tow and they did not get charged as a separate vessel.

 

[Mike36c]

We cleared at West End three weeks ago with no charge for our 13 whaler and no hint of any VAT taxes. I never much cared for West End but started clearing there a few years ago and the place is beginning to grow on me. Fast and courteous Customs, relatively cheap fuel, nice pool and a decent restaurant. The fishing is poor but it has made a nice arrive/depart point for our trips.

 

[Dan Mapes]

The notion that this all depends on the mood of the agent is entirely true. A few years ago we crossed with another couple. We asked for 8 months and got 4. They asked for 6 and got 3.
She came over to our boat (it was Thanksgiving) and having baked a turkey and pies on the way over, she asked me if I had spare plastic forks. I said ok, and knowing she was going to bribe them I asked her to put in a good word for us. She gave them two slices of pumpkin pie to seal the deal and it flew big time. LMAO.
They won the max, and he came out of the office looking at me directly. I put my arms up in the air and waved a bit of disgust.