Bahamas Charter Boat/Home Renting?

[capttonyf]

Does anyone know the legality of an American owning a boat for charter in the Bahamas? Also the legality of an American owning a home in the Bahamas that is rented out for weekly vacation rentals. I've been to numerous places throughout the Bahamas where people fly in for a weeks vacation and have very limited options for Charter Fishing or diving. It just happened to me in the Exumas. A family who was staying in the cottage/hotel was walking the dock and asked me if I knew of any charter boats to go fishing. I told them I didn't but suggested asking at the hotel or bar. They said they did but the only option was small CC Boats and they wanted something bigger because they had kids. I told them I would've just taken them along for fun if we were going, but we were heading to Nassau the next day.

It got me thinking, and that's when I realized there really aren't many places that offer charters, Nassau does, but none really at the smaller out Islands. Depending on the location, I would think it would be pretty easy to book Americans on Vacation rental/Fishing packages so long as there is a way to fly in and fly out.

Does anyone have any insight to this?

Thank You.

Tony

 

[Pascal]

Re: Bahamas Charter Boat/Home Renting

There are many vacation rentals from bungalows to big homes that are available in the Exumas (and other parts of the Bahamas) many if not most owned by American citizens. If you google the topic you ll find plenty of info, the rules are pretty simple.

As to charter boats, it is legal for US flagged yachts to charter in the Bahamas although you can not solicit business in the Bahamas. Bookings go thru stateside brokers. Also need to pay an annual permit/inspection, costs based on loa. So in theory your can't have flyers at a hotel and collect payments in the Bahamas, the clients woudl have to go thru stateside broker. I ve been checking the latest rules as we re about to start running an 84 Lazzara on charter there

There are a number of fishing charters available in Staniel, incl some larger CC around 35"/40' with knowledgeable local captains. Shogun (Clifton 242 535 1474) is excellent, we ve used him for guests before) There is also a recent 70' hatt (temptation I thin) based in Staniel that does multi day charters, pretty sure she s US flagged. I guess bookings go thru a us broker

 

[capttonyf]

Re: Bahamas Charter Boat/Home Renting

There are many vacation rentals from bungalows to big homes that are available in the Exumas (and other parts of the Bahamas) many if not most owned by American citizens. If you google the topic you ll find plenty of info, the rules are pretty simple.

As to charter boats, it is legal for US flagged yachts to charter in the Bahamas although you can not solicit business in the Bahamas. Bookings go thru stateside brokers. Also need to pay an annual permit/inspection, costs based on loa. So in theory your can't have flyers at a hotel and collect payments in the Bahamas, the clients woudl have to go thru stateside broker. I ve been checking the latest rules as we re about to start running an 84 Lazzara on charter there

There are a number of fishing charters available in Staniel, incl some larger CC around 35"/40' with knowledgeable local captains. Shogun (Clifton 242 535 1474) is excellent, we ve used him for guests before) There is also a recent 70' hatt (temptation I thin) based in Staniel that does multi day charters, pretty sure she s US flagged. I guess bookings go thru a us broker

Thanks for the quick response, if you could let me know what you find, and I'll look into it as well. If I hear of anything out of the ordinary I'll be sure to let you know also.

Thanks Again.

Tony

 

[Fanfare]

There are many obstacles for foreigners owning property in the Bahamas. I was told (but did not verify) that in Harbour Island a homeowner is expected to hire three staff--gardener, housekeeper, cook--for 12 months a year, whether the house is occupied or not. Only foreigners pay property taxes. As the Bahamas credit rating sinks more $ (make that $$$) will be needed. Guess where it is going to come from? Electricity, water, sewage are questionable.

RENT, don't buy. When you are looking for property you are a prince. Once you buy you become a HOSTAGE!

So many Americans come to the Bahamas hoping to profit from the climate and ambiance. Have a look at the chain of bankruptcies which follow: Cape Eleuthera, Chubb Cay Club, Old Bahama Bay at West End, Royal Island, the new development at North Bimini. Most Bahamians are lovely people. But those that run the government are the descendants of pirates, wreckers, civil war blockade runners and rum runners--all illegal. Old habits die hard!

P.S. Word wrap works--hooray!!!

 

[capttonyf]

There are many obstacles for foreigners owning property in the Bahamas. I was told (but did not verify) that in Harbour Island a homeowner is expected to hire three staff--gardener, housekeeper, cook--for 12 months a year, whether the house is occupied or not. Only foreigners pay property taxes. As the Bahamas credit rating sinks more $ (make that $$$) will be needed. Guess where it is going to come from? Electricity, water, sewage are questionable.

RENT, don't buy. When you are looking for property you are a prince. Once you buy you become a HOSTAGE!

So many Americans come to the Bahamas hoping to profit from the climate and ambiance. Have a look at the chain of bankruptcies which follow: Cape Eleuthera, Chubb Cay Club, Old Bahama Bay at West End, Royal Island, the new development at North Bimini. Most Bahamians are lovely people. But those that run the government are the descendants of pirates, wreckers, civil war blockade runners and rum runners--all illegal. Old habits die hard!

P.S. Word wrap works--hooray!!!

Very interesting take on the matter. I truly appreciate everyone's knowledge and opinions based on their different experiences.


Tony