Bahama Fee increase

Lazy Bones

IMHO, changes in the bag limits are worse than changes in fees.

They jacked up my rate (over 30) last year to $300, so this is actually a better deal so long as there is still a return trip inluded. The 31-35 foot boats got hammered worse last year when it doubled to $300. Now it's only a $50 per trip difference if you use it twice.

A $1/g fuel tax would suck out loud, esp for the boats that need to refuel on a weekend trip. It would limit 2 nighters for sure. I can do an overnighter easy without taking on fuel, but a 2 nighter may be tough dpeending on how far we run.

Higher cost coupled with an appearent increased scrutiny by USCG,FWC, etc... on the return certainly makes it less appealing.

Trollaltdelete

Back about four years ago when they changed the regs, we started going to the keys. We wound up selling the big boat, got a smaller keys friendly boat and bought a place on cudjoe. We rent it in the winter and go as much as we can the rest of the year.

I could not be happier. Fishing is great and we have all the comforts of a first world country. Never get a trip cancelled because of weather, just fish the backcountry. Tortugas are accessible, and plenty of great restaurants, music, groceries and tackle.

I feel sorry for the guys like Vida, but these things happen when you disincentivize people from coming over. It is not a zero sum gain.

Before they got too greedy, we used to go from 8-10 times a year. I just went to the blue water bash and I have to say, that I was missing the keys.

Come on down and keep your dollars in Florida!

Plane Fish n

Trollaltdelete wrote: »

Back about four years ago when they changed the regs, we started going to the keys. We wound up selling the big boat, got a smaller keys friendly boat and bought a place on cudjoe. We rent it in the winter and go as much as we can the rest of the year.

I could not be happier. Fishing is great and we have all the comforts of a first world country. Never get a trip cancelled because of weather, just fish the backcountry. Tortugas are accessible, and plenty of great restaurants, music, groceries and tackle.

I feel sorry for the guys like Vida, but these things happen when you disincentivize people from coming over. It is not a zero sum gain.

Before they got too greedy, we used to go from 8-10 times a year. I just went to the blue water bash and I have to say, that I was missing the keys.

Come on down and keep your dollars in Florida!

This was a GREAT post!!! :Agree:Agree

I feel exactly as you do. Matter of fact, I am planning my Key's trip as we speak.

Lastly, as I think about the great people like Vida and Linda at Bootle, I realize that it really is their responsibility to bring this to light and cause change.. it really shouldn't be our responsibility.

Maybe we can catch up down in the keys.

Thanks

Cheers

Plane Fish n

SFCarl wrote: »

doesn't this start in 2014?

Hey Carl,

I looked up OBB's Facebook as ScottR suggested and he is absolutely correct with their feelings about this increase.

Apparently it is for July 1st 2013 and not 2014. Here is what was printed on their Facebook Page:

We do have independent confirmation of this, but thought we had better get the news out. The government does not give us prior notice on these changes, so we may all wake up Monday morning to higher fees.
IMPORTANT: This just in from the Marine Operators of the Bahamas.

Bahamas boat entry fees to increase EFFECTIVE JULY 1. Fee for pleasure vessels 35-feet and under entering The Bahamas--$250 (was $150 for 30-ft or less). Fee for vessels exceeding 35-feet--$400 (was $300 for more than 30-ft.) All fees include three passengers. Additional passengers above the age of six, subject to a tax of $20 (no change).

Marinas/resorts expecting U.S. visitors in July, may wish to let their guests know in advance so that there are no surprises upon entry.

Kevinwwings2

Darn and after updating my GPS card I spent the extra $200 on the Bahamas chip, wish I had not done it now.

GT Fish

http://forums.floridasportsman.com/showthread.php?118222-new-customs-fees-7-1-2013

Email the govt. !!! I think they are re-thinking or changed it back?

Plane Fish n

Kevinwwings2 wrote: »

Darn and after updating my GPS card I spent the extra $200 on the Bahamas chip, wish I had not done it now.

Kevin, which GPS unit do you have?

ScottR

UPDATE ON BOAT ENTRY FEES: The Marine Operators of The Bahamas and Bahamas Tourism Office has confirmed that the scheduled increase in boat entry fees, which were to go into effect July 1, has been postponed. No determination on a new date. Details and updates to come as they unfold.

Just snagged this off the web on a Face-**** page

Plane Fish n

ScottR wrote: »

UPDATE ON BOAT ENTRY FEES: The Marine Operators of The Bahamas and Bahamas Tourism Office has confirmed that the scheduled increase in boat entry fees, which were to go into effect July 1, has been postponed. No determination on a new date. Details and updates to come as they unfold.

Just snagged this off the web on a Face-**** page

Thanks Scott,

I had sent this email to Mr. Miller earlier ([email protected]):

Dear Mr. Miller,

Although your website does not reflect the price increase instituted on 01 July 2013, for boating and fishing permits, it has come to the attention of the forum members of the Florida Sportsman Magazine Fishing Forum that in fact, this has taken place.

We have had posts from members who have been levied the increased permit price and needless to say, they are not happy.

I have enjoyed the Bahamas over the years but am sad to say that I will no longer be boating in your country as long as your increased fees are in place.

I think that whomever makes these decisions (they appear to be spur of the moment decisions without thought) should answer to the kind and wonderful people who run your many hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions and explain to them why their sales have fallen off and they can't make utility payments, mortgage payments, employee payroll and the like.

I had 3 days planned at Bootle Bay in West End 2 weeks from now however, I have now canceled my plans.

I will be going to the Florida Key's where fisherman and the sports enthusiast are welcomed and not gouged.

I have been coming to the Bahamas since prior to your independence and this is not the first time that the Bahamian Government has tried to increase their user fees at an exponential rate.

Mr. Miller, you can only cry wolf just so many times.

Enjoy your summer in the Bahamas as you will have no problem finding a hotel room to bed in or a restaurant to eat in.

Cheers

Eric

century7

Trollaltdelete wrote: »

Back about four years ago when they changed the regs, we started going to the keys. We wound up selling the big boat, got a smaller keys friendly boat and bought a place on cudjoe. We rent it in the winter and go as much as we can the rest of the year.

I could not be happier. Fishing is great and we have all the comforts of a first world country. Never get a trip cancelled because of weather, just fish the backcountry. Tortugas are accessible, and plenty of great restaurants, music, groceries and tackle.

I feel sorry for the guys like Vida, but these things happen when you disincentivize people from coming over. It is not a zero sum gain.

Before they got too greedy, we used to go from 8-10 times a year. I just went to the blue water bash and I have to say, that I was missing the keys.

Come on down and keep your dollars in Florida!

Well said.

The only thing is when you look though PaulBoats thread in the Fishing Section and you see the water and the beaches you can see why people still go to the Bahamas and will pay the higher cost. Those pics he posted are amazing. I agree keep the money in Florida but I think there is some allure to taking your self to an international destination. Granted I will not be going to the keys or Bahamas anytime soon.

Plane Fish n

century7 wrote: »

Granted I will not be going to the keys or Bahamas anytime soon.

Oh I'm not sure about that..

I think I am going to list you as a dependent on my taxes ... Your dad would love that wouldn't he??

I spend almost as much time with you as I do with my own sons. grin:grin

If we go.... you might have to come with us.

brianb

"The only thing is when you look though PaulBoats thread in the Fishing Section and you see the water and the beaches you can see why people still go to the Bahamas and will pay the higher cost. Those pics he posted are amazing. I agree keep the money in Florida but I think there is some allure to taking your self to an international destination. Granted I will not be going to the keys or Bahamas anytime soon."

I don't think that Paulboat is typical, and he is going over for a month at a time, and likely numerous other times through the year. Obviously, some people, many people, are going to continue to go. I expect that many small boaters however will not go, and I hope that many of the larger/richer boaters who can go anywhere they want will go someplace else. With the larger/richer boaters it will be a matter of principle and feeling like you are wanted and welcome someplace. Also, I certainly see and have experienced the allure of a foreign destination with clear waters, but let us not forget the wonderful place we do live (soflo) and remind ourselves that people from other parts of the country think this is a tropical paradise. UJS

century7

brianb wrote: »

"The only thing is when you look though PaulBoats thread in the Fishing Section and you see the water and the beaches you can see why people still go to the Bahamas and will pay the higher cost. Those pics he posted are amazing. I agree keep the money in Florida but I think there is some allure to taking your self to an international destination. Granted I will not be going to the keys or Bahamas anytime soon."

I don't think that Paulboat is typical, and he is going over for a month at a time, and likely numerous other times through the year. Obviously, some people, many people, are going to continue to go. I expect that many small boaters however will not go, and I hope that many of the larger/richer boaters who can go anywhere they want will go someplace else. With the larger/richer boaters it will be a matter of principle and feeling like you are wanted and welcome someplace. Also, I certainly see and have experienced the allure of a foreign destination with clear waters, but let us not forget the wonderful place we do live (soflo) and remind ourselves that people from other parts of the country think this is a tropical paradise. UJS

Well said and you are correct that is a month trip so I see the difference. I was more just speaking of the some of the ocean views and undisturbed areas. There are very few places in Florida where you can see that water color and undisturbed beaches. Florida does have some amazing places I think one of the most amazing and one that flies under the radar is Everglades National Park. I have not been in a few years but that place always amazes me. I agree it is nicer to give the money on travel to Florida business as opposed to a county that seems to just want to get every penny they can.

AMERICA!

century7

Plane Fish n wrote: »

Oh I'm not sure about that..

I think I am going to list you as a dependent on my taxes ... Your dad would love that wouldn't he??

I spend almost as much time with you as I do with my own sons. grin:grin

If we go.... you might have to come with us.

I do not think you could afford to feed me. Besides your son is always jet setting around the country seeing the best of what America has to offer well I am just hanging out in Florida twiddling my thumbs.

Kevinwwings2

Plane Fish n wrote: »

Kevin, which GPS unit do you have?

Furuno Navnet1 in C-map.

duckmanJR

We should let Paula Deen negotiate for us....She's between jobs now....and knows just what to call those Bahamian politicians who think that they can just "bend over Americans and do as they wish"



My take on the Bahamas...an island Ghetto...with pastel colored houses catering to cruise ship cattle.... " Braid your hair for $50 mon "....

I'd rather go fish oil rigs out of LA.....and spend my cash in America...

F them!

Next Level

duckmanJR wrote: »

My take on the Bahamas...an island Ghetto...with pastel colored houses catering to cruise ship cattle.... " Braid your hair for $50 mon "....

Have you been to Key West lately?:grin

duckmanJR

Next Level wrote: »

Have you been to Key West lately?:grin

Actually...yes....

Was down on Ramrod last year for a fishing/family vay-kay.....
The ladies wanted to see Key West(that means go shopping)wife wanted to see the cats jump thru hoops of fire at Mallory square. I said I would do that with her cat if she'd let me when we got home!...Hoola-hoop, Gasoline, Match,... and her cat.. :rotflmao

ScottR

duckmanJR wrote: »

My take on the Bahamas...an island Ghetto...with pastel colored houses catering to cruise ship cattle.... " Braid your hair for $50 mon "....

You must be heading to the places where they dump the tourons... :rotflmao

Try Grand, or Bootle, or McCleans Town. On second thought, don't go to McCleans Town... Nothing to see there...

duckmanJR

The trouble with being older....is you were there....before "it was cool" to be " There".....
The Bahamas of old....are long gone...It's a "money Mon" mentality....If it wasn't....we wouldn't be talking about a 60% fee increase....

Plenty of stuff just as nice in America...Montana...in summer...is breathtaking....

F Those....what was it Paula called them again? :rotflmao

ScottR

Oh wow.... someone who can ragale us with 'been there done that' stories as if no one else has.... :rotflmao

Montana? Nah.... Try Alaska... But I don't have to do the 'been there done that'.....

Enough Already

On the wall at Big Game Customs office. Got there just in time (6/29) to beat the increase . . .

Plane Fish n

Kevinwwings2 wrote: »

Furuno Navnet1 in C-map.

Gotcha..

If it were a Garmin, I could have helped you out.

Cheers

duckmanJR

ScottR wrote: »

Oh wow.... someone who can ragale us with 'been there done that' stories as if no one else has.... :rotflmao

Montana? Nah.... Try Alaska... But I don't have to do the 'been there done that'.....

No sport...just telling it the way it is... For ME ....as they say..." Your mileage may vary" Plenty of people will continue to go....and that will not change my life one bit.

And you are right about Alaska....it's on the list...I just hope that when I'm driving the Al-Can...The Canucks don't put up toll booths every mile! :rotflmao

Traveller5220

The VAT is a bigger concern like Lazy Bones says.....what's gas going to be at Rosie's and green turtle? $7.50 a gallon?


#The Marina Operators of the Bahamas (MOB) interim chief yesterday warned that a 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) could cost this nation hundreds of millions of dollars, effectively “driving business out of the country”.

#“I don’t think imposing a VAT tax on the marina business makes any sense,” said Peter Maury. “If marinas increase their costs by 15 per cent it’s going to drive business out of the country.

#“We sell water, power and fuel. The boaters come here and they pay dockage fees, they pay for fuel, they buy groceries and other consumables. Fuel is the highest revenue generator in this country. They already pump a lot of money into the economy.”

#Mr Maury, interim head of the 61-member organisation and manager of the Atlantis marina, added: “If we are not going to welcome these types of persons, we are shooting ourselves in the foot.

#“Obviously, no marina operator in this country is going to eat that 15 per cent. It is ultimately going to be passed on to the consumer. It may cause them to lose business but they can’t eat that 15 per cent.

Plane Fish n

Quote Originally Posted by Kevinwwings2 View Post
Furuno Navnet1 in C-map.
Gotcha..

If it were a Garmin, I could have helped you out.

Cheers

You're welcome?????? :shrug :rotflmao

Plane Fish n

Has anyone else written to Mr. Miller of the Bahamas Tourism Board and received an answer?

Cheers

GT Fish

Plane Fish n wrote: »

Has anyone else written to Mr. Miller of the Bahamas Tourism Board and received an answer?

Cheers

I never got a response..