Boo Jay
I think Jay Coyle has a somewhat distorted view of the Bahamas cruising permits. It seems he discounts the fact that many boaters are not fishermen yet the cruising fee includes a fishing permit. Why can't the Bahamian government issue a cruising permit for non-fishermen at a reduced cost?
Jay also states quite correctly that the cruising permit is good for one year, however, most of us work and cannot stay for the year and when we want to come back, we can only do so once in a 90-day period. That puts the cost at $30-$50 a day for two 3-5 day stays (plus another tank of fuel to get there) and more like $60-$100 per day for the average boater (assumes a boat above 35 feet) who can only visit once in a season. I also think that doubling the fee for boats above 35 feet discriminates against the middle class boater and should be triggered at above at least 45-50 feet where a few hundred dollars more in cost means less to the more affluent boater. Both of these issues combine to discourage middle class boaters from visiting the Bahamas and that will become more acute as fuel prices continue to rise. If that is Mr. Coyle's desire, as he stated in his last sentence, or the desire of the Bahamian government, then they both support a policy that accomplishes that goal.
David Nace
Deerfield Beach, FL
We’re in this together
Chuck Husick’s article points out some very good information however, it opens with a misleading statement. There isn't a fuel bias as to why you require them. “You outboard owners can relax: this gear doesn’t concern you…” It is the installation of the engine or generator that dictates the need; not the fuel. In 2007, our company sold a significant quantity of gasoline generators–the majority went to boat builders and about 98 percent were in O/B boats. Just about all have anti-siphon valves!
Water is the number one killer of generators with the number one mistake an improper installation of either the intake scoop or poor routing of the exhaust hose to and after the muffler. Number two is over cranking. If the engine doesn't start and you keep cranking, the raw water pump continues to fill the exhaust system and eventually the engine. The third case of wrecked gensets is lack of anti-siphon valves.
One last point on anti-siphon valves; they are designed to leak air into the system. And sooner or later they will leak water. Do not install them over any valuable equipment!
Tom Piper
via e-mail
Fee Confusion
About the cruising permits in the Bahamas, Jay mentioned it is $300 for 12 months....Did they just change that? Last year we paid $300 for three months. Hope you can help as summer is almost here and we are thinking about our Bahamas trips this summer.
Jones Marine, Surveyors
& Consultants, Inc.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Ed.: All cruising permits are issued on an annual basis, depending on the size of the boat, and are good for up to four passengers. The confusion could have arisen due to the clause that says the fee, which includes a fishing permit and departure tax for up to four passengers, is good for up to two entries during a 90-day period. Regulations and the Customs Clearance Form can be found on the Bahamas Tourism Web site at bahamas.com.
ArtisticallySpeaking
I loved the [May] issue. The cover with a painting warmed my heart. I have painted that very boat–unfortunately, mine didn’t turn out so well. Our tradition for many years is to dine at Matisse in Nassau on our way to the Exumas. I hope to see you there.
Judy Britton
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Molto Bello!
Another fine piece of technology from Sr. Paolo the impressive staff of Sciocco di Aprile!
Hopefully revenues from the SistemaBEO, in addition to last year’s SPM drive, will allow the firm to add more staff. Additional staff may allow them to generate breakthrough technology more frequently than every April. But, then again, perhaps not!
J. Davis
Melbourne Beach
Thanks for the Exposure
I want to thank you for including the Soluna 46 in the Down East preview. We know the real value of this exposure and cannot tell you how much we appreciate it. With your help and others in the industry, it appears the Soluna line is going to be a success.
Wayne Helms, President
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Exposed vs. Enclosed ??
Thank you for including the Eastport 32 in the [Down East Guide] of the Swimsuit Issue. It became vary apparent how popular your magazine is and the number of people who pay attention to the details. In one case in particular, I have to thank you for introducing a feature of our boat that we had not considered, as your description of our “exposed head” elicited many requests for a demonstration at the Palm Beach Boat Show; we literally had droves of people coming to see this unique feature. Of course, we also had the opportunity to show our large, fully equipped, “enclosed head” so we felt very well-equipped for a 32-foot Boat.
Tom Weaver
Eastport Yacht Company
Annapolis, MD
Ed.: I guess that proves the adage that’s there is no such thing as bad publicity. Sorry to disappoint, that’s an ENCLOSED head. And BTW, Tom, that’s the April issue.