This Bahamian Says,
So Stay Home Already
I read your “Port & Starboard” debacle in May’s Southern Boating….Are you serious?
We realize the Bahamas rely heavily on the boating tourists and we appreciate the business enormously!
But the $300 that they have to pay is a pittance compared to what they get in return!
Have you ever seen how these pleasure cruisers (moochers and boat bums) behave? Throwing a MASSIVE amount of trash in our sea, taking fish and damaging the reefs, pumping out their sewage into our sea, and expecting rescuing at no cost if they get in trouble while cruising. They use our freshwater like it’s abundant, they bring most of their own groceries and rarely shop in our stores. When they do they complain about the lack of quality, selection and high prices, all whilst not realizing the heavy customs duties, shipping and electricity bills we have to pay to import, transport and store the goods.
If you can’t afford $300 for TWELVE MONTHS, THE BAHAMAS DOESN’T WANT YOU!! SELL YOUR BOAT AND GET A JOB . . . And NOT in the Bahamas!!!! That’s another story, as some of these moochers steal jobs, too, whilst here! Thank you for getting my “knickers in a twist” about this subject this morning, I’m now so incensed I want to write to our Bahamian government and insist they charge visiting sailors a LOT MORE . . . I would make it $1,000 per month, minimum!!
Ruth Thackray
via e-mail
Ed.: I see that some folks, probably not Southern Boating readers, haven't exactly been good citizens abroad. Within Ms. Thackray’s rant is a reminder to do unto others. . .
Kudos on Haulout Guide
I am in possession of the HAULOUT GUIDE from one of your past issues.
It is so excellent I am asking if you have multiple copies. I would like to place it in the forepocket of each of our marine surveyor courses. We enroll about 200 students/members internationally annually. Our students are experienced boaters/mariners/business people. Do you have extra copies?
Dr. Virginia Harper Ed.D.,
Navtech U.S. Surveyors Assoc.
Ft. Myers, FL
Ed.: Thanks for the pat on the back. We hope your students enjoy their copies.
Fuzzy Thinking?
After reading your article on mold removal, there are a few points that must be corrected. Bleach does not kill or remove mold; mold is a single cell plant that contains chlorophyll (same as grass and leaves), bleach only make the chlorophyll disappear. The mold spores remain, only this time supercharged to get even. The second correction needed is there are three things that mold needs to grow: moisture, food source and still air. Note, do not put a fan on visible mold, it could cause it to spread. As an avid boater and mold remediation contractor, by the way, great job on the magazine, I enjoy every issue.
Kevin White
Ft. Myers, FL
Ed.: Roger McAfee stands by his story and insists mold has no chlorophyll. Mold will grow in still or moving air, although he concedes that a fan will speed the process and spread.
Hey, That’s Us!
We have been living on our boat at Shelter Bay Marina [Panama] since last October and were there for the filming of the Bond movie in the article in your June issue. Having been readers of Southern Boating for years (and through a progression of larger and larger Changes in Attitudes), imagine our surprise when the article on the Bond film was featured. We were even more surprised when we saw a photo of our boat (p. 64), probably one of the very few trawlers with solar panels and wind generators. Would it be possible to get a copy of that photo?
Dottie & Larry Thompson
M/V Changes in Attitudes
Ed.: Wow, two subscribers to Southern Boating in the same small marina in Panama...Well, we DO get around. I’m e-mailing the photo. Congratulations on having the foresight to install alternative energy devices on your 50-foot Fleming prior to the rise in fuel prices.