Dingy registration and insurance. in bahamas

[bahama bound]

Thinking about doing the.Bimini cruise in may and was wondering if a.10 foot zodiac would have to be registered and the outboard as well ? Also from what I understand my insurance doesn't cover the boat more than 20 miles off shore ?????? Any experience on these 2 topics would be appreciated???

[March]

Yes, I registered both the dinghy and a 2.5 HP engine. They gave me a sticker which was not all that expensive, if memory serves.

Two years ago in the Bahamas, nobody checked on our registration though. But then again, nobody checked whether we had spearguns in the cabin (they only allow Hawaiian spearguns in the Bahamas... good luck with those...) I guess it's better to play it safe: heard on the marine radio one day that somebody's dinghy went adrift at night, and it was recouped the following day and returned to the rightful, presumably registered owner.

[bahama bound]

Yes, I registered both the dinghy and a 2.5 HP engine. They gave me a sticker which was not all that expensive, if memory serves.

Two years ago in the Bahamas, nobody checked on our registration though. But then again, nobody checked whether we had spearguns in the cabin (they only allow Hawaiian spearguns in the Bahamas... good luck with those...) I guess it's better to play it safe: heard on the marine radio one day that somebody's dinghy went adrift at night, and it was recouped the following day and returned to the rightful, presumably registered owner.

Your home state gave.you the sticker or.got it in the bahamas ?

[March]

No, it's a Iowa sticker--letters and numbers, just like you have on your Mac

[seahouse]

Is there not a fee of some sort (Customs?) that must be paid upon landing in the Bahamas? Seems to me I read it somewhere (here)? that it was $200 range???

[Sea Wind]

I called my house/car/boat insurance company and my agent said that anywhere in Canada and within 100 nautical miles I have full coverage. So Bimini would be OK but not the Berry Islands.
Also, at least in Maryland, if your dinghy has an outboard it has to be registered.

[DaveB]

$150 entry fee in Bahamas, incudes fishing Lic.
Extended coverage of boat ins. to include Bahamas can be bought thru Boat US or few other Insurers.
My boat US insurance covers Bimini under normal policy. (offshore to 75 miles) .
Just let your Insurance know were and how long.
They don't give a hoot if you have a dingy in Bahamas, Hawian sling only to spear fish. (no spear guns)
Hawian sling is a 3 ft pole with two rubber slings attached and if you are good can be effective 12 ft away from fish, much better if your within 8 ft.
Dave

Is there not a fee of some sort (Customs?) that must be paid upon landing in the Bahamas? Seems to me I read it somewhere (here)? that it was $200 range???

[BlueJay]

The Bahamas wont care about the dingy. I think most if not all states require any boat with an engine to be registered.

[seahouse]

Thanks Dave.
- Brian