Panama

jwclbi · #1 12-08-2009, 12:59 PM

Ok folks my cousin is a delivery captain and has run to panama 70 some odd times, and now I have chance to make the run sometime around christmas with him. The boat is a 39 Tiara so in the brief conversations I have had with him in the past few days we will be running through the bahamas to Jamaca and perhaps a stop in Mexico for fuel then to
Panama. Any of you guys done this trip? Between his work scheduel and mine and trying to get ready I havent had a chance to talk to him to much. Any thoughts or info would be cool. Thanks.

rcnight · #2 12-08-2009, 01:58 PM

Need any deckhands? Will work for beer!

jwclbi · #3 12-08-2009, 07:56 PM

RC, no need for now, but I like your plan, I'll work on my cousin for next time. I think thats all I'm getting paid!! I'm hoping for rum bonus!

Fr. Frank · #4 12-08-2009, 07:16 PM

Does the 39' Tiara have the legs to reach Mexico from Jamaica? That's 390 nm, and it takes you NNW from Jamaica, when you want to go south. If you want to go by way of mexico, going from Key West to Cancun cuts your longest leg down to 350 nm, but takes you a lot further west than you need to go.

If you run straight from Carlisle Bay in Jamaica to Cabo Gracias a Dios on the Honduran/Nicaraguan border, that makes your longest leg about 380 nm, and then it's only 170 nm to Isla San Andres, and then 220 nm to Colon Harbor in Panama. Isla San Andres has diesel fuel, but it's VERY expensive, as it's in JP5 form for use in aircraft.

Another alternative to San Andres there in the western Carib might be Corn Island off Bluefields, or even making Bluefields in Nicaragua. Corn Island also has a fuel dock and a dirt airfield. I was there in June, but I don't know if they have diesel. Most of the boats there are under 25' panga style.

jwclbi · #5 12-08-2009, 07:54 PM

I'm not a 100% on the next stop after Jamaica, due the size of the boat im sure its the closest and most direct location to Panama, as he likes to get there ASAP, but also likes the bahamas and a chance to have some fun there. Also in previous trips I know the captain has loaded extra fuel on board, but again not 100% what his plan is with this delivery. Thanks Fr. Frank, anymore thoughts would be great.

Ed · #6 12-08-2009, 07:57 PM

Sounds like a fun trip! Be safe and have fun.

Ed