Boat registration in the Bahamas

[John C.Darst II.]

Dear Members:

Could someone please tell me the procedure for registering my 35 foot boat in the Bahamas, not a cruising permit but rather a permanent registration permit with boat numbers. I have a bill of sale from the prior owner, but so far have not registered the boat in Florida. I did not want the register the boat twice.

John C. Darst II.

jcforensics@att.net

561-389-8140

[Alan Brown]

You must pay a 6% import duty on the value of the boat in order to register it in the Bahamas. This rate applies to boats 30-100 ft. in length. The value of the boat is usually determined by the price shown on the bill of sale. Make sure the BOS is notarized. If the Bahamian tax officials question the boat's value, they have the right to adjust it.

You pay your import duty at the Tax Collector's office, then take your paperwork down to the Port Captain's office. He'll give you some forms to fill out, charge you $100 for your annual registration, assign you some registration numbers, and off you go. It took me about an hour to complete everything.

It's a good idea to know in advance what island you'll be keeping your boat at as the reg. numbers start off with the island designation. For example, HT represents Hopetown, MOW for Man-O-War, etc.

One of the nice things about registering your boat in the Bahamas is that you'll never have to worry about cruising permits. You can also proudly fly a Bahamian flag from the stern of your vessel.

I hope this helps.

[Ychtfish]

Can you provide me with a web-site that details all of the requirements? I am considering registering a 28' that i am in the process of purchasing in the US and may elect to register in the Bahamas for long time usage.
Thanks,
Kenny

[pelicanpete]

Can you provide me with a web-site that details all of the requirements? I am considering registering a 28' that i am in the process of purchasing in the US and may elect to register in the Bahamas for long time usage.
Thanks,
Kenny

Here's chapter and verse from the Bahamas Government website:

http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/statutes/statute_CHAPTER_277.html

Hope it helps.

[abacobob]

Does anyone know??

If a US citizen registers his boat in the Bahamas, can he still operate in the States or would a US cruising permit be required?

Thanks

[marc]

you will need a crusing permit in u.s. waters. it is avaliable for any time period up to 12 mo. the cost is 19$
marc

[dp]

The import duty on boats is now 10%.

[.info]

Does the new 10% tax apply to boats over 30 ft....is it less for smaller boats?