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A full Panama Canal transit for a 40-50 foot sailboat costs $3,000-$4,500, including ACP fees, agent fees, line and fender rental, and linehandlers. Agents in Panama also handle admeasurement scheduling, flag registration, temporary importation (cruising permit) and departure clearances (zarpes).
Panama Canal transit agency, flag registration, temporary importation, cruising permits and departure clearances (zarpes).
Panama Canal transit agency (booking, admeasurement, line and fender rental, linehandlers), Panamanian flag registration, temporary importation and cruising permits, zarpes and clearances with the maritime authority (AMP).
You're transiting the Panama Canal, arriving in Panama under a foreign flag, registering your boat under the Panamanian flag, or you need a zarpe to move between ports or leave the country.
An agent experienced with handline (small craft) transits at the ACP, knowledge of the AMP and customs, itemized written pricing (official fees vs agent fees), and communication in your language.
All-in Canal transit (40-50 ft sailboat): $3,000-$4,500. Panamanian flag registration: $1,500-$3,000. Annual cruising permit: ~$200 plus agent fee. Zarpes and clearances: $50-$150.
For a 40-50 foot sailboat, a full transit costs $3,000-$4,500: ACP fees (the largest share), agent fees, line and fender rental, and linehandlers. Larger yachts pay higher tolls. Book 2-4 weeks ahead: slots fill up in high season (February-April).
Four lines of at least 125 feet (38 m), adequate fenders and four linehandlers besides the skipper. Before the transit, the ACP performs the official admeasurement on board, and an advisor accompanies you throughout. At 8 knots under engine the transit takes one day; slower boats usually take two, with a night in Gatun Lake.
Panamanian flag registration costs $1,500-$3,000 and takes 2-4 weeks. You need the title, the deletion certificate from the previous flag, a tonnage certificate and valid insurance. Panama runs one of the most competitive registries in the world, and the agent handles the whole process with the AMP.
If you arrive in Panama under a foreign flag, you need a cruising permit costing around $200, usually valid for one year. It lets you cruise and leave the boat at Panamanian marinas or boatyards without paying import duties. An agent can arrange it in a few days.
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