Bahamas Lowers Permit Prices | 10 Mistakes Boaters Make | Great Loop Docking - 4/6/2026

THE BAHAMAS GETS THE MESSAGE Despite the Bahamas being one of the best cruising grounds in the world, when the government raised the cost of permits to "soak-the-rich" levels, boaters simply stopped going there. As a result, as of April 1, 2026, the cost of cruising permits has returned to reasonable levels. There are new types of permits and new cruising permit tiers, and AIS tracking on vessels over 50 feet. 

THE 21-FOOT WHALER At just over 21 feet, the Boston Whaler 210 Vantage shows how much function a dual-console layout can pack into a trailerable platform. Her 20-degree deadrise hull and Mercury V6 power delivered 42-mph performance in BoatTEST runs. Convertible lounge seating, fishing options, and Whaler’s foam-filled construction reflect the builder’s long focus on practical family boats.
 

BENETEAU WEEKENDER At just over 36 feet, the Antares 11 Fly follows the builder’s practical cruising approach with a layout focused on time outside. The saloon opens onto the cockpit, and a compact flybridge adds a second helm and seating above. Below, a forward cabin and second berth sleep three total, supporting easy coastal weekends.

18 BOATS A YEAR Fleming builds around 18 boats a year, and the 65 is the sweet spot in their lineup. At 70'10" overall with twin MAN 800-hp diesels and 1,700 gallons of fuel, she'll run well past 2,000 nautical miles at trawler speeds. Five cabin layout options, a full-beam master, salon and galley on the same deck, and a flybridge wet bar. 
 

MAKING BOATING AFFORDABLE The Sovereign Boat Fleet's new program eliminates both annual and monthly fees, and offers charter packages from a 1-day to constant use, depending on an individual's boating needs. Now, SBF Members can choose the number of days wanted for boat use, and pay only for those days. This new program makes chartering the premium-quality SBF vessels even more affordable than before.   
 

SBF boats are located in Brandenton/Cortex, St. Pete and Palm Beach.

LAND LOGIC FAILS Most unsafe moments on the water start with something that feels minor at the helm. A poorly timed pass, the wrong VHF channel, or a wake thrown in the wrong place can ripple outward fast. This guide walks through everyday behaviors that seasoned captains watch for and explains the physics and rules that turn small decisions into bigger problems.
 

NOT ALL DOCKS ARE FRIENDLY A quiet stop on the Illinois River turns uneasy after sunset. What starts as a routine dockage near Peoria slowly shifts into something else as voices carry across the wall and the crew locks down for the night. Buddy boats tighten up, police are contacted, and the question becomes simple: ride it out until morning or leave immediately.