Sailing Zataravideo
How to Transit the Panama Canal (our THIRD time through!)
7 May 2026 · 20 min · 175K views · Panama Canal
What this video covers
The crew of a Beneteau transits the Panama Canal for the third time, completing the passage in a single day by departing Shelter Bay Marina at 4:30 a.m. and reaching the Pacific side by late afternoon.▶ 0:12 The transit requires four competent adults to manage lines at the boat's corners, plus a captain.▶ 18:26 The total cost for the vessel was $4,500, which included a $500 fee for an agent who handled the paperwork and logistics.▶ 17:49 The canal authority assigns an advisor to vessels under 20 tons to oversee the transit, though owners may also hire professional line handlers for $100 to $150 per person per day.▶ 18:34 The crew utilized their own fenders and lines to facilitate the process.▶ 18:03 During the transit, the owner completed an electrical upgrade by installing Victron components, including a Cerbo GX, to automate and monitor the boat's solar array and battery bank, which are protected by thermal breakers.▶ 7:08
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