I hope to be on same ship same day. Since I'm leaving the HUBB meet in late Sep in California, would you reckon I could make it to Panama without 1000km days?

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Steven
Perth to Perth 2012

I will be leaving Phoenix on Sept 19 and will be averaging about 300 km per day to get there.

Maybe we will meet up. Email me at garry(at)gkramer(dot)ca and I'll send you my tentative schedule.

Garry

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www.AmazingRideforMS.ca
IBAID 26718 ,BMWMOA 117552, 2012 RED KLR650

The biggest one. it's a good option when the sea getting rough.The old captain Mechele has a disorganized crew (4 young girls). bad food, poor service but 100$ cheaper than others. I paid 850$ from Portobello to Kartagena in 2012.

Here are the link and some thoughts:

The Stahlratte
Some say it expensive, I say you get what you pay for. In my opinion you get a well oiled machine and a good reputation comes from year of service. I sailed with them twice, including the voyage to Jamaica and Cuba. I wish the boat was running when you need it...
http://www.stahlratte.org/27.0.html?&L=1

The Independence
I don't know much about this boat. It looks nice and I was thinking about taking it at one point. Dunno.
http://www.independence-ms.com/#!bikes

Jacqueline Catamaran (Fritz the Cat II)
I can't seem to find a website to make a reservation directly with Fritz. Your mileage may differ. This website is through a good hostel in Cartagena, the Mamallena. I stayed there. They require a deposit.
Panama City Hostels - Mamallena backpackers, Panama City | Panama City Hostels - Mamallena backpackers, Panama City

Below are some link to reviews for Jacqueline Catamaran (Fritz the Cat.) The boat is ~55 feet long vs. the Stalhratte 124 feet. Buy motion sickness pill either way and take them before the boat start moving. Some reviews talk about getting sea sick on Fitz the Cat. I don't remember anyone having problem on the Stalhratte going to Colombia, but a few had problems in the stronger seas going from Colombia to Jamaica. Motion sickness pills can make some people sleepy, but I recommend taking them.

The food is reported to be very good on Fritz as he was a chef. Meal on the Stalhratte were good, included lobster on my trip. Some reviews complain about over crowding on Fritz the Cat.

Positive blog post
Riding the Dream: Sailing on Fritz the Cat from Colombia to Panama

Mixed reviews
Sailing on the "Fritz on Jacqueline" from Panama - Cartagena Forum - TripAdvisor

I wouldn't book passage on the ferry given the stories that were posted on on the South America forum of the HUBB. I wish it was otherwise. I haven't seen any posts after the first voyage.

There is a recent post on the South America forum that details the steps and cost for airlifting from Bogota to Panama with Girag. Cost was $1030 per bike. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-bgo-pty-75383

If you airlift, you still have to buy a airplane ticket for yourself. By all reports a sea voyage is cheaper and more fun. Airlift is for those that get sea sick or have more money than time.

__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride

I sailed from Cartagena last year on t he SANTANA, The Captain was German and superb.The local hostels in Cartagena and Panama act as agents for the boats.

Your correct that there are all sorts of stories of dodgy boats and captains but I would strongly recommend you sail rather than fly. it's great fun and you see the San Blas Islands. Not to be missed. Just check out the captain!

One tip I was given... Check out nationality of the captain....if Colombian ...avoid! Not sure how true that is!
Anyway, thoroughly recommend SANTANA

I never heard of this boat, but quickly found a website where you can see the voyage scheduled, berth availability (for the Santana and the Jacqueline) and make a reservation (with $75 deposit.) The base price for passage is $550. I could not find the fee for motorcycle transportation. Guessing, I would say the fee for the bike will be $400 to $600 extra.

The Santana and Jacqueline
Colombia Panama Sailing | San Blas Sailboats

Not all sailboats transport motorcycles, but these do. During some months there is little or no wind. The Stalhratte motors and arrives on schedule. I have heard of boats sitting the water mid-voyage waiting for wind. Ask if the boat you are considering uses a motor if there is no wind. Another way to find out is to ask how long the boat takes to make the crossing. From time of departure, the Stalhratte takes 24-26 hours, using their motors.

Ask with the fee includes assistance processing the motorcycle importation paperwork. The Stalhratte provides an importation fixer and an insurance agent. Using the provided insurance agent is optional, but you might only save a few dollars and spend a lot of time shopping around.

I am curious if the Exito grocery store near the old town section sells motorcycle insurance. Months later I bought insurance at an Exito when I re-entered Colombia from Ecuador. The price was reasonable and fast service. If your captain doesn't connect you with an insurance agent, then try going to an Exito. I understand that some gas stations also sell insurance.

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Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride

+1!

a pretty tight schedule I would say. I hope you are not riding a KTM, cause then you will need MOOOOOORE time. (at least if you need help or parts, do not think that the so-called dealers along the way know what they do or have parts, very few...)
Good luck!

yea, I agree, pretty tight for sure.
I think Steve will be on another Triumph, but not sure.

But that only allows about 20 days. If in a rush & have no interest in Mexico or any of the Cent. American countries ... then YES, you could make it, but you won't get many rest days.

Figure a day for every border ... so roughly 7 days there. With no mechanicals or weather delays ... you could make it but you won't see much along the way. Keep in mind you'll still be in rainy season ... late Sept./Oct. famous for Huge Natural Disasters in Cent. America. Roads/Bridges fail, Huge flooding, sometimes roads are closed for WEEKS.

Maybe take some time in Mexico (most under appreciated country in the region, IMO) So much variety in geography, flora/fauna: Beaches, Jungles, Mountains, Deserts. All there in spades. By November the best weather comes (once rain stops). Coolest time of year. Each country in Cent. America has it's own character ... and each has a Pacific side and a Caribbean side .. which are night and day different. Many a Garden of Eden to be discovered ... if you only take the time!

Totally agree with all that was just stated. Mexico is amazing- so much to see and enjoy. Guatemala has a gorgeous indigenous culture that's still very much alive. Not a huge fan of Honduras, as mentioned, but Costa Rica is (expensive) but gorgeous. Nicaragua and Panama have tons to offer, too.