Darien gap: 'No Plastic Planet?'
 

Hello All,

Before I will carry a big bag with 1500 USD to a captain I've never met ,to embark on a boat I have never seen, I thought it couldn't hurt to ask around on the HUBB about this way of shipment.

The boat 'No Plastic Planet' seems to be reasonably priced to ship people and bikes across Darien, and is pretty big which I prefer. (I don't want to put our two fully loaded Africa Twins on the deck of a 40ft sailingboat)

Anyone experience with this boat?

Are you crazy ?
 

The price is 800 per on any boat i think so 1500 is a good price...I don't know the boat at all BUT -

If the Stahlratte is still sailing...take it.






Zig

Want to book this boat now, but need more people to make a reservation.
740USD all incl. for person and bike, shipping mid October from Panama to Colombia on ´No Plastic Planet´...
If you want to join+ please contact me!

comments on this boat appreciated
 

Hi dstehouwer,
I can't join you as this is not the time I go and I want to go the other way round. But I would of course appreciate your comments on this boat after your sailing...
Have a nice trip,
Sven

decided to go for Stahlratte instead.

No Plastic Planet expected from me to fill up their boat, which is a bit strange I think. Stahlratte has a clear schedule, and loads the bikes from a dock... way safer than from a Lancha at sea!
More expensive though, 820 USD rider+bike, the other boat offered me 690 USD including loading/unloading, 650 only shipment rider+bike

I remember when
 

Stahlratte was 675 I think...then up to 800...now 820 --still the best boat
by far !

Zig

Fritz The Cat is not a bad option also, we had 3 bikes on it.
Sean

stahlratte
 

'dstehouwer' -- stahlratte is an excellent choice, we were on it last season.
very well organised, efficient and good solid 47 odd metres of metal boat to get you there safely.
great crew and great fun.

one thing though, you mentioned stahlratte loads from a dock.

unless things have changed i think you'll find that your bike is put onto a lancha then taken out to stahlratte and then loaded.

don't be too concerned, though whole thing looks precarious but the guys have all done this many times and they know what they are doing.

good luck.

phil.

instead of many words
 

looked a bit dodgy but the captain of the stahlratte is a great guy!!!

some more pics
 

unloading looked even more dodgy

Now that I do like!!
Bikes and boats work great for me :D

Rollie is still there !
 

The worlds tallest deckhand/rtw rider ! bier

For about 50% more, you get your motorbike and yourself from Panama city to Bogota by plane. Much quicker, you'll be saving on food, lodging, and surprise fees. Much safer, you will not be hanging your motorbike with ropes above water. This doesn't answer your question, I know, but i thought i'd share with you.

What airline or travel agent do you recommend contacting in Panama City?

The freight company is called Carga. They have an office at the cargo airport in Panama and in Bogota, among others.

In Panama, the office is located at:
9° 5'10.49"N
79°22'24.89"W

When you get to the commercial airport, you'll hit a roundabout. At that point you'll the second exit as if going left (North-West). Follow that road, keeping in mind you'll want to hang a right at every major intersection you hit, and you'll end up at Carga.

Their only requirement is that you bring the bike with as little fuel as possible in the tank. The lady at that office knows her stuff, speaks some English, and is very helpfull.

In Bogota, the Carga agent i met at the airport escorted me to the custom office and did all the work for me to import the bike. Very helpfull and honest people.

It did cost me over 900$ (to be paid in cash) to ship the bike alone, one way, but to me, it was all worth it because of how easy and safe it was.

There are nice hotels near the American Ambassy in Bogota to stay at while waiting for your bike (one night).

Hope this helps!