We received our transit date through the Panama Canal: February 13th. We were informed the transit would likely be completed in a single day. The canal authorities were scheduled to inspect and measure our boat a few days prior. We knew that vessels under 50 feet incurred one fee, while larger vessels (over 50 feet) were charged significantly more (over 3 times the smaller vessel fee). We were also advised to offer refreshments (snacks, cookies, and cold drinks) to the inspectors.
Two days later, three uniformed canal officials (two men and a woman, presumably the supervisor and two staff members) arrived to measure the boat and check our paperwork. The paperwork was in order, but the measurements presented a problem. Although our boat was registered as 45 feet, their measurements indicated otherwise. They measured from the foremost point of the bow to the rearmost point of the stern, including the pulpit and everything above deck (excluding the mast, for this inspection).
We offered them refreshments (more cold drinks) and attempted to subtly “reduce” the boat’s apparent length. I had the idea to measure through the cabin, from a forward window to a rear door, rather than over the roof. We tried this, but the new measurement was still 50 feet and 1.1 inches. The supervisor insisted we were over the 50-foot limit.
The most protruding point on the bow was the spinnaker pole fitting. Removing it would bring us well under 50 feet, as it extended about 10 inches beyond the boat’s line. We agreed to remove it. However, the supervisor then stated, “But you haven’t removed the pole yet.” We assured him we would. We then proceeded to remove the bolts securing the fitting, which was further secured with additional lines. Within an hour, we received certification that we met the canal’s size requirements.