Hi Steve -- we're back in Florida temporarily to get some work done on the boat. Hopefully this winter we'll gunkhole the west coast of FL & the Keys, maybe get to the Exumas since we've never been. Sounds like you're thinking of coming through the canal to the Caribbean side? Then where?

RE: Bars ... they'll keep out an opportunistic intruder -- it's easier to find the next boat without bars. BUT we don't have any illusion that if someone is intent on mischief or worse, they'll figure out a way to get in. The only reason our set up works is because our companionway door is so heavy -- but a stout crowbar and some tools and they'd be in. If we were aboard, we'd definitely hear them, but we're not sure what then. We don't carry firearms because neither of us is trained to use them. We do carry bear spray and that has repelled more than one intruder in our personal knowledge.... as long as you don't fire it out a porthole with the wind blowing in in all the excitement!

Cheers! Jan