[Jonathan316]

Hoping for tolerance & patience from experienced cruisers, wondered if I might find a few answers to odd tangent questions about the cruising lifestyle.

What is the threat of crime against cruisers? Mainly in the context of the Caribbean, is theft of - or from - your boat an issue of concern when cruising? Guess I am too American to grasp the concept of tying a $1800 dingy to an unknown dock for some daytime be-bopping for provisions and fun; never mind my floating home left naked. How common is theft or vandalism in the Caribbean cruising world -- or anywhere else for that matter? Must admit this scares me a bit, and causes me great concern for the welfare of my family, guests, and toys. How do you get over this anxiety? More Rum?

Related to that, generally how responsive are boating insurance companies to those travelling in far off places? If I return to a slip to find my transom crushed by some unknown mystery source, or find my el-neato charting computer gone from its mooring, should I anticipate having the resources to deal with it right then and hope to settle claims later? What -are- the most common insurance issues/problems/claims for long-term cruisers and liveaboards?

Last, is being "messed with" by local authorities a valid concern for a Caribbean cruiser? I never really thought much about having my boat molested by strangers. But I read the article in the Aug ''03 "Cruising World" magazine about the Cuban-cigar-smuggler fella, where he says "The boat was searched roughly a dozen times, but never that extensively." HUH? What''s with ''a dozen times'' in what was apparently a couple/few-week cruise? Although there seem to be missing holes in this story, that one statement really surprised me. Just how common is it to be boarded by authorities or strangers? And aside from polite subservience, what should a (legit) cruiser do to help make them go away quickly and happily? Do you have to maintain a license log like a cross-country US trucker, filled with permits and licenses for each locality you might travel through? I have no interest or desire for any illegal activity; nor wish avoidable association with those who work against it. Heck, I don''t even like cigars (grin).

Sorry to be such a negative and paranoid newbie... If someone could hold my hand on this I''d probably get leeward of it real quick.