No, I haven't dropped off the radar screen, I just had enough info. to answer my question. I talked to Captain Yoyo today and he said you can cross the Panama Canal without a passport as long as you don't leave the boat. Looking at the Noonsite info., it appears that you have to leave the boat to take care of paperwork, fees, etc.
As for his experience, he's been sailing all his life, but only within the states. However, he does not have a captain's license. As you can probably tell, he has a habit of ASS U ME ing he knows what he is talking about and finding out otherwise. He is in CA right now, but said he can't go any further until March? due to typhoons. In any case, we will see how far he gets! I certainly won't be with him; I have my own habit of following rules (plus a job, obligations, etc.). He does have one other guy on the boat to help him.
As for pics., I have seen the cannons (they are small), but have no pics. The boat is actually a yacht of this size in feet: LOA: 48, LWL: 35, Beam: 13, with a wt. of 30 tons.
I don't know anything about sailing but got this info. from the online sale record.
Why doesn't he just get a passport, you might ask? Well, if you don't believe this true story, you certainly won't believe the answer to this question!
Anyway, thanks for all the info. No offense, but I prefer speed boats, and will likely direct my attention to finding a "brighter" guy who owns one!