Advice on Trucking a Boat Across Florida

[Anomaly]

Looking for advice/suggestions regarding moving (via truck) a sailboat from Sarasota to the east coast of Florida. Trying to get into the ICW as quickly as possible (not sure I have the time or the inclination to try the Okeechobee Canal) Looking for options: Would it be best to just go up I-4 and then look for a marina in the Port St. John area? Thanks in advance for any suggestions from those more familiar with Florida than I am.

[Surveyor]

State Road 70 straight across the state to Ft Pierce, Stuart or West Palm. Lots of marinas, supply houses, etc. I am partial to the area.

[forsailbyowner]

I used a local boat hauler that saved me a ton. He had a hydraulic trailer that lifted boat off stands and set on stands. Don't know your details, from where?

[Anomaly]

ForSail....., from Sarasota. When you say "local" do you mean someone in Tampa or someone in New York? If the former, would you mind supplying their name? I need to move a 33' sailboat that is currently in the water (in Sarasota) to somewhere on the east coast of Florida where I can get in the ICW for the trip north. Based on the other reply, I will start looking into marinas near Ft. Pierce to inquire about offloading the truck and stepping the mast there but I'm still looking for suggestions for haulers. Thanks.

[skipmac]

I used Tom Wagner. I think he's based in Tampa area. His cell phone is 321 689-3431. Did a great job.

[forsailbyowner]

I suspect I used the same guy, Tampa based Tom, 321-689-3431

[wingonwing]

On a different note, I'm looking for some advice were planning on buying a 39' in Jacksonville I dont know Florida that well. I would guess you'd want your boat off the Gulf still Hurricanes are'nt partial creatures. Where in your opinion is the best place to wait out Hurricane season in Florida. Where are live-aboard slips the most affordable..
We looked at a few spots (Ft.Lauderdale etc.) and 1200 and up a month seems a bit harsh. Is that the norm ? We were hoping for more like $10 - $12 a foot or so..am I off the mark ?

[skipmac]

On average, marinas and overall costs in south florida will be the most expensive in the state. The further away you get from Miami/Ft Lauderdale the more likely you will find lower rates.

As far as ducking hurricanes, it's a toss up. Even New England gets whacked once in a while. Jacksonville would be about as good as anywhere but I would watch the weather closely and be prepared to move the boat or have it hauled if you see one headed your way.