Delivery Captain from San Diego to Seattle

[Compass Rose]

We're considering buying a boat in San Diego and hiring a delivery captain to bring it up to Seattle. We've trucked a boat in the past but never hired a delivery captain and have no idea how to go about finding a dependable, reputable one.

Does anyone know of a delivery captain you would recommend? Any input about how to find a good one? I'm sure there are some good ones out there and some not so good ones.

The other option is to have the boat trucked north, but I'm thinking that would be more expensive and more of a hassle.

I'd appreciate any referrals, suggestions or other input anyone has.

[jacob30]

Mustad Marine is top notch. 510-325-9892. Google for the website. Highly reccomended and is on the west coast. Does that route frequently. Of course you are going against the prevailing current.

[boatman61]

Not pushing myself forward for this as that coast holds no appeal for me whatever... but there are a few on here who are likely very capable of doing the job and have the 'Local' knowledge to to it in the safest way/time...
I'll name no names as they'll likely PM you... just read the thread 'Delivery Captain Rates?'....
Its all there.... names, prices, ethic's the whole shebang....

[djmarchand]

How big is your boat. When I used to live in SoCal I read an article in the OC Register by a local delivery captain. He said he wouldn't take any boat less than 40' around the capes heading north.

So any less than 40', truck it.

David

[unbusted67]

Look at Cruisers & Sailing Forums - View Profile: rebel heart

He is a pal of mine and a very good Captain. He lives is San Diego.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

Look at Cruisers & Sailing Forums - View Profile: rebel heart

He is a pal of mine and a very good Captain. He lives is San Diego.

Was not sure if/how I could do that...
Not personally aware of his skills.. but he talks sense...
Which is more than I do...

[CharlieCobra]

Nasty trip at the best of times... We will bring a boat North to the shop on occassion but prefer the I-5 route...

[Compass Rose]

Thanks everyone for the input. I've never made the trip north but have heard plenty about how nasty it is. I wouldn't want that to be the shakedown trip on a new-to-us boat!

David, the boat is 40'.

Jacob, I will check out Mustad Marine. Thanks for the receommdation.

[bobconnie]

It's not to bad if you go offshore and come back in to Seattle The long way! LOL at least it's easier on the body and vessel ! just my 2 cents that comes from Many Many trips Up and Down the west coast Bob and Connie

[donradcliffe]

Consider a nice cruise to Hawaii and then north from there--much more fun and easier on the boat.

[Capt Phil]

Compass Rose, as a retired delivery skipper, the time of year you want the delivery to be completed is critical. Bob and Connie's advice is sound. Do you plan on being aboard for the delivery? The later you leave in the spring the further apart the storm patterns roll down the coast and the larger the windows of good weather. You will take it on the nose all the way up once you turn Point Conception but there are many spots to hide out from bad weather if you choose the coast route. The other alternative is to head out towards Hawaii and do the circle skirting the Pacific high which is sitting unusually further north this year. It can be a much more comfortable trip but a little longer point to point. Should you choose to take the coast route, make certain your skipper has experience on bar crossings in the event he or she needs to duck in out of the weather and has a sound mechanical background on the power systems you have aboard. Good sailing... Capt Phil

[Cheechako]

also, beware of the tsunami debris... evidently it's the size of California according to the news last night... and arriving on the coast of WA as we speak.... and will be for a couple of years or more...

[Capt Phil]

Good advice, Cheechako... I had forgotten that all that stuff was headed our way. Would be an interesting trip sailing through all that junk! Cheers, Capt Phil

[gjordan]

I did a lot of deliveries up and down the coast between San Diego and as far north as Coos Bay. There are many anchorages along the coast that are usually only used by fish boats, but give good protection from northwesterlies. When you are tired of getting the stuffing knocked out of you, there are places to tuck in and make a hot meal and sleep. All in All, I would vote for the truck route with a 40 footer. If everything is properly stowed the truck route will be easier on the boat and when it arrives you can really inspect the rig, run new wiring, check sheeves, etc. Interview truckers and get recommendations from boatyards and this forum, because they can be good or bad also. ___Best of Luck____Grant.

[Cheechako]

Yeah.... there are pics of houses floating our way! As well as boats, bottom side up!