Road transport

[Chris777]

What us the norm for boat haulers? I have several quotes where they want 50% up front and rest at delivery. Seems strange to me, they have my boat and want 1/2 the money too. What will make the transporter perform?

Demons to me 100% upon delivery makes more sense. Opinions please.

Opinions please

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Chris777

What us the norm for boat haulers? I have several quotes where they want 50% up front and rest at delivery. Seems strange to me, they have my boat and want 1/2 the money too. What will make the transporter perform?

Demons to me 100% upon delivery makes more sense. Opinions please.

Opinions please

Chris--

We shipped our First 42 from Bert Jabin's yard on Back Creek in Annapolis to Snead Island Boat Works in Palmetto using A&B Marine. Up-front we paid for decommissioning the yacht and loading her and her spars on the truck. Three days later she arrived in SIBW and we paid for the entire cost of the shipping--before she was unloaded from the truck. We were not required to pay anything for the transport itself in advance.

If you are contemplating shipping a yacht to or from Bradenton, you might want to contact Gary Alderman at Snead Island Boat Works for advice/suggestions as they frequently deal with shippers/transport companies and Gary does know the "what's so" of doing so.

FWIW...

[David M]

Agreed, boatyards are going to know who the trustworthy boat haulers are.

[MysticGringo]

Get a proper contract spelling out who's responsible for what, late fees, etc. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...any-90327.html

[Celestialsailor]

Also from my negative experience with a hauler, get copies of all his Insurance. Make sure they are to date and he is authorized to handle your particular load.

[Cheechako]

Been a while for me, but no "up front" hauling was paid or requested. Yes, make sure they are insured and not a fly by night operation.
I've had a boat hauled by a reputable firm twice, both times some damage occurred.
First time the mast was in a steel cradle alongside the boat. It was not protected well enough and the steel ruubbed a hole completely through the aluminum. The Trucker had it repaired immediately.
Second time a hole was rubbed through the topesides near the bow. This was from the pad wearing through the carpet that was there. Trucker had it fixed immediately, but the off white gel coat never was a 100% match.

[skipmac]

When I hauled my boat across FL I used a guy named Tom Wagner. I was hauling from a boatyard to an empty field and he has a hydraulic trailer that can lift or drop a boat without a hoist, so might be more than a regular flat bed hauler.

However, every yard I've asked about hauling in north central Florida when asked who they recommend all said Tom. I know of at least one other forum member that used him as well.

Is it kosher to put his numbers on the forum? Not sure so if you want his numbers send me a PM.

PS, I don't recall paying anything up front, but COD.

[SoloBob]

I'm so glad I noticed this topic.....
I've been meaning to make a post giving Tom Wagner a referral!

Recently, I was moving my boat to Green Cove Springs, for an extended refit. The old Atomic 4 bit the dust in St. Augustine, Florida.

After looking at numerous possibilities, and on the recommendation of no less than three professionals in the area, I contacted Tom Wagner, and made arrangements for him to move the boat to GCS.

Tom was a true pleasure to do business with, he arrived on time, was diligent in the loading and transport, and above all was very reasonably priced. His hydraulic articulated trailer, is a wonder of engineering. A travel-lift would not have been needed, if I had already been hauled out.

Something that had the makings of a real nightmare in my life, was resolved with Tom's services.

I have nothing but the best of praise for Tom Wagner, and if I ever need services like that again..... I know who to call.....that's one phone number I will keep.

[Travelnik]

When I found my boat again, after it was stolen, the guy that had it said that he was in no hurry. I could just get it whenever it was convenient for me.
That was good because I still needed to get a trailer, and get everything ready, truck, etc. (including time off of work).

Next thing I knew, he told me that if I didn't get it right now, he was going to give it away!

I didn't know what else to do, so I used U-Ship. I placed my ad saying that I needed someone to take my trailer, load the boat on it, and bring it back. I listed everything I could about the boat, and the details involved in loading a twin keel boat that was on blocks.

The first transporter said that it would be no problem. He had moved lots of boats, and he had a good feedback report.
He picked my trailer up, took it to the boat, then decided that it was too much work, and he didn't want to do it. I had to pay the MFer $200 just to get my trailer back!

He said that I lied about the conditions, the boat, and generally misrepresented everything. He said the boat was only 6" off the ground, and was impossible to get any jacks under the keels.

I was getting desperate, so I relisted my ad on U-Ship, and the next transporter that bid was higher, and had no feedback at all.

But, I needed it done. I told them everything that the first guy said about the condition, location, and height of the boat off the ground.
This guy did a complete internet search on Westerly Nomads, their weight, keel configuration, etc. and still wanted the job. He wanted to use his own trailer though.

I agreed, and 2 days later he was on his way. and he provided constant tracking info through his iPhone, and that evening he brought my boat.

He told me that I made it sound harder than it was, and showed me photos that he took proving that the first person lied. The boat was 19.5" up on 6x6 blocks, and it didn't take much lifting to get his trailer under.

Then we offloaded the boat, and he helped to put it on my trailer here at home. That was a major PITA, but we got it done.

He was a great transporter, and I gave him a very good first feedback!

I guess the point of all this is that you never know what you'll get. Even though the first people had a good feedback, they were @ssholes!
The next guy went above and beyond to get the job done, and to make sure that I was satisfied.

Check all references, but it's still a crap shoot.

[Boulter]

Hi:

My boat arrived yesterday, day and time as arranged verbally. Gave them a check when they left.

The Broker recommended the outfit and made the initial contact. Next day they got back to the broker with a quote and request to confirm a booking by phone, which I did.

They are based Georgian Bay area if anyone wants to PM for a reference.

Boulter

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Boulter

Hi:

My boat arrived yesterday, day and time as arranged verbally. Gave them a check when they left.

The Broker recommended the outfit and made the initial contact. Next day they got back to the broker with a quote and request to confirm a booking by phone, which I did.

They are based Georgian Bay area if anyone wants to PM for a reference.

Boulter

We all know there are many shady, fly-by-nighters in the marine business. When you come across a good one why not give his name and contact info ?

[Chris777]

Thanks for all the good advice!

Obviously no $$ up front....

[Boulter]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

We all know there are many shady, fly-by-nighters in the marine business. When you come across a good one why not give his name and contact info ?

Sure that is fair enough I guess. A husband and wife team.

Harbour West Marine Transport
1249 Angela Schmidt Foster Road, Unit 1
Midland, ON L4R 4K4
705-528-1777

Boulter