Transporting a sailboat

[ericbonder]

Hello.

I'm looking to purchase a 46ft sailboat (beam = 13'4", height from keel to coachroof = 13'10") in Southeast Florida and have it transported (trucked) to the SF Bay area. Does any have any recommendations for shipping companies?

Thanks,

Eric

[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy Eric.

I see this is your first post on CF. Welcome aboard!

What follows is written in a friendly tone of voice and with the sole intent to help you.

The topic of boat transport has been discussed before. Here is a link to previous discussions where you can learn a lot about the restrictions, challenges, costs, and even suggested options for services.

https://cse.google.com/cse?cx=011403...2710j539360j17

Good luck on your decision.

[Boatguy30]

13'10" cross country is going to be expensive. Have to get overnight escort and special routes the entire way. Dockwise, water delivery or different boat. Is the keel bolted on?

[ericbonder]

No, the keel is not bolted on.

[skipmac]

Not sure if that boat can be trucked across country. The bridge clearance on interstate highways is min 16' which means some are more but there will be some right at the limit. If the boat is 13' 10" that only leaves 2' 2" room. Allowing for safety margin I don't think it will fit on a trailer and under all the bridges.

[Training Wheels]

Max height without permit, except New York, is 14’. Height is a bigger deal than width.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Not sure if that boat can be trucked across country. The bridge clearance on interstate highways is min 16' which means some are more but there will be some right at the limit. If the boat is 13' 10" that only leaves 2' 2" room. Allowing for safety margin I don't think it will fit on a trailer and under all the bridges.

16' is the preferred height for new bridges but if not practical they can go down to 14'.

Older bridges are often well below 16'.

The keel won't be on the ground, so minimum clearance is going to be north of 15' when loaded on a trailer...might be up around 16' depending on the trailer design.

It can be done but you will likely see a premium for them taking a circuitous route...in addition to needing advance and trailing chase cars.