The Dilemma

[GalaxyGirl]

Hey Guys,
I wanted to ask your opinion on a decision that I have been battling with for over a month. Some of you know that I bought my beautiful boat less than a year ago. I have been busy refitting the boat since purchase. I literally just finished the work a few days ago. But, about a month ago, I was offered a great business opportunity in real estate, which I can't resist. The dilemma is the opportunity is in California. I don't know what to do with my boat. I really do love the boat and after months of refit, I finally have it just how I want it. Taking the boat to California is a big trip, to say the least. It would be a fun trip if I was doing it over the course of a year, but there's no way I am going to rush there and I'm not keen on handing my boat over to anyone for a delivery without me aboard. Also, a trip of that distance would be very expensive. I will have to stay in Cali for at least 4 years. I was thinking about leaving my boat on the East Coast until I return, but my Mom thinks the idea is foolish. She's probably right. I don't even leave my boat overnight without someone looking over. And I've heard that boats don't do well when they aren't used. Would it be crazy to leave the boat? There must be marinas that babysit boats?

[Cheechako]

I don’t know your boat, and forget where you are located. but storing without use can be problematic. If it’s fiberglass I would be tempted to dry store it somewhere.
Covered storage would be even better. Storage in Florida will sun bake, mold etc. Storage north will freeze…. Good prep is essential.

[psneeld]

You are brand new to boating and you are worried about long term pros babysitting or moving your boat?


A boat properly set up could be stored for 4 years with adequate checking on.


The real decision is it is a huge financial drain for 4 years, is it worth it doing the math?


Will you even want it in 4 years?

[sailorchic34]

Where in cali (Socal or SF BAY). I'm guessing SF Bay as the city properties are crazy hot. I should note that housing is really pricey and SF is crazy high. If you have a car from the east coast, it may not pass smog on cali and that's more $$$ as your car, MUST pass smog.

So what would be the down side to NOT going to Cali. You just lived through that lovely boston winter on your boat. Its a lovely boat and you've done a lot to it. Myself, Well OK, I've focused on the lifestyle more then chasing the all mighty dollar. But I'm a bad example. Storing the boat 4 years, is sort of doable but pricey in maintenance in the long run with potential for a major repair or loss.

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by psneeld

You are brand new to boating and you are worried about long term pros babysitting or moving your boat?


A boat properly set up could be stored for 4 years with adequate checking on.


The real decision is it is a huge financial drain for 4 years, is it worth it doing the math?


Will you even want it in 4 years?

To be honest, I haven't thought about like that. I bought this boat for the next few years, figuring I would downsize when some of my kids go to college, which will begin in 3 years. You made a valid point.


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[atoll]

Originally Posted by GalaxyGirl

To be honest, I haven't thought about like that. I bought this boat for the next few years, figuring I would downsize when some of my kids go to college, which will begin in 3 years. You made a valid point.


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maybe try advertising a boat swap with someone on the west coast who wants a change of scenery

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by GalaxyGirl

To be honest, I haven't thought about like that. I bought this boat for the next few years, figuring I would downsize when some of my kids go to college, which will begin in 3 years. You made a valid point.


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Put your boat for sale at the high end, ay someone to maintain it. If it sells it sells, if not OK too. The CA opportunity may not be what you think... that gives you some time....

[annsni]

How much would it cost to ship overland?

[Sailor Bob 350]

For goodness sake, take her with you! Sailing is great in CA!

I hauled my 2006 Catalina 350 from Annapolis to San Diego, and 3 years later back-hauled her from SD to Boston. Paid $12K for the truck out and 8K back east, plus about $4K in yard fees each trip. I'd have lost far more selling 2 boats and buying 2 more. And there was NO WAY I was gonna be boatless in CA!

Besides, when I ditched my $2K/mo apartment in CA and moved aboard for 2 years, I got the $28G's back!

I LOVE IT when a plan comes together! ))

[Sailor Bob 350]

PS don't worry about the boat, my hauler John has an awesome 60' yacht trailer with hydraulic jackstands and air-ride suspension. Drop me a line and I'll give you his info.

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by Sailor Bob 350

PS don't worry about the boat, my hauler John has an awesome 60' yacht trailer with hydraulic jackstands and air-ride suspension. Drop me a line and I'll give you his info.

It's not possible to haul a boat this size is it?


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[annsni]

What size boat is it?

BTW - You have done an amazing job with that boat!! I'd love to see more pictures!

[Sailor Bob 350]

I'm sure anything up to 60' could be hauled overland on the trailer My hauler has. My boat at 35' looked tiny on his trailer! 13' beam made her a wide load, but computers make permits easy. My draft is 4'8", but in sure that trailer could hold 9' draft, she's a low-boy. I bet there are bigger trailers out there.

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[sailorchic34]

GG's yacht is a 65-70' Hatteras. It's BIG!

[Sailor Bob 350]

I'm sure it could be hauled. A single-wide mobile home is 90' long and 18' wide, and they haul them all over the country.

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