Sailboat transport from Maine to Great Lakes

[sailseeker]

Hello,

I'm not sure if this is the place to post, if not please advise.

Thanks

I am looking to transport a sailboat;
36 ‘ Steel Bruce Roberts cutter rig
Beam 11.2,
Full keel Draft 5’9”,
Height 11’
18000 lbs

Mid April to Lake Erie or Lake Huron from Rockland ME, Knight Marina.

I plan to launch and sail to Lake Superior around April 20th.

I am looking to save $ with a backhaul for this transport if any boats are heading to Maine in April.

Thanks

Doug

[dpddj]

I talked to this guy last year about moving a boat from ME to CA. As long as I was flexible and ready to move at short notice, he would do a back haul. Not many boats going West to East, I guess. Never did ship the boat there, so I can't tell you how things went.

Captain Scott Santasania, USCG Master

Baltimore City Police Department, Ret.

All Boat Movers LLC.

19119 Rogers Road

Odessa, Florida 33556-4126

Toll Free: 1-800-926-2875 ext 417

Office: 813-920-8200 ext 417

Fax: 813-920-9844

www.BoatsExpress.com

Scott@BoatsExpress.com

[sailseeker]

Thank you for the info Dpddj

[jangann]

Is this the boat that was for sale earlier this year? Looked nice if it is!


An Ocean Lover in Maine.

[UNCIVILIZED]

I know it's just common sense, but before you get set to entrust your boat to the boat movers, at a minimum, do a quick online background check on them.
I had a friend who didn't do his homework on that for a household move, but fortunately I caught it, as their name was BAD all over the internet.

And this part's a guess, but aside from looking for boat movers online, I'd imagine that some periodicals, like, say Good Old Boat might have a company or three listed, & or recommended if you contact them. Ditto if you speak to your, or any large maritime insurers.

Good luck with the trip, & have fun with the sailing!


PS: Pack a parka for sailing up there that time of year ;-)

[valhalla360]

Just to clarify: Is the draft included in the height? If no, you may have a problem. That puts your keel to top at around 17', add in a couple feet for the trailer and you are at 19'. Bridge clearance is usually 14-16'. I design traffic signals and we use a 17' bottom height.

[sailseeker]

Yes the draft is included and to respond to other posts regarding Lake Superior and it being cold in April. I live in Two Harbors, MN and Lake Superior is always cold for the most part We'll be prepared though. Thank you all for the responses. I am still looking for a transport from Rockland ME to western Lake Erie my ultimate goal to Duluth, MN. Mid April if anyone is wanting to transport a sailboat to Maine from the great lakes their should be a savings with the backhaul. Thanks in advance.

[UNCIVILIZED]

It's perhaps a little out of the ordinary, but might shipping your boat via rail car (train) be an option? A flatbed type one. And on either end, then you'd only need to be moved a short distance by truck, or other means. And most ports, or even just towns with marinas, tend to have train tracks, literally within rock throwing distance.

And if you don't have a cradle, I'd imagine that they could weld down some supports/stands, like they do when transporting yachts via commercial carrier (ship). In addition to chaining her up good (or rather, down, I should say).
The latter transport mode for yachts being Very common.

[Moody46CC]

In 2006 I used McDonald and Associates, PO Box 1831, Melrose, FL 32666-1831, phone 800-783-7071, to move a 38' Moody from Holland, MI to Deltaville, VA. The price was under $2500 and the move took three days. The price was low because they did find back haul, and if the height is under 12' a trail car or truck is not necessary. They said if my timing was flexible they would work to find the back haul and they did. They called the marina/yard where the boat was 24 or 48 hours out, gave a time of arrival, and did the same for the receiving yard. The yards at both ends had to be ready when the truck arrived--one already packed, the other ready to unload. Both yards need a travel lift to take the boat on-off the truck trailer. If the yards were not ready when the truck came, they would be demurrage charges, but that did not happen. The hauling price included insurance. Make sure you check--most boat policies do not cover land transport over any distance. I would recommend this firm again w/o reservation. They did a fine job--no damages whatsoever.

I hope they are still in business. Give them a call.

[MarkJ]

But its such a great cruise to do yourself!!!

I took a 68 footer from Muskeogan, Michigan to Nova Scottia and it was one hell of a pretty sail to do! Quite easy too.

[Eleuthera 2014]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

But its such a great cruise to do yourself!!!

I took a 68 footer from Muskeogan, Michigan to Nova Scottia and it was one hell of a pretty sail to do! Quite easy too.

+1. My thoughts exactly.