SHIPPING A SAILBOAT FROM FLORIDA

[squarehead]

I hope this is the right forum

I have a 33 ft. sailboat that is currently in Central America.I want to bring it back to Canada.
My plan is to sail it to Florida and have it shipped.
The problem is I'm not sure where is the best, or easiest port to sail it to for shipping purposes.
I am also not familar with the shipping companies.
I'm hoping to have the boat in Florida by the first week of May.
Does anyone have a reputable shipper they can recommend?Am I better off bringing it to Miami or Tampa?
Any help would be appreciated

S.Q.

[never monday]

Where in Canada is it going? I'd stay away from Miami. The Tampa/Clearwater area would be good if your going to Windsor and east. Then I'd consider Mobile Al for Windsor and west.

[CSY Man]

Ya are probably looking at over-the-road transport.
Some of them trucks have air suspension and they are gentle on sailboats.
Other don't.

I would minimize the road part and sail more..Probably cheaper and more pleasant anyway.

[camaraderie]

Try these guys for a quote...they have a good reputation.
SailBoat Transport Preparation Guide | Boat Transport & Hauling | Hays Marine Transportation

[squarehead]

The boat is heading to Lake Ontario.If I had more time I would sail it back.The trouble is I still work for a living and I can't get that much time off work

[scallywag]

Squarehead,

Determine the cost of shipping, the estimate the cost of sailing it home during paid vacations, the make your decision. The country side is beautiful and money can not dictate your joy. Your joy is what lead you to buy a s/v.

John

[squarehead]

I only wish I had the tiime.If I were to motor and sail I could do about 60 miles a day weather permitting.I could do it, but I may not have a wife or family when I get home!

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by squarehead

I could do about 60 miles a day weather permitting.I could do it, but I may not have a wife or family when I get home!

Great! Go even slower and never go home!

[squarehead]

Does anyone know of any company that offers the sevices I need out of Tampa?

[RaptorDance]

Sailing from Central America to Florida is not a whole lot of fun... Especially if you're on a schedule. It's mostly to windward until you get to island hopping through the Windward Islands (if that's your route).

You might look into Dockwise Yacht Transport to get your boat from Central America to Ft. Lauderdale then sail the rest of the way to Lake Ontario over the summer.

Would be a lot less wear and tear on you and the boat.

We did Dockwise back in May 2005 from La Paz to Vancouver and recommend them highly.

[never monday]

Originally Posted by squarehead

Does anyone know of any company that offers the sevices I need out of Tampa?

Tampa is'nt the place to go. It adds 300 miles to your trucking bill. Find a yard farther north. Brunswick on the Atlantic. Panama City/Destin on the Gulf.
Where are you going to Launch? Buffallo? Rochester? save the customs hassles and fees and launch on the US side and sail across.

[scotte]

I think I'd always weigh the cost of having a delivery skipper sail her for the parts you are unable to. When you look at the costs for having her trucked, don't forget to including unstepping and restepping the mast, haulout, yard fees, etc. I have no idea how it compares, just tossing it out there.

[hatteras]

As for the Mobile Bay area, you can contact Turner Marine 1-877-265-5865. They are the local Island Packet dealer. Also Dog River Marina 251-471-5449. They are the Hatteras dealer. Both are set up do any minor or major marine work. They both have websites as well, just make sure it is the one in Mobile, Alabama
I also live about a mile away should you need any assitance.

[markwarren]

Able Boat Transport Boat Transport & Yacht Moving | Able Boat Transport Company moved my sailboat and did a great job. They kept me informed all the way and even helped me get my mast unstepped and the sailboat prepped for transport. Talk to Jeff or Gigi @ 813.425.3610 - Mark Warren - Beneteau sailor

Originally Posted by squarehead

I hope this is the right forum

I have a 33 ft. sailboat that is currently in Central America.I want to bring it back to Canada.
My plan is to sail it to Florida and have it shipped.
The problem is I'm not sure where is the best, or easiest port to sail it to for shipping purposes.
I am also not familar with the shipping companies.
I'm hoping to have the boat in Florida by the first week of May.
Does anyone have a reputable shipper they can recommend?Am I better off bringing it to Miami or Tampa?
Any help would be appreciated

S.Q.