Tow service and dry dock in Ft. Lauderdale

[Davidhoy]

Originally Posted by akprb

Sailor man is moving or gone, any updates on that one?

Sailorman is still there, going strong. They are moving soon, to a bigger facility just a few blocks south on Andrews. Hopefully the exit from the parking area will not be as dangerous as the current one!

-David

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by akprb

Who remembers the days of Crackerboy? That was a do it yourself paradise! Sailor man is moving or gone, any updates on that one?

I was at Playboy (unfortunate name) a few weeks ago. It's a good haul if spending a lot of time going to and from suppliers which you will be doing.

Car rentals in FL are cheap, might want to consider.

Going to be interesting to follow your progress ;-)

Lauderdale was my boating HQ for years. Remember Crackerboy and spent lots of time and money at Sailorman. Didn't know they were leaving. I was there a couple of years ago and they no longer had good prices on old or used parts so didn't go back.

What about Riverbend? I must have hauled there a dozen times. Last I heard they went upscale.

[Clipper4730]

There a several boat rental companies nearby. Just rent a 20ish foot runabout for a few hours tow to the yard of your choice and then return it. Problem solved. A friend rented one right there at Bahia Mar for something around $200 for a half day. Side tow with a bunch of fenders, and buy the damage insurance😁

[Chacko]

My troubles are getting deeper than the ocean! LOL - with all kinds of regulations – especially with EPA approval - it’s A PROCESS! I need to ship ASAP a container with my long shaft 25 hp YAMAHA motor, a dinghy with 3 hp, and a bunch of other boat stuff, but here – in Rotterdam - they don’t let me to ship it – and at the last moment! I am very frustrated! I am trying to resolve it now… That’s what they wrote me:

“…a generator from 2014 (which will NOT have EPA approval) an additional engine from 1995 (also without EPA approval) and Timber… which is requires USDA fumigation and approval.
I’m sorry.. but we cannot help with this shipment.
You will need to find a broker that handles these additional agencies”

Just another “black stripe” in a row! LOL
Too busy now with shipment, insurance, etc, but soon will write personally to everyone who replied me on this forum, Still lot’s of questions… but I got really great advices here already! Thanks a lot to all you!

[wannacat]

Riverside was bought out by LMC last year. I'm up the river just a little further than where your boat is and I don't think you'll want to tow your boat with your dingy downriver through the 4 bridges before you even get to the Intercoastal unless it's around 3-5 am with a slack tide. You'd still have to be very lucky and probably will fill your pants a few times!!! Better have liability insurance incase you hit one of the many very expensive boats along the way!!!
Back in Jan. of this year we had another person on the Forum in almost the same predicament who bought the boat up one more bridge and wanted to get her to Jacksonville to fix her up near home. I think he bought a Boat US membership and waited it out. He was attempting to fix his engine in the meantime. Don't know how they ever made out as we left for the Bahamas and are still there. Strap the outboard on her and good luck I guess!!!

[Chacko]

Originally Posted by Clipper4730

There a several boat rental companies nearby. Just rent a 20ish foot runabout for a few hours tow to the yard of your choice and then return it. Problem solved. A friend rented one right there at Bahia Mar for something around $200 for a half day. Side tow with a bunch of fenders, and buy the damage insurance😁

I tried to do exactly what you suggest couple years ago when I visited my boat.. but I ran into some "obstacles", don't even remember now what it was... But thank you for reminding of it.. still a good option too.

[Chacko]

Originally Posted by wannacat

Strap the outboard on her and good luck I guess!!!

I think that's exactly what I will do! And thanks for warning!

[Chacko]

Originally Posted by akprb

Going to be interesting to follow your progress ;-)

For me also! :-) Trying my best now with shipping and insurance first.

[Chacko]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

What is wrong with the engine installed in the boat?
I ask because if you can get it going, then your options really open up. I have to think that Ft Lauderdale has to be an expensive place to do a re-fit at, however I have no experience with that, just a belief that there are much less expensive places to go.

I need a dry dock to work on it. Private dock owner doesn't let me to do any work on my boat at his slip. He said it's against their law! kind of strange law for private property, sounds more like an excuse. But I would not want to impose on anyone anyways! A dry dock is a best way for me!

[Chacko]

Originally Posted by captmikem

I live in Ft Lauderdale, my boat draws 7 feet and I use Playboy for haulouts. My humble opinion is if you pick a calm morning, leave early, strap the dingy alongside at the stern quarer you should be able to tow to Playboy without a problem.

You can ignore the red buoy #30 just south of 17th st bridge, (a number of people think they have to pass east of it..) stay to the west as there is plenty of room. Dania cut is wide with plenty of room if there happens to be any ship traffic. Once you make the turn up the canal for Playboy it narrows up but again should not be a problem. Talk to them and you can usually lay just east of the haul-out slip, it is well protected and usually room to turn. The folks at Playboy are nice. one you get there find Dario with Absolute Boat Care (one of the contractors in the yard) he can help you find most things and is very reasonable if you need anything done.

M

Thank you for such good directions and other info! I will definitely use your advice (I've sailed all around the Med. but never in FL) Thank you a lot , M!

[Chacko]

Originally Posted by bratzcpa

If you end up with a little more flexibility and some propulsion, and IF it looks like you're going to be working on things for a while . . . . I would take a look at Indiantown Marina. They're about 25 miles north of Fort Lauderdale and then 15 miles inland (on the St. Lucie canal).

Indiantown has a great setup for liveaboard and do it yourself boatyard. We personally know one couple who has been there doing a major major refit - going on two years now. Excellent lift operators, plenty of room in the yard, no-stress laid back area. GREAT facilities for living aboard (showers, community kitchen, screened in eating area, etc.)

VERY low cost compared to Fort Lauderdale, and still relatively close to suppliers.

If it's short term, Playboy is great (we've used them before too), but if longer, it will seem pretty expensive.

~markb

I tried to organize to Indianatown last time I've visited my boat couple years ago but didn't succeed to get a long shaft outboard and had no time to do it - I had to fly back home to work. And it's a looong way anyway - how long would it take - 2-3 weeks to get there? I don't know... Besides now I just want to fix basic things in 1-2 weeks and then sail her to DR and finish the rest over there.

[Chacko]

Originally Posted by Davidhoy

Greetings, Chackey!


I'll PM you my contact info, so feel free to reach out to me when you get to Fort Lauderdale - I'll do whatever I can to help, including helping you move the boat. I have a dinghy with a 10hp motor, so between us we could probably move her, especially a short distance with only a single bridge to worry about, and at slack tide. If you decide to go with Playboy I'll still help, but would recommend a professional tow boat.

Regardless of all of that, let's go drink beer, or whatever your favorite beverage is...
.

Thanks A LOT for all your very helpful info, David. I will email you soon from my private email: tjakko.nuninga@gmail.com
Cheers!

[Chacko]

Originally Posted by Davidhoy

Regarding your question about insurance, get in touch with Scott Stamper at Atlass Insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Atlass Insurance Group | Asset Protection | Yacht & Boat Insurance.

I've just sent them (Atlass) a quote request. Thank you so much, David! Chat later...

[a64pilot]

On the motor, maybe take the foot off and try to ship it as parts? Cause I think they are right, your not importing a motor that does not meet EPA regs I don't think, I know many are brought in on personal boats, but shippers have to toe the line, if the don't they pay big fines.
I had a heck of a time getting a video camera sent to my house in Germany, first it was import tax issues, then the lithium battery. I think they learned I was US Soldier going to Bosnia and just looked the other way or I would have lost that camera.

[a64pilot]

I looked up where I got insurance too, it's below. I wonder if that is the same Atlass?

ATLASS INSURANCE GROUP
26 Oleander St, Cocoa, FL 32922
Tel: (321) 459-9905 Fax: (321) 459-3699
Go Atlass Insurance Cocoa Florida | Brevard Home, Boat, Auto & MoreGo Atlass Insurance | Insurance Specialists
rjamieson@atlassinsurance.com