Boat transport logistics

[Ryban]

I'm in the market for a bluewater liveaboard, and I'm looking for a good deal, but I'm very much limiting myself if I stick to the Portland area. Thus, I've expanded my search to the Pacific Northwest at large, and perhaps the entire West Coast.

My plan is to move onto the boat pretty much as soon as she's moored. I'd then continue working my job here for a few years, and then set sail to the pacific. In other words, buying a boat in California and starting my journey there really isn't my ideal solution.

That said, if I buy a boat in Seattle or San Francisco, how much of a head ache is it going to be to get it to Portland, and how much will it set me back? Looking at boats in either place isn't too big of an issue as they are affordable to reach.

I don't have the sailing skills to make the sail myself from either place (at least I don't think I do).

Is this the kind of stuff that's best handled by a brokerage?

[SailRedemption]

Check out J Daniel Marine Transporters, I used them to truck my 47' sailboat from Alemeda, CA to New Orleans, LA. They were awesome to deal with, very nice, and they take awesome pictures of the boat while enroute!

J Daniel Marine - Boat Transport Specialists

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...0&l=00990611d9

[redfishnc]

Don't know about your area but I use $3 per mile as a rule of thumb. Does not include disassembly and reassembly costs which can vary tremendously.


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[valhalla360]

How big are we talking? Larger boats become troublesome to truck if they are over 16' wide or 13' tall (height includes keel and an extra couple feet for the trailer).

Trucking is probably the simplest, fastest and cheapest option but do factor in the cost of dropping the mast, haul out and relaunch on the other end.
Given the ports involved, frieghters may be possible but I doubt there are a lot making that particular trip.
A delivery crew is a third option. This requires the boat to be in good shape, so fixer uppers are iffy. If you go this route, make sure they are licensed, insured and have good references (of course good idea for any of the methods).

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by valhalla360

How big are we talking? Larger boats become troublesome to truck if they are over 16' wide or 13' tall (height includes keel and an extra couple feet for the trailer).

Trucking is probably the simplest, fastest and cheapest option but do factor in the cost of dropping the mast, haul out and relaunch on the other end.
Given the ports involved, frieghters may be possible but I doubt there are a lot making that particular trip.
A delivery crew is a third option. This requires the boat to be in good shape, so fixer uppers are iffy. If you go this route, make sure they are licensed, insured and have good references (of course good idea for any of the methods).

Yes to all the above. Up to around 30' you could possibly trailer it yourself, depending on the beam. over about 35-36' (again depending on the beam and vertical clearance if the boat has a pilothouse or other fixed structure raising the deck level) you start getting into much higher costs. Will require special permits to move the boat and if large enough you will also have to pay an escort car with signs and flashing lights.

[Ryban]

I'm looking in the 32-38' range, and the 20-45K price range. I wouldn't want to spend more than 10% of the cost of the boat in transport -- or, the deal would have to be well worth the transport fees and airfare costs for me to look a the boat.

if the $3/mile rule of thumb is accurate, then maybe it won't be so bad, especially from Washington. Anything in San Francisco will really have to wow me.

[bletso]

I must be in the wrong part of the country. I haven't been able to find anyone for less than $10.00/mile. My boat is less than 12 ft beam and less than 14 ft tall. It looks like I will have to dunk here local and motor the rivers to the gulf.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Ryban

if the $3/mile rule of thumb is accurate, then maybe it won't be so bad, especially from Washington. Anything in San Francisco will really have to wow me.

Maybe for a small boat, say well under 30'. For 30' or more I think no way you'll even come close to $3/mile. Once you get into +/- 40 or so then $10 is more realistic. I paid over $15/mile to move a 42' boat but that was only 70 miles and you pay more per mile on a short haul. Also needed a special trailer that could drop the boat without a lift.

Originally Posted by Ryban

I'm looking in the 32-38' range, and the 20-45K price range. I wouldn't want to spend more than 10% of the cost of the boat in transport -- or, the deal would have to be well worth the transport fees and airfare costs for me to look a the boat.

Unless you're looking for a very specific or very special model OR you want to do the delivery for the fun of it then buy a boat close to home.