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JetForMe · 02-09-2020, 23:30

As I explore ways to get on the water in my own boat, one possibility is to buy a project boat and work on it. I have substantial manufacturing and fabrication skill and capability, including a decently-kitted CNC shop. While I eventually plan to sell the shop, I'd like to have it for the boat project.

The problem is, it's at least an hour away from the nearest marinas, and those marinas are expensive (one quoted me $14,000 to put a 40' but up on the hard for a month).

I'm currently negotiating with my shop landlord to see if I can put a boat up on stands in the parking lot. Thing is, I'm not sure how one maneuvers a boat into a lot like this and then puts it up. There's no boat lift here.

I suspect I'll have to have whatever boat I buy transported here (Los Angeles) over land, which does open up more options for boats further away. But does anyone have experience doing a large boat project away from a yard?

Chotu · 03-09-2020, 00:16

Yep. You need a hydraulic boat trailer. Most marine transport companies use them.

There is no reason you need to be at a marina to work on a boat. None.

Just get stands and blocking, have the boat hauling company set all that up in the parking lot.

Probably put down some plywood pads between the stands and the tar of the parking lot so the stands don’t act like a motorcycle kickstand on a hot summer day.

It’s done all the time.

JetForMe · 03-09-2020, 01:11

Ahh, that's great to hear! I wasn't sure how common it was. Thanks!

JetForMe · 03-09-2020, 01:12

I guess I should add: are they pretty good at maneuvering into tight spots? We got a full tractor-trailer rig into and out of this lot, but the boat would need to go up against a wall, or tucked around the corner of the building.

coopec43 · 03-09-2020, 01:54

I've got my yacht in my backyard 80 km (50 mile) from the marina where I will launch it.

The transport truck has a "U" shaped trailer which the driver backs in then jacks the boat up and drives away. They don't mess around either as they travel at 100 kph (65 mph).

I would recommend making up proper stands which are not too costly. The industrial Acrow props only cost $A58 each. You'd then have to get some steel tube: maybe from a scrap metal yard?

When the Marina Manager saw my set-up he had a close look and said "I'll buy them off you!!" When I told him we could probably do a deal he was all grins. (The stands are completely adjustable for big or small yachts)

Fore and Aft · 03-09-2020, 02:15

I built a yacht at home in Australia. Being a swing keel design all I needed was a tilt tray truck to winch the yacht and cradle on to it. Being exactly 3.5 metres wide meant no escort vehicle either.
I was given our yacht cradle for a carton of beer, which I then passed on once I had finished with it for a carton of beer.
Cheers

HeinSdL · 03-09-2020, 02:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetForMe

(one quoted me $14,000 to put a 40' but up on the hard for a month).

$14k for 1 month? That must be a typo? Otherwise I am in the wrong job.

coopec43 · 03-09-2020, 02:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeinSdL

$14k for 1 month? That must be a typo? Otherwise I am in the wrong job.

Where I'll be launching my yacht they charge $A27 per day ($190/week, $900/month) which I reckon is highway robbery

But $14000? Surely not?

JUST USED DUCKDUCKGO

(Have I screwed something up?)

MARINA DEL RAY MARINA

Slip charges are based on a weighted formula relating to the amount of space used by a particular size of slip and not upon the lineal foot length of the slip.

Slip Size: Basic Monthly Rate:

30′ $635.25
33′ $646.80
35′ $816.90
37′ $829.50
38′ $937.65
39′ $962.52
40′ $1,086.75
41′ $1,122.00
42′ $1,161.3
43′ $1,200.15
44′ $1,237.95
45′ $1,275.75
47′ $1,353.60
48′ $1,392.30
49′ $1,432.20
50′ $1,514.10
52′ $1,580.80
55′ $1,680.00
60′ $1,876.35
65′ $2,217.60

Franziska · 03-09-2020, 03:01

Wow those prices are insane.

Lady Rover (34ft catamaran) is in a dry marina at the French Atlantic coast and we pay about 2000€ per Year including taxes for storage & including one launching operation by hydraulic lift. On our website you'll find a 360degree video in the 2019 and 2018 section.

DIY work allowed and a very friendly team.

www.port-a-sec.fr

If you get in touch say hi from Franziska :-)

Chotu · 03-09-2020, 03:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetForMe

I guess I should add: are they pretty good at maneuvering into tight spots? We got a full tractor-trailer rig into and out of this lot, but the boat would need to go up against a wall, or tucked around the corner of the building.

Anywhere an 18 wheeler can go, your boat can go. They do this all day long every day. They are CDL holding experts.

BenBowSirocco · 03-09-2020, 03:51

I had my first cabin sailboat a C&C27 brought to my employers back lot. It was on a cradle (very popular in seasonal sailing areas and available for even very large boats) that he just winched on and off the trailer like a dumpster/trash bin.

After 2 years of part time labor it was good as new and my father trailered it to FL for me with a flat bed car trailer. After arriving in FL it spent 3-4 months in a very affordable storage lot near my rental home on the same trailer while I finished up a few things and get my paperwork and slip in order. The lot rental was $120 a month and allowed me to work on the boat with no trouble.

Be aware when you purchase your boat the beam measurement, because if its to wide for the road your transporter will need to pull permits and possibly hire a couple drivers to lead/follow. Its different state to state and so if you get a local transporter on the phone they can tell you the limits.

Also, while you may be a very talented builder/fabricator. You might ask yourself the age old question: Do I want a project or do I want to go sailing?

As any CF member will tell you- many a broken dream lies buried by a project boat.

Lionshooter · 03-09-2020, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenBowSirocco

many a broken dream lies buried by a project boat.

Wiser words were never spoken.

joelhemington · 03-09-2020, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franziska

Wow those prices are insane.

Lady Rover (34ft catamaran) is in a dry marina at the French Atlantic coast and we pay about 2000€ per Year including taxes for storage & including one launching operation by hydraulic lift. On our website you'll find a 360degree video in the 2019 and 2018 section.

DIY work allowed and a very friendly team.

www.port-a-sec.fr

If you get in touch say hi from Franziska :-)

What's more insane is that there's usually a three year waiting list to pay that amount. Slips and boat yards here in So. Cal. are few and far between and the marinas know it. What's even more nutz is that about the only place anybody would want to sail is Catalina Island - about 30 miles off the coast.

DeValency · 03-09-2020, 10:15

All good suggestions here and doing the work close to home and shop is ideal by all means.

Check carefully, upfront that the boat you intend to purchase can be hauled with hydraulic trailer. Wing keels are usually a problem and for sure the overall boat height - from keel bottom to the highest point on the deck - at most cases not over 13' (also on the way back to water at some point... )