Advice on Shipping 27 Overland

[Deadrise]

Hello All,

Can anyone recommend a reputable transporter to get a 27 from MA or CT down to VA?

Aside from removing topside gear and un-stepping the mast what else needs to be done? Should the shaft be uncoupled, tanks emptied etc?

Any advice would be will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
John

[crazycarl]

I would also consider a licensed captain to sail her down.  It may be cheaper in the end.  Companies that specialize in transporting boats can be expensive.  They will want to know all the specifics of the boat to give a quote and they will need to charge to have the mast unstepped, wrapped, and latched to the trailer.  Then there are costs to have the mast re-stepped and the rig tuned. 

I've looked into this several times while boat shopping.  I passed on several nice boats this summer because of the distance from me, or they were on inland waters and I'm the coast.  I finally found a boat a weeks sail north and hope to sail it home next week.


Good luck and please keep the forum updated.  We learn from each other.

[Reighnman]

I shipped a 25 from Chicago to NJ in 2018 and it was about 3500 when all said and done. Uship is a site that allows you to enter everything and receive quotes. If I were to do it again, I'd either pick a company that deals mainly in sailboats and does the de-rigging and re-rigging or buy a trailer and get a hauling quote.  My thinking on the trailer is it adds value instead of just a dead shipping cost. The site is pretty easy and doesn't take too long to get a quote. I'd definitely see what a captain would charge too. I wasn't advise to do anything to the shaft or tanks BUT I'd check everything well upon arrival. The drain hose attached to the oil pan came loose during transit. Best of luck!

[wes]

Carl's advice is right on. I paid a sailboat hauling specialist about $2400 to transport my 27 from St. Louis to coastal NC, which seemed reasonable. But the marina costs on both ends for haul out, mast unstepping, and travelift time to put the boat on and off the truck just about equaled the trucking cost.

For a trip from New England to VA I'd either sail her myself with a friend as crew (fun!) or hire a delivery captain.

Wes

[crazycarl]

You can also try Crewbay.com.  It's a site used for finding crew or boats to crew on.  You may be able to find a captain to bring your boat home.

[Andre]

I've no personal experience with these guys, just seen them advertising in Good Old Boat. Looks like they're based in Tennessee and specialize in moving sailboats.

https://sailorsmovingsailors.com/

Andre

[wes]

In terms of prep, in addition to removing the mast I'd just treat it as storm prep, since the boat will be subjected to 60 mph winds. Strip off the sails and canvas, tie up the bimini frame, clear the cockpit of anything that could blow off, make sure everything inside the cabin is secured from falling or flying around. Put the sails in the v-berth and the boom on the cabin floor. I would pump out the water and waste tanks to reduce weight.

I would not bother with the prop shaft or fuel tank as long as you are confident in the mechanical condition of the boat.

[Steve H]

There is a small company in the Portsmouth NH/Kittery ME area called Independent Boat Haulers. They stepped the mast on my 27 and were very helpful in every way. They are able to ramp launch and recover even large boats, so you wouldn't need a travel lift. I'm not sure how far south they travel, but I know they regularly work out of Rye Harbor NH. I'm sure they will go further for the right price. I know a few people who use them on a regular basis and they are highly recommended. (207) 439-8871

[Deadrise]

Thank you all for the responses, I have a hauler set up for mid October.

[Steve H]

Just curious, who did you go with and how much was it?

Thanks,
Steve

[Deadrise]

Hello All, thank you for taking the time to reply.

We have decided to sail the boat down to VA. Steve we were going to use Patriot Marine Transport,  $3,300.