Shipping a Boat?

[gprsh924]

So I almost have Dad talked in to the ultimate family Christmas present, a 2012 Sport Nautique 200.

Looking at shipping it up to Chicago or Wisconsin from Texas. Has anyone done this or know a good shipping company? Ideas on cost? It's a 20 foot boat with a tandem axle trailer. About 4000 lbs. thanks

[onewhippedpuppy]

Congrats! I love boating, our boats have been some of our best purchases. No idea on cost, but I know people that have brokered boat shipping through U-Ship. Just be sure to read reviews of the shippers before you select one.

[VINMAN]

I occasionally haul for a friend of mine that has a marine hauling company. If you use a commercial boat hauler, prices are going to vary hugely. Lots of different variables. If you are looking for someone to tow it for you, I can tell you this, no reputable hauler will tow it on your trailer. In a case like that, they would normally place the boat and trailer on one of their own drop decks or lowboys.

[ckelly78z]

Do you know anyone with a pickup truck that you can trust to go get it. 4000 lbs can be hauled by any full size truck/SUV with even the small motor. You may want to crunch the numbers before doing this with fuel, meals, and lodging (?) included.

[gprsh924]

Thanks Matt. We have the 2003 crownline, but with 500 hours on it, it's time to upgrade.

Vin, good point on the shipper towing on their own trailer.

I thought about flying down there with my dad and us driving it back, but one way rentals are expensive and the second plane ticket would eat into most of the savings. We'd rather spend a few extra dollars to do it right with a good shipper. Any other advice or insights are welcome.

Hopefully we can close this deal.

[JeremyD]

Brian Wynkoop ~ Licensed and insured - The price was reasonable and they did an excellent job. His phone # is 813-205-4763

or ATS Marine Transport Brandon @ 912-223-4021

The guy that bought my boat used UShip - from Florida to North Carolina...

[GH85Carrera]

I guess it is easier to ship a boat than to boat a ship. ????

[ben parrish]

I sold a 45' sailboat a few years back. Had it hauled and surveyed and the buyer had it picked up in Savannah, Ga and sent to a lake in Alabama....seamless and realitively cheap. I know it is a whole different league than a ski boat but there are companies that specialize in transporting boats. Actually, for the size you need, contact any local(Texas) marina and ask for some recommendations.

[Monza_dh]

Factor in around a buck a mile . I used Uship shipping a boat from FL to Boston and it worked out great. I assume there are many shippers with regular routes from TX to the lakes. Make sure whomever you use that they are bonded and have insurance

[Flieger]

[Cajundaddy]

I had a boat shipped from FL to SoCal in 1988 and it was $1/mile so that sounds pretty reasonable today.

[ckelly78z]

Wow, imagine what that must weight, and how big that barge must be underwater to displace that much weight.

[afterburn 549]

I was in the boat moving business, sold out 6 years ago.
If you having it hauled on its own trailer... risky.
If on a transport they need AIR ride no exceptions
they in ANY case need a DOT number or they will not have commercial insurance.
You want a copy or cert of insurance faxed from their under writer.
You want references from their last couple moves.
If you skip any of these or go with uship .....i told you to NOT TO and then why did you ask me?

[gprsh924]

Lots of good advice. I will keep you guys posted if we can close a deal.