25ft cruiser headed to Valdez, Alaska

[terry alexander]

Hi to all, inabout a week or so i will travel from Colorado to Lake Stevens, W.A. to pick up my new to me 25ft. Cruiser. I had intended to tow the boat to Valdez, Alaska. However, I called Sampso n Tug amd Barge yesterday and they gave me a quote to barge my boat from Seattle to Valdez . The price was 4800 dollars. Seems fair considering the haul to valdez and the risks involved in towing to there. I've driven up numerous times and know what to expect. I'm super careful going up and i take my time. I welcome opinions from any of uou regarding what you might suggest. I will decide by Monday. Lastly, because I'm not in Washington yet , can anyone give me the dimensions of the boat? Length-hitch to outboards. Width - wheel to wheel. And height- it has a radar dome. The boat is in dry storage and not on the trailer otherwise Dagmars would measure it for me. Sampson needs the dimensions. I gave them my best guess but need to be more accurate. It could potentially save me money. Or cost me more. Gulp. Sorry for the long post. Thanks to all of you here. And i will list my 2008 22ft cruiser in the next few days. It will be missed but I'm so excited for the new cdory. Thanks, Terry Alexander

[kennharriet]

I towed our ‘22 from Idaho to Valdez and back last spring. With the cost of fuel, particularly in Canada, the shipping price you were quoted might not be so bad. I’m sure you could trailer it one way for less cost even with high fuel prices considering fuel alone. However, lots of other considerations such as trailer wheel bearing condition/ maintenance, tire wear and tear on trailer and tow vehicle. Frost heave damage to trailer and vehicle suspension, rock damage to the windshield, potential animal hits, etc. All those adventures could be avoided with shipping🙂

[terry alexander]

Those potential incidents are exactly why I'm leaning toward shipping the boat. Thanks for that.

[ReelClose]

For what it's worth, I will be taking a 22' cruiser up to Anchorage in early August (the former R-Matey). I looked into shipping as well, and decided to take the Alaska Maritime Ferry. The ferry will run from Bellingham, WA to Haines, AK over the course of 3-4 days, then I'll trailer it the rest of the way to Anchorage (about 14 hours/750 miles).

For the combination of my truck and the boat on the trailer it was 48', and the cost was right about what you were quoted for your boat shipping. I know you can ship boat/trailer combos without a trailer - you just have to call them to get a quote, it's usually based on overall lenght (but they do need all the dimensions). Might be another option if you're interested in taking the ferry and don't mind doing a little bit of trailering.

-Drew

[terry alexander]

Thanks Drew, yes , I have considered the ferry and intend to get pricing for truck and boat tomorrow. I just worry a little about that last stretch. It's usually the worst. At least from Destruction Bay and on. Lots to consider. Thanks for chiming in and safe travels to you

[kennharriet]

Even though I have driven the ALCAN several times and there are considerations in addition to fuel I mentioned earlier, I would still drive it just because I love the trip. 🤷‍♂️

[terry alexander]

Good morning, I decided to ship. I'll take the boat to the port in Seattle on the 27th then I'll drive up. I should get to valdez a day or two ahead of the boats arrival. Like you, I love that drive. And im happy with my decision to ship the boat. This way I'm not stressed about damage or breakdowns. I am leaving my home here in Colorado tomorrow. I'll stop in ocean park, wa to visit my 91 year mom. Mom and Dad are to blame for my fishing addiction. And introduced me to valdez 23 years ago. Great memories. Thanks to all of you. Terry