Shipping

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 547 Photos: Thistle

Just a general discussion for those of you whom have had a boat shipped to you by motor freight. from time to time I've seen west coast boats that look nice and I wonder if I'm doing myself a dis-service by ignoring them.

To get started:
-Does insurance allow you to have boat shipped
-Did you have a good result
-Do you include the tongue and motor, when estimating the length, in their form
-What is the weight of a C-Dory and what it the length with motor and tongue of trailer
-Do you recommend this service or would you have done it yourself if you could.

ssobol · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 3:37 pm Post subject:

If it were me, I'd do it myself rather than ship it. One of the reasons people buy these boats is the trailerability. If you're going to use it that way, might as well get an early start to it.

Fly out to wherever the boat is, rent an Enterprise truck, and tow it home. Depending on where the boat is, it might make a nice road trip.

Of course, before I bought such a boat, I'd want to make a trip to see it in person before buying it.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 547 Photos: Thistle

Never thought to rent a truck. Good idea. I had it figured to be, with travel in my truck, out and back to be In the area of 3500 dollars once hotels and food is added on.

ttking885 · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 8:24 pm Post subject:

i am looking at double the price to ship it vs renting a truck and driving round trip. I am pretty handy myself so i would take tools/tire and survey equipment with me to purchase and drive home. Uship seems to be $1.75-$2.0 a mile

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 547 Photos: Thistle

UShip was one of the companies I visited.

Question: When they ask you for the boat size are they wanting to know the boat length or do they want the tongue to the Props!

colbysmith · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 10:03 pm Post subject:

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 547 Photos: Thistle

Those weights are for the boat alone? And with a trailer? Is a single axle trailer 800-1000lbs ?

colbysmith · Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 10:58 pm Post subject:

C-Wolfe · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 2:19 am Post subject:

I will start with mentioning that no 2 situation are the same. I purchase my last boat far away from home, for me it made sense to purchase a new truck at the same time (and location) and doing the transport myself. I 1st took a plane ride to go look at the boat, did a sea trial and an inspection myself, then flew back home. Did the negotiations, formal boat inspection and transfer of fund from home, then flew back to get the boat and truck. My wife and kid came a few days after me and we enjoyed a few days a cruising the San Juan Island before they took the easy way back home and I took the boat on a journey through Canada back home. My only regret is that I wish I had allowed me more time enjoy the trip. I guest that only means that I need to do it again.

Trailering those kind of boat is not that bad, just need to not be in a hurry. I was able to sleep and cook on the boat for the whole trip, which save me some expenses. All things consider, I think I made the right choice, but like I said earlier, your milage may vary.

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 547 Photos: Thistle

Hello Stephan,
Valhalla, Is that NY?
So inspection first. Who did you put the money with until the registration was signed? I have an experienced truck so no worries there. But is might be a similar cost to have it shipped and without the wear on my truck, not sure.
What would be the items I might negotiate for? I hope to sleep on this boat on the way home.
Don

ssobol · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 10:55 am Post subject:

C-Wolfe · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 12:54 pm Post subject:

Donald Tyson · Joined: 24 Jul 2023 Posts: 547 Photos: Thistle

Nice opportunity for the truck.

Ken O · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 9:35 pm Post subject:

Donald, first of all, congrats on deciding on a C-Dory-- these are great boats!

In regard to buying one, I can offer this advice: be patient, be fussy, and be ready to pounce quickly. Yes, see the boat in person, but be ready to make the trip quickly. Watch C-Brats daily and set a search alert on Craigslist. Facebook marketplace may be useful also, though I do not use it. Not all C-Dory sellers know about C-Brats website.

Also, learn the right questions to ask, specific to C-Dories. Be willing to let a questionable boat get away. There will be another one.

This method has worked for me in finding a good C-22, and also in finding a good VW Westfalia.

Good luck.