Advice on shipping/hauling a C-Dory 2,000 miles

J

JonO

New member
I've seen an old thread on this topic but I'd like to hear current recommendations for transporting a C-Dory half way across the country.... say Pacific Northwest to Wisconsin.

Let's start with making sure the owner's insurance policy covers transportation by a third party and the third party hauler is bonded and insured. Obviously if the hauler is pulling the boat on its own trailer, I would expect the trailer... tires and bearings to be in good shape.

Beyond that, I'm looking for general guidance and recommendations for specific transportation companies.

Thanks in advance.
 
Hook it up and go. Make sure truck and trailer are ready for it.

I just towed a tomcat 24 from Ohio to Alaska. 4500 miles.

Old magic tilt trailer hand been completely redone. New brakes, bearings, GOOD tires with next step up weight rating then needed.

Truck was also new and had a much higher tow rating then what the tomcat weighed.

Easy todo. Just be smart.
 
It sounds as if you want a commercial shipper. That will be a bit different than If you DIY. There ia a horror story on The Hull Truth currently, where a used boat was purchased and basically totaled by the sub contracted transporter. The transport insurance did not cover the boat, since the sub contractor had launched it.

So, be sure you have insurance for the boat when hauled on a trailer, and for the trailer.

Repack bearings, check races, seals, and brakes.

I stop every 2 hours to check the tires and running gear, plus do an IR TEMP check on the bearings.

Spare gear: set of bearings and seals. A hub (maybe) torque wrench, impact wrench, spare lug nuts. A jack capable of handing the trailer, and perhaps jack stands. A grease gun with same kind of grease which is now on the bearings.

Be sure the boat is properly strapped onto the trailer.
 
I'm looking to ship a 22 ft approximately 2,500 Miles. The quotes are coming in between 88 cents and $1 per mile. I have had quotes come in as high as a$1.75 per mile. The trailer will have new bearings, fresh grease, and new tires which in my opinion gets the quoted prices a little lower.
 
Back in the days when I thought I had the world by the kahoonies, I bought a
Florida go-fast I/O V8 boat. The MI dealer had his "experienced" hauler have it
"winterized" then delivered on a trailer to Michigan in February.

Anticipation and expectations ran high waiting for Spring. It was launched with a
maiden voyage planned of about 1/4 mile to the gas dock. After the ignition key
started the engine, I decided to "have a peak" in the engine compartment to
witness water shooting out the side of both cracked risers.

It was questionable who had the most shock or embarrassment, me or the dealer.

Stuff happens. Assumptions can be painful.

Aye.
 
WildSide":q5a6kj6e said:
I'm looking to ship a 22 ft approximately 2,500 Miles. The quotes are coming in between 88 cents and $1 per mile. I have had quotes come in as high as a$1.75 per mile. The trailer will have new bearings, fresh grease, and new tires which in my opinion gets the quoted prices a little lower.
Click to expand...

The important issues are will your boat be safe. Will it arrive in the same condition as when shipped, will the hauler call your every day to report progress and any issues? How good is the hauler's bonding and insurance? Perhaps most important is the reputation of the hauler.

Joe Blow, who has a 1974 gasser 1/2 ton can tow your boat...But...Even new bearings and tires can have issues. There can be tire punctures. The disc brakes may drag, heating the hub, and causing loss of grease (is the grease high temp, waterproof?).

Will the windshield and bow of the boat be protected? What security precautions will be taken...

I have only had one boat commercially towed. It came from Michigan City, Ind. on the hauler's hydraulic trailer in January. He was doing about 4 legs of a haul, with different boats' and running back to FL empty. The boat was about 30' lOA and 9'6" beam Weight light about 12,000 lbs--the price was $1 a mile (2003). The boat was upper shrink wrapped. The hauler called me at least once a day. There was a problem with the shrink wrap so he fixed it. His trailer could either launch the boat, put it on blocks and jack stands, or put it to be picked up by a travel lift.
 
With all the variables, 1 or 2 examples are meaningless.

The truth is, you won't know until it's completed.

Prior due diligence is the best one can do.

Aye.
 
There's risk in everything. I like to think that things are generally going to be fine, but I agree with the previous posters that good tires, decent brakes, and a fresh pack on the bearings are a fine idea for a long haul. I do not believe that everything must be new though for your journey to be successful. These things just need to be serviceable and in good working condition. However, if things are not fine, like others have noted, make sure you have insurance that covers it.
 
Points above, all well taken and meaningful. Past personal experience:

PSC Flicka 20 - Northern Ohio to Ky delivered on time, no issues $850
SageCat 15 hull 000 - Colorado to KY -$900 on time no issues
Island Packet 32 - Trucking company Bradenton FL to Kentucky Lake $3,500 no issues
SageCat 15 - Kentucky to Alaska - $3,500 - no issues
Island Packet 32 - Kentucky to Ft. Myers Florida $4000 No issues (same shipper from this boat above).

C-Dory 22 - In process of setting up shipping for next week! ~ $2,100 Maybe....

Looking at the above, I think I buy too many boats....

I look at the shipper's credentials (insurance, DOT Licenses, and also heavily on their reviews. The reviews usually confirm or negate their claims of no issues, daily reporting, gps mapping, etc). In the end, it is a calculated risk, so make sure you have your boat insurance in force, and talk with your agent that third party towing is covered!
 
Some great advice.... thank you all. Can one ever have too many boats? :)

I'm looking forward to joining the fleet. Up next... what to name her....

JonO
 
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