Cost of transport cross country

[brooksk]

Hello folks,

I am interested in a boat that is located half-way cross the country. The price is good and the boat in immaculate condition and exactly what I'm looking for. Here's the dilemma:
The boat is 1379 miles away in MN and I'm in VT. Assuming that the boat survey checks out and there's no mechanical or legal surprises I'm faced with how to transport the boat back home. The boat is 30-31' 1988 Sea Ray 270 w/10 ft beam, weight is ~6700-6800 lbs. I have no trailer for this beast, and even if I did I don't have enough truck to haul it. Nor do I have any special permits (if needed??). I checked one professional boat hauler and the price quoted almost floored me - about 50% of the asking price for the boat. I don't have any family members or relatives who are professional truck drivers so I really don't know anyone to ask. Can anyone make any suggestions?
I'm hoping to bring this transportation cost down to <$2500. This transportation issue is potentially a deal maker/breaker.

Kevin

 

[roscoe]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

Actual driver miles with an oversized load, fuel costs, permits, taxes, time, trailer loading/blocking, insurance, delivery, guessing you would start at 3800-5000. Easily could go $7000.

What did they quote you?

Considering that it cost $900 to ship an atv 1200 miles, and took 6+ weeks, I wouldn't expect less than $5000.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

big boats don't ship cheap..... heck fuel could run around $1000 .... If you had a trailer you might find a "guy in a dually" to pull it for ya but then your boat might get trashed and he probably wouldn't be insured....

Good luck, but I kinda you'll get it moved that far for that price

 

[45Auto]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

Put it on U-ship and let them bid on it for a week or two, it's like Ebay for shipping. If you're lucky, you'll find somebody running empty up into the northeast that'll give you a good deal. Be as flexible on your pick up and delivery dates as possible.

I had a 22' shipped about 1600 miles for less than $1,000 about a year ago. Looks like shipping a 30' boat 1,400 miles should be possible within your $2,500 budget based on recent shipments. I just used a Minneapolis zip code (55033) and one from the center of Vermont (05039) to find comparable shipments.

 

[brooksk]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

:

Put it on U-ship and let them bid on it for a week or two, it's like Ebay for shipping. If you're lucky, you'll find somebody running empty up into the northeast that'll give you a good deal. Be as flexible on your pick up and delivery dates as possible.

I had a 22' shipped about 1600 miles for less than $1,000 about a year ago. Looks like shipping a 30' boat 1,400 miles should be possible within your $2,500 budget based on recent shipments. I just used a Minneapolis zip code (55033) and one from the center of Vermont (05039) to find comparable shipments.

From brooksk:
Actually, right after I posted here I discovered UShip, went over there and found similar listings and the rates are ballpark what I've been reading. I listed it w/picture and best available info. Hoping that someone will be able to do this for my price range.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

Get a quote from MRE. He's a friend of mine and is based in MN

http://www.mreboattransport.com/about-mre.html

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

I think the non trailer is affecting the price too. I recently inquired about shipping a boat from MO to NY. The prices I got were all over the place, but all of them asked me if it was on a trailer. Even the ones that would put it on a flatbed, still wanted it on a trailer for easier loading/unloading. Those prices on uship may or may not reflect a trailer with the deal.

 

[brooksk]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

For the cost of shipping, if you can take a week or two off work, I might be tempted to sail it home. Would make a very nice vacation.

I like your idea the best!

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

+2 sail it home. Cedar Point/Put-in-bay lots of good places to spend the night and safe harbor along the way.
Family member just brought one back from western Michigan. Had trans go out on lake Huron (eastern Michigan) but, was on his way in 24 hours.
He loved the trip and the boat is fantastic. He can't stop talking about either one. LOL

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

For the cost of shipping, if you can take a week or two off work, I might be tempted to sail it home. Would make a very nice vacation.

I was thinking the same thing. Good luck

 

[45Auto]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

The original poster is talking about a 30', 22 year old boat with an asking price of $5,000.

I've NEVER seen a used boat that old, that big, in that price range, that I would even THINK about casting off for a 2000 mile cruise without several weeks of work.

Not saying it can't be done, just don't expect to fly in and set off into the sunset .....

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

naw the asking price is higher than that..... "half the asking price" was the shippers quote.... the $2500 figure was the op's hope for cheap shipping....

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

Last year I was quoted $2400-3600 to ship my Nova II from Detroit to Colorado Springs. Drove out to get it, spent about $1100 total.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

Last year I was quoted $2400-3600 to ship my Nova II from Detroit to Colorado Springs. Drove out to get it, spent about $1100 total.

Wow - covered transport? I only paid $550 to ship a triumph spitfire from CA to MN. $2400 for detroit to colorado is insane.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

The original poster is talking about a 30', 22 year old boat with an asking price of $5,000.

I've NEVER seen a used boat that old, that big, in that price range, that I would even THINK about casting off for a 2000 mile cruise without several weeks of work.

Not saying it can't be done, just don't expect to fly in and set off into the sunset .....

I'm with you, even if the asking price is much higher. Plus, we don't know how experienced a skipper the OP is. The Great Lakes aren't exactly the right place for a beginner in an unfamiliar boat.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

Wow - covered transport? I only paid $550 to ship a triumph spitfire from CA to MN. $2400 for detroit to colorado is insane.

LOL at 26' long his nova II is ALOT bigger than a spitfire..... I assume you were thinking CHEVY nova

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

LOL at 26' long his nova II is ALOT bigger than a spitfire..... I assume you were thinking CHEVY nova

Duhoooo, I saw nova 2 and was thinking car, not boat.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

did you ever do it?

pics of the boat?

 

[dave11]

Re: Cost of transport cross country

I hope you are getting a really good price on the boat. I am not sure I would ship a 23 year old boat half way cross country. If you do, check out at least three (3) references from the hauler.