36' Trawler-Truck hauling

[proselli]

Hello, Can anyone share their experience with hauling a 36' Marine Trader Sundeck Trawler from Florida to New Jersey via TRUCK? Does the flybridge come down? Are you aware of any problems with re-installing the flybridge and all of the electronics? Any suggestions for haulers?
Thank you

 

[ben2go]

It would probably be cheaper to get a member to ferry the boat than try to haul overland,unless the boat isn't sea worthy.

 

[tego]

Truck hauling

I had a 34 Marine Trader hauled from New Orleans to Erie, PA about a year ago for $3000. The flybridge definitely has to come off! I disconnected everything myself and the marina moved the flybridge to a framework I built over the foredeck with the travel lift and we secured it there. The job took a day to remove the bridge and the driver left the next morning. It was a reverse process at the destination. I had no problems except for a broken sealing ring on the hydraulic steering. If you can find a hauler that needs a load on a return trip, you can get a much better rate. Just make sure you label EVERY wire and where it reattaches. Make a wiring diagram while you're at it and you will probably be able to remove a lot of "dead" wires from old equipment at the same time. The flybridge itself is very easy to disconnect from the bridge deck.

 

[taime1]

I too have been looking into truck hauling a boat, to get an idea as to the costs and feasibility. So a few days ago, I put an ad on uship.com to get a few quotes based on a 1979 Ocean Yachts 40+2 from Florida to Ottawa, Canada (about 1500 miles).

Only 2 bids have come in so far one on water the other on land. The land delivery is estimated at about $12,000 (CAN) while the water delivery is $17,500 (CAN).

These seem pretty high to me, but it's difficult to say. I think that if I shorten the distance and/or avoid shipping across the border, I'd get more activity and perhaps a lower cost overall and per mile.

The truck haul specified that the loaded height had to be 14feet or less, which includes the height of the trailer. I'm not sure what the trailer height is, but probably at least 2 feet. The quote also specified that the loading and off-loading was not included in the price.

 

[ben2go]

I too have been looking into truck hauling a boat, to get an idea as to the costs and feasibility. So a few days ago, I put an ad on uship.com to get a few quotes based on a 1979 Ocean Yachts 40+2 from Florida to Ottawa, Canada (about 1500 miles).

Only 2 bids have come in so far one on water the other on land. The land delivery is estimated at about $12,000 (CAN) while the water delivery is $17,500 (CAN).

These seem pretty high to me, but it's difficult to say. I think that if I shorten the distance and/or avoid shipping across the border, I'd get more activity and perhaps a lower cost overall and per mile.

The truck haul specified that the loaded height had to be 14feet or less, which includes the height of the trailer. I'm not sure what the trailer height is, but probably at least 2 feet. The quote also specified that the loading and off-loading was not included in the price.

Crossing that boarder is what's going to get you on cost.


I would enjoy ferrying boats to owners.Only thing is,my experience with big boats are 24-26 foot pontoons and deck boats around the coast of SC/NC/GA.I've operated a lot of boats on inland lakes from 9' to 28'.Most being fish n ski boats or bow riders.

 

[taime1]

Crossing that boarder is what's going to get you on cost.

I think so too. Not quite sure why. I should get other quotes done based on delivery to Ogdensburg, NY or somewhere on Lake Ontario. I don't want to have people spend much time quoting for jobs that don't or are not very likely to exist.

I'm not a fan of chopping off the top of the boat either. Seems like it can be done, but something just feels a little wrong about doing that ! Although, it's probably alot less wrong than chopping off the bottom...

 

[ben2go]

I think so too. Not quite sure why. I should get other quotes done based on delivery to Ogdensburg, NY or somewhere on Lake Ontario. I don't want to have people spend much time quoting for jobs that don't or are not very likely to exist.

I'm not a fan of chopping off the top of the boat either. Seems like it can be done, but something just feels a little wrong about doing that ! Although, it's probably alot less wrong than chopping off the bottom...

Weight being hauled over the roads and I'm sure there are some other crazy reasons that cost more.Reduced height is required to get under hydro lines in CAN and US.

 

[ben2go]

Hello, Can anyone share their experience with hauling a 36' Marine Trader Sundeck Trawler from Florida to New Jersey via TRUCK? Does the flybridge come down? Are you aware of any problems with re-installing the flybridge and all of the electronics? Any suggestions for haulers?
Thank you

Is this your boat or like it? If so,even removing the fly bridge won't get you under 13' height requirement to travel in the US,plus there is the over width issue.Both need special permits from each state the boat goes through.Then you can only move during certain times through certain areas.Utility companies have to be notified to move power lines,phone lines,and cable lines.It really is a bigger undertaking to move a boat over land.I wouldn't think that a captain to ferry a boat north would be that expensive.Other than food and a flight home,the captain's cash outlay shouldn't be much.Anything pertaining to the boat while traveling (fuel and other fluids) would be paid for by the owner.


1990 Marine Trader Sundeck Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

 

[janice142]

Hello, Can anyone share their experience with hauling a 36' Marine Trader Sundeck Trawler from Florida to New Jersey via TRUCK? Does the flybridge come down? Are you aware of any problems with re-installing the flybridge and all of the electronics? Any suggestions for haulers?
Thank you

Hello proselli.

I just (as in last week) had my girl trucked via Mike Marshall Marine's service.
Call him: 850-899-5319
Website: Marshall Marine Fiberglass & Transport

What I liked: I was quoted a price for a trailer transport... as in Seaweed would simply ride on a regular trailer that was backed into the water. Then, the trailer type I would need (Shamrock or Float-On) were not available.

Thus he sent a 50+ foot hydrolic trailer at no additional cost. I like that he is a man of his word.

However, this trailer type (which would accommodate your boat no doubt) meant I had to pay for a lift onto and off of the trailer. Okay. Done.

AND I got screwed at River Haven Marina (in Steinhatchee, FL) for the lift out. Was quoted $23. Went to pay for overnight dockage and the lift. Because it was just an out (rather than an in and out) paid $11.50. And yes, I did say I was going to be placed on a hydrolic trailer when I was quoted the $23.

Was thrilled to pay just $11.50. Then some man (older, probably a mucky-muck or owner) decided it would cost me additional for the "extra work" (none thank you as the driver did the alignment!) .
End result: An extra $37.50 and a VERY VERY VERY unhappy customer who will never ever recommend River Haven Marina again -- not unless you get the price in writing. And even then... well, suffice it to say I've been quite vocal about my experience. And yes, I'm still steamed.

Back to your regularly scheduled answer:
Furthermore, after she was secured to the trailer the driver drove about 5 miles, then pulled off and again went around the boat verifying all was well. It was, but this is my home and I appreciated the attention to detail.

The driver arrived on time to pick me up -- a bit early as a matter of fact.
The driver didn't speed and was careful, courteous, etc. (He allowed me to ride back with him in the truck, with my dog.)
It was a good trip.

And, when it comes time to leave again I am seriously considering again using Marshall Marine's service (this time the regular type trailer as Seaweed will fit on one of those with a keel cutout)

I would recommend Mike Marshall. Tell him I said "hi"

 

[Underway]

We had our 44' Ocean Alexander transported from Austin Texas to the Great Lakes about six years ago. I refused to remove the flybridge, so an escort truck with a "twang" pole led the way. Load was 15'4", so the route had to be a bit circuitous and around many underpasses (via the entry/exit ramps). Photo shows the load pulled over (by me) after the "twang" pole hit an underpass leaving Austin and the semi driver had to swerve (in rush hour traffic) to avoid shearing off the top of the boat. As I'd guessed the boat had indeed shifted and was sitting at an angle on the trailer. Interestingly, the pole truck driver, semi driver and I had it back to level in about 30 minutes using the air springs on the tractor and trailer as jacks while we blocked the keel and pulled the boat to level with cargo straps/ratchets. Remainder of trip was uneventful except for the incident when the load entered a construction zone where an overpass had been removed earlier that morning. Driver had to back the load for over a mile. Happened right at the end of the trip...the boat had a three car police escort when it arrived at destination marina. Cops thought it all quite amusing as did my sister and brother-in-law who met the boat at the northern end. Best part was when the yard off loaded the dinghy using the 50 ton travel lift.

 

[ben2go]

We had our 44' Ocean Alexander transported from Austin Texas to the Great Lakes about six years ago. I refused to remove the flybridge, so an escort truck with a "twang" pole led the way. Load was 15'4", so the route had to be a bit circuitous and around many underpasses (via the entry/exit ramps). Photo shows the load pulled over (by me) after the "twang" pole hit an underpass leaving Austin and the semi driver had to swerve (in rush hour traffic) to avoid shearing off the top of the boat. As I'd guessed the boat had indeed shifted and was sitting at an angle on the trailer. Interestingly, the pole truck driver, semi driver and I had it back to level in about 30 minutes using the air springs on the tractor and trailer as jacks while we blocked the keel and pulled the boat to level with cargo straps/ratchets. Remainder of trip was uneventful except for the incident when the load entered a construction zone where an overpass had been removed earlier that morning. Driver had to back the load for over a mile. Happened right at the end of the trip...the boat had a three car police escort when it arrived at destination marina. Cops thought it all quite amusing as did my sister and brother-in-law who met the boat at the northern end. Best part was when the yard off loaded the dinghy using the 50 ton travel lift.

View attachment 31546

Thanks for sharing.That was an eventful transit.