Shipping a Boat 1000 Miles

[jeffolsen]

Hoping for some guidance from the community. I am considering a G23 purchase in Texas and would need it shipped up to Wisconsin. It looks like there are several reputable tow companies on uShip that would be willing to pull the boat up at a reasonable price.

I'm looking for guidance on the following questions...

-It sounds like the boat should be towed with the cover off. Do others agree?
-Anyone had a good experience with a shipper they would recommend that might be interested in the work?
-Any other advice / guidance for transporting?

Thanks in advance.

[ScooterMcgavin]

I'd think you would want have it covered for the trip. Possibly pay someone to shrink wrap it. That way it would stay clean and protected. And make sure the shipper has plenty of marine/boat moving experience.

[Dcspain]

Purchased a boat from Buxton in Texas last month and had it shipped to California. Was going to use uship but got cold feet after hearing some nightmares. Ended up using a shipper that Buxton has been using for years. He has all the proper documentation. Eric will even shrink wrap your boat for the journey. Made it in 2 days. Highly recommend Eric. He can be reached at (682) 999-6112.


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[Kmayotte]

I used UShip and had a positive experience. Same boat (2016 G23) towed about the same distance (FL > NH). Cost was $1200 or so if I remember correctly.

Covered was left on, as this is how it's designed to be used. Boat arrived mint. My only complaint was how slow the driver drove. I was anxious to get the boat but delivery was about 20 hours late due to the fact that I don't think the driver broke 50mph. All in all I'll take a safe boat delivered a little late than the opposite.

[scottb7]

I used uship and had great experience. Texas to Minnesota...your welcome...

http://www.uship.com/profile/walbert52/

[NautiqueJeff]

Can't argue with a shipper recommended by Buxton. I am sure that shipper is top-notch.

That said, I have used Uship quite a bit too, and never really had any issues. I had one Ski Nautique picked up in California and delivered to North Carolina. Other boats came from Florida. All arrived with no issues.

[pscarpetti]

Hi Jeffolsen
I was leary of having a boat shipped but I took the chance because I found a great deal on a Nautique in California and we live in NH!! (1,800 miles). I went on Uship and they have many middlemen trying to get me to sign up right away. I wanted to deal direct with the people towing it.I posted I was willing to wait if needed to get a back haul. I found a perfect couple they were middle aged, had a van and they sleep in the van so the boat is not left unattended. I did have it shipped with the cover on it and they chose to stop one day because it was too windy and didn't want the cover to be damaged. They are bonded and are very reasonable his name is Joe from JK Shipping 803-669-1611. We have used Joe three times now and they are great.

[JD ski]

Covers can end up chaffing fine finishes. Personally I do not drive with them on. Shrink wrapping would be more desirable especially if any weather was run into.

It depends on how the boat will be hauled, on the trailer that the boat came with. OR will the boat and trailer be placed on a trailer owned by the transport team? IF the boat is hauled on it's own trailer, the bearings, brakes and tire condition are your biggest concern in my opinion. Have a corroded bearing go bad, get hot, cause the tire to blow out, catch on fire, and it is all ugly from there. Have the bearings inspected and repacked, replace if needed. Check that all the tires are under five years old. Tires have manufacture dates on them
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...56!10!37801428 27!30535788832&ef_id=V1VpCgAAAYDm4K9m:201702280354 42:s

These are the things that will ensure a lack of maintenance does not cause a trip to become a nightmare, including repair coats and or replacement parts along the way and time delays. The distance is not an issue, the condition of your trailer is.
Make sure the tow rig has mud flaps so you do not end up with rock chips all over the front of your boat, the trailer can also receive rock chips. Just things to think about.

When I purchased my boat I looked at the tires. They looked new but the manufacture date was over 17 years old. I was going to drive 550 miles through the Nevada Desert with 100 degree temps during the day and then also driving at night. You can not see your tires in the mirrors in the dark. Nevada speed limit is 75 mph with a trailer and I knew I would be driving faster than that most of the time. These are all a recipe for disaster. After the transaction, I drove directly to a tire shop and had the tires replaced. While it was there I checked the bearing play and adjusted. Every time I stopped I checked the wheel hubs to see how hot they were getting all to ensure a trouble free trip. A reputable transporter will know to keep a check on his payload.

How clean it is when it arrives is a lesser issue. It is going to get dirty in winter time travel. You can always wash it. I bet you will even enjoy cleaning it and getting to know your new baby. Enjoy the ride.

[Bevostein]

I shipped my boat from Maine to Texas with the cover on. I would not do it again. Have it shrink wrapped.

[swc5150]

2 years ago, I bought an SN from Buxton and had it shipped to Janesville for $600, through Midwest Express from Rockford. No issues, and a great price.

[markj]

JD brings up some good points. I had a brand new boat shipped 1800 miles to me in December 2016. Things that are important to me are 1. Make sure whoever is doing the actual hauling has enough insurance to cover the entire value of your new boat. (Request insurance certs) 2. Pay the extra money to have an real pro shrink wrap it. My selling dealer did it in house and did a lot of damage by shrink wrapping it too tight and had to pay to repair a bunch of things. 3. Mud flaps are a HUGE must in my opinion. Especially if you're shipping in the winter. My new boat showed up with a lot of road damage to the boat and trailer that I still have to pay to fix or just live with the damage.

[evanrude]

Last year I had my boat shipped from Buxton to Ohio. Used Buxtons shipper. Had it shrink wrapped. Could not have been happier.

[jeffolsen]

A big thank you to everyone that contributed - this has been a big help. I have been really impressed with the planetnautique community. Thanks again!

[lucky7t]

Eric has moved several boats for me and he is top notch . In fact he's hauling a boat for me right this very second . He's top notch best boat shipper I've ever used
Eric 682-999-6112


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[SierraWave]

I have had two boats shipped from the east coast to California. Both have been shrink wrapped. The mostly white boat, a 200 was fine, the black G23 was a mess. If you shrink wrap it make sure the put the shrink wrap tape on all the points of the boat(the G has a bunch) prior to shrink wrapping it. Do the trailer as well on the forward spots and the front rails.
Use a stock, felt lined cover and cut a a "bra" for underneath the front of the bow
Except the fact that it will be a bit road haggard and have a
Professional detail it when you get it and prepare to do a bit of wet sanding if needed.
Focus on the Pre taping on all points, windshield, angles, back corners and you will be good


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