J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Shipping a J30

I'm looking to buy a J30. I live between 500 and 2000 miles from boats that are for sale. Barring a trip through the Great Lakes and the Mississippi, I'll have to ship it accross land.

Any advice from the experienced? Also, Ideas as to what it might cost. Shipping cost will have to be a consideration in the price.

While I don't remember all the details, it seems to me when I was attempting to find a boat, the price of hauling depended upon whether the truck company was going to/from the area in which you live. They like to have a load both ways, which, I think, lowers your price. As I recall, I scoped out boats in the midwest and along the SE coast. I found that it was expensive to haul. I thought about buying a trailer. Expensive. Then you need to get permits to haul over the road. You also need a good sized truck. Expensive and hard to find to rent. Perhaps there is someone in your area that has a trailer you could rent? Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a copy of Soundings magazine and look for trucking companies that specialize in hauling boats. Good luck. I was lucky enough to find a boat within two days sail from RI.

I purchased Hurricane in South Carolina and shipped to Lake Erie.The company I used was Andrews Trucking in Niagra on the Lake Ontario.Very good job and professional.Can't remember exactly how much but I'am sure they would give you a qoute by the mile for a budget price

In 1997 I paid about $1300 to have Nordic Star trucked from Huntington, NY to Melbourne, FL. This was about 1300 miles. Lighthouse Marine Transport was the outfit used. They picked the boat up from the marina in NY and deposited the boat at the marina in FL. No problems. The marinas at either end charged for unstepping/stepping the mast and launching.

The rise in fuel prices have really driven up trucking costs. I just checked on how much it would cost to have Mondial shipped to Barrington for the NAs and the estimate was $2200.00. In 1998, the same carrier charged about $1500 for a similar trip (but slightly shorter).

I shipped hull #62 from Monroe Michigan to Carlyle Illinois, an estimated 475 miles for $1,500. I had a bid for Annapolis to Carlyle, 1,000 or more miles for $1,800. Seems to depend a lot on where you are and where you're coming from.