Boat Delivery

[TimofBlindSquirrel]

Hello,

I am livinig in Chicago and found a boat that I am very interested in Virgin Gorda. Not very convenient, I know. The boat needs a major refit and I would not dare sail it back to the States without a major systems overhaul.

Does anyone have any experience in moving a boat by barge or freighter to the east coast? I can truck the boat to Chicago from there to begin the work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[sailingdog]

Just curious, why are you buying a boat that is need of a major refit that is so far away? I am guessing that you could buy the same or similar model boat in better shape for what buying that one and shipping it will cost you. Also, as a general rule, you will never get back what you put into a boat in terms of refitting.... and buying the same make and model boat is sailable shape is usually less expensive than refitting it will cost—in both terms of money and time.

[speciald]

Shipping may cost more than the boat is worth. For example, a 42 foot boat from St Thomas to Fort Lauderdale would set you back more than 7k at the discounted rate.

[Ulladh]

If this is truely an exceptional boat and there is not a comparable boat closer, then I would suggest; get the boat made seaworthy in BVI and move it to Puerto Rico for a more complete fit-out.
Costs are lower in Puerto Rico than BVI and may also be lower than in Chicago.
Research directly with the various government agencies in BVI, Puerto Rico, Illinois and the USCG on what you need to do to make this legal, and check with your insurance carrier.

[sailingfool]

You want these guys

Marine Transportation | Yacht Transportation | Welcome Aboard

[TimofBlindSquirrel]

Originally Posted by sailingfool

You want these guys

Marine Transportation | Yacht Transportation | Welcome Aboard

Thanks for the info. I will am going to have to get a quote from them if I can make the deal for the boat.

[TimofBlindSquirrel]

I am willing to go through the hassel and expense of getting this boat to Chicago because it is rare to find one on the market. Current shipping estimates show that I should be able to purchase it and transport it to Chicago for a lot less than the least expensive one that is currently on the market. This is one of three that are currently on the market.

I also have a facility near the Illinois - Wisconsin border that provides everything I need to do the refit. It is less than a 90 minute drive, has heat and A/C, and a mobile gantry crane will easily fit over the boat when on jack stands. I will probably need to yank the motor and give it a re-build(oh joy!).

I am also extremely handy and have an extensive construction background. Doing the re-fit myself will not only be more satisfying, but it will allow me to make changes and modifications that I really want. I did a complete refit on my last boat and was extremely pleased with the results. I ended selling that boat for what I had into it, minus labor, so it worked out for me. Hopefully I will have the same results with this boat.

Thanks for all the advice.

[WanderingStar]

Good luck with it. Please keep us up on your progress.

[zz4gta]

What kinda boat is this?