To transport or not to transport. . .

[Paul D.]

In 2002, I used Cross Country out of Hastings, Minnesota to haul our CD33 from Racine, WI to North of Duluth, MN. There were no problems whatsoever but we packed the boat and mast up ourselves. That is probably the biggest factor after selecting a competent hauler - prepping the boat properly. You can search this board for how to do it well. I think I read a GOB article too, but anyway, my brother and I put a good day in and had her ready to go.

I don't think hauling should be such a worry if you have a few companies in your area that have good references.

All the best,
Paul

[Jim Buck]

Paul hit the nail on the head: Preparation by the buyer is most important. Having an anchor bust out of a chain locker or a battery breaking loose of its tie down will cause more damage than a hauler may possibly inflict. Both of the CD's I bought in WI that were hauled back to the Detroit area were carefully packed by me. I removed the batteries and anchors and centered the mast with a cushioned crutch at the stern, a secured fender on the cabin top, and carpet padding on the pulpit to cushion the other end of the mast. Halyards and shrouds were secured with sticky-side-out duct tape every four feet. Two large vertical web straps secured the boats to their trailers at the pair of large eyelets found on Triad trailers. I removed more than I can remember from the boats prior to transport but the big items were already mentioned. And, no, I didn't buy two CD's at the same time but years apart. FWIW

Jim

[trapper]

In 2008 we transported a CD22, CD25D and a 40' Colvic Victor.

My husband built the trailer for the 22 and it was a piece of cake. We borrowed a friend's trailer (set up for a catalina 30) and hauled the 25D. The 25D takes some pretty good hp. We hired a transport service to transport the 40'-- all came out fine.

In 2006 we hauled a Choate 27 which has a 6' draft from Gulf Port to SC (about 1000 miles). Looking out the back of the truck, it looked like the keel would have cut right through the cab if it broke loose. That was a hair raising trip--but the boat was fine. My sister-in-law was with us. It scared her to death, we had to take her to New Orleans to catch a plane home.

We could not sail to our destination, that would have been my preferred method of moving the boat!

Several on this board regularly transport their 25Ds and we intend to transport ours. Prep the boat and make sure the trailer is solid with sufficient supports and she is sitting on her keel.

But--if you can sail, then SAIL. Make sure your systems are functioning. If you are in Brunswick, join SeaTow and head up the Ditch Save the transport for those times when you cannot sail

[Sea Witch]

Thank you for the great information!

[M. R. Bober]

When we bought TIA MARI (1979 CD27,) she was on the hard near Ocean City, MD. It was in early November. Rather than a risky shakedown, we hired Schiller Marine Transport to haul her to Annapolis (approximately 150 miles.)

It was an entirely satisfactory experience. Both yards were prepared for the operation. We prepped the boat (removing everything that could be offloaded and packing the rest with foam, cardboard, etc.) The cost was reasonable, and certainly less expensive than an incident in the Delaware Bay in December.

An experienced and insured transporter is a worthwhile alternative.

Mitchell Bober
Sunny Lancaster (you can't get there from here,) VA

[Troy Scott]

Ron,

I had my CD36 trucked from Robinhood, ME to Laurel, Mississippi, where I hired a crane to move her from the truck to the steel dolly we welded up specially for the refit. All this went flawlessly. I credit Dave Perry with the success of this move. He recommended the hauler, and he helped me with dimensions for the dolly. I recommend you call Dave and get his thoughts re transporting.

[Big E]

Towing your own sailboat is the most definitive cure for constipation ever devised. I tow Solstice 6 miles twice a year between my house & the marina & I dread every inch of the way. I am actually cringing while writing this. I would almost rather pay someone else to do it, but I imagine it's pretty expensive. Only 10 weeks until launch YEAAAAAAA!!