Delivery costs guesstimates - Annapolis to Barnegat Bay

dlochner · Oct 7, 2017

The cost is going to vary depending on the Captain, experience, other work, etc, etc. You'll have to cover expenses and maybe some travel time. Depending on who you get the cost will range from a couple of hundred dollars a day to much more.

This summer I did a delivery from Chesapeake City DE to Catskill NY. It was a forced march. I joined the boat on Monday afternoon and got off on Friday afternoon. Along the way met a few delivery captains. One of the things I learned is that guys who are starting off in the business will work for next to nothing to get the experience and to build their resume.

The delivery you're planning is pretty straightforward, Annapolis to the C&D Canal. Across Delaware Bay, through Cape May Canal, and up to Barnegat Bay. The navigation, at least from the C&D Canal to Barnegat is pretty easy in decent weather (I can only speak for that section.)

Can you find a couple of guys in your marina to help out? Guys with a little sense of adventure? I did the trip for beer and meals. One of the guys with us is trying to develop a delivery business. He's done a Lake Ontario to Chesapeake delivery and a Brunswick GA to Sandy Hook, NJ delivery. PM me if you want his contact info.

uncledom · Oct 8, 2017

How tall is your mast? I take NJ on the outside because the ICW has non-compliant bridge heights, meaning not 65 feet as the ICW bridges should be. Grab a chart or use https://activecaptain.com/ to check the travel route.

njlarry · Oct 8, 2017

Hi Ward,
Given fair weather it's all easy sailing. I did it in the other direction. Your mast is no problem. The lowest bridge is Cape May Canal which I think is currently 50 feet due to construction. My 47 foot mast plus antenna was fine. Lots of places to stop between Annapolis and the C and D. Worst part will be long stretch down Delaware river, the timing with current will make or break the experience.
But also consider keeping her on the Chesapeake for a season. Your Admiral will love it.
PM me if you would like more details either way.
Best of luck.

JRT · Oct 8, 2017

What about shipping it?

rgranger · Oct 8, 2017

dlochner said:
I did the trip for beer and meals.

Just for the adventure of it all. I'd do that... hell, I'd even bring my own beer.

But it would have to wait until May before I could take a few days off...

capta · Oct 8, 2017

Very basically, figure around 2 to 3 dollars a mile plus all expenses for a good delivery captain. Some will work by the day, but it still works out to be about the same.
A delivery is just that, unless you arrange differently. If the boat falls below a certain speed, generally around 6 knots, then the engine comes on and stays on until the boat will make the speed without. Most deliveries are not sightseeing trips for the owners, or a leisurely cruise. Make sure you and your captain are on the same page on this.
I used to stack my deliveries pretty tightly, but occasionally I might be able to slip another in between trips if I didn't dawdle. That's the nice thing about doing ditch trips: the weather on the inside days was irrelevant. Up at dawn and running till dusk. Tie up in a marina, wash the boat from stem to stern and then off again at dawn the next day.
I would recommend that you look for a delivery captain through a reputable yacht broker. Most maintain a stable of excellent, experienced, honest and reliable delivery captains that they use themselves.

jssailem · Oct 8, 2017

Ward
I got to ask. If after getting to know your new boat in the area you buy it. Say going in and out of the marina, sailing around the area, motor about the area for say 7 days, why would you not take the boat back by yourself and a couple of friends?

Monterey385 · Oct 8, 2017

You will likely be making a 60 NM ocean run with limited bailout points (other than Absecon). Several shake downs and redundant spare parts are a must. Running Cape May on the outside will allow the fuel tank to slosh around ... if followed by a Cape May layover with Raycor filter change may help avoid filter clog in the ocean.

DAVA390 · Oct 8, 2017

Ward H said:
That's the info I was looking for. While there are some guys in my marina that have made the trip several times and I trust helping me move a boat if they offer, I feel better knowing I can afford a Captain. I don't expect this to be a joy ride but rather a quick move. I'll be going along as crew for the experience.

That's an option which I will have quoted but I'm thinking there will be less chance of damage moving it by water.

Actually that is a good question for the forum.
Upon closing on a boat with a good survey, how much time needs to be spent preparing for a delivery? Ensuring the boat will make the trip? I know I would need spare parts and some essentials.
Are a few shake down short trips be required? Would shipping be better for that reason?

You might pm Don Scribner
Bought one in Massachusetts,moved it home to Maine

dlochner · Oct 9, 2017

Ward,

A couple of questions.

What time of year are planning to move the boat? The fall weather window is getting pretty short.

Is the boat in the water now or on the hard? If it is on the hard, especially with the mast down, it may be easier to just ship the boat.

Ron20324 · Oct 9, 2017

Ward, there is a husband/wife in my sailing club that are licensed of some sort and do international deliveries. She is a long-time ocean sailor. They are here in Annapolis. If you get the SpinSheet magazine there was an article on them being boarded by pirates during a recent delivery. P.M. me if interested.

capta · Oct 9, 2017

Ward H said:
The boat I am considering is in the water near Annapolis. I would have it moved as soon after closing as it is safe and outfitted do so.
Another possibility is to move it to a more easily accessible marina on the bay but we would rather have it at our current marina.

I should think after a competent survey (noting your need to move the boat ASAP) and a sea trial, you would have a pretty good handle on what you would need to do before you move the boat home. Perhaps some of the advice about preparations and testing needed for this trip are a bit overly cautious in this case. Talk it over with your surveyor.

seadaddler · Oct 9, 2017

I had 2 friends who never did any real boating and I went from Fort Pierce Fl around through
5mile channel to Punta Gorda in 4 days.
I did get experience while sailing from NY to Fort Pierce with a good Captain all Ocean
and about 8 years sailing local waters in NY but did 2 shake downs to check my boat was in good working order before making trip and just make sure engine is good and good fuel system.
Nick

Delivery costs guesstimates - Annapolis to Barnegat Bay

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SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

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