TRANSPORT OF O'DAY 26

[BRUCE CUTCLIFFE]

I need to transport a 1985 O'Day 26 from Cedar Creek, NJ to Chelmsford, MA, a distance of approx. 290 miles. In checking with BoatTrans-Express, one of several internet "middle men" that arrange transportation with a carrier (I suspect for some sort of undiscosed fee paid by the carrier), I am told that the trailer portion of the tractor-trailer rig is approx. 40' and open on the bottom to allow water pick-ups. Although I will properly wrap and pad the mast to be carried on a rack on the side of the trailer, it was suggsted that I have the boat shrink wrapped to minimize damage. Of course there was the caveat that the shrink wrap could tear during transport. It was also mentioned that the boat could sustain nicks and road dirt as the trailer has the open bed. It was requested that the boom be wrapped, padded and secured inside the cabin. Otherwise, the boat will be empty and loaded from the hard on stands. The boat is in exceptional condition and I certainly do not want to risk damage irrespective of who might be responsible. I am not a fan of shrink-wrap (aside from the expense) and in any event do not see where the boat would sustain damage to any portion of the boat that the wrap would actually cover. The wrap would still leave the sides exposed. I can understand that there would be a certain amount of road grime from transporting a boat overland 290 miles, and I am not concerned with any small nicks the bottom may sustain from small rocks. However, It do not see why there should be any nicks or other damage to the sides of the boat. Short of sailing the boat to Massachusetts, has anyone any suggestions or had any experience with long distance moves? My only experience was the transport of an O'Day 23 from Newport, RI seven years ago and the carrier - after requesting that I not pack or secure the mast and boom as they would take care of it - delivered the boat after leaving the boom riding free on deck. Forutnately the boom remained on the deck, but there was considerable scuffing of the gelcoat. Perhaps I am overly concerned but I do not wish to have the boat sustain any damage to the gelcoat.I have also contacted Brownell in Mattapoitstt, MA (a major boat carrier) and am waiting their response for a quote. Thanks,Bruce C.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Moving Boats

Moving boats is always an angst ridden experience. Almost all haulers have trailers like you describe. There are some who use flatbed trailers with cradleds but you need a crane to put the boat on and off that type. There's really not a lot you can do - other than sail. Make sure your insurance company will cover the boat in transit and go for it. I would put a heavy coat of wax on the hull - will cause things to tend to skip off rather than scratch it. You don't have to buff it out but make sure there aren't huge globs or you'll be hurting in the spring when you try to polish it.Justin - O'day Owner's Web

 

[Mike Whalen]

Hmmmm

Bruce, I have a 25 and have thought about having it hauled to the coast and back at some point. If you don't mind maybe you'll tell us what these folks charge.Good luck,Mike

 

[M. G.]

hire a captain

Just a thought but you may want to consider hiring a captain to move the boat via water. At least check out the price differential between having a skipper move it versus having it trailered overland.

 

[BRUCE CUTCLIFFE]

O'DAY 26 TRANSPORT

THANKS JUSTINTHE HEAVY COATING OF WAX ON THE HULL MAKES GOOD SENSE TO ME! BRUCE C.

 

[BRUCE CUTCLIFFE]

Mike:The expense of transporting an O'Day 26 a distance of approximately 290 miles will cost you approximately $850.00 to $1,120.00 depending upon the carrier. They usually charge a set fee for loading the boat and an additional set amount per mile - out and back. That is, if you are moving your boat a distance of 300 miles, you will be charged the loading fee plus the set rate for a distance of 600 miles.