Wanting to buy - questions re where and transport

[SoSound]

My wife and I are interested in buying our first boat. We kind of have our hearts set on either a Beneteau 285 or a 281. We have looked at several over the past year, but all have the same big hurdle to overcome - transportation from wherever to Olympia, WA (cha-ching!).Are there any realistic options to paying a 20-30% premium on top of the purchase price for transporting the vessel? Is it possible to 'tow your own'? I've had a reasonable amount of experience towing trailers, etc., at first I thought that I might need a different class driver's license, but now it looks like all I'd need to do is to obtain the proper permits for an oversize load.Now the next big hurdle - a trailer to tow it on? I haven't noticed any brand or model specific details to any of the sailboat trailers being manufactured - is it possible to "rent" a trailer from someone for the trip? Could I tow a 28-29 foot boat on its cradle on a gooseneck cargo trailer? I have another project which might make purchase or rental of a cargo trailer a realistic option...The most obvious solution is to be patient and wait for a 285 or 281 to go up for sale on the west coast, but there don't seem to be many out here - I only see 3 285's and no 281's listed in the Northwest (in the model information/directory of owners) - are there more boats out there but just not 'registered' on this site, or are all of the small Beneteaus somewhere back east?Thanks for any insight or help!Dave

 

[Mac]

285 experience

Dave,Having been a 285 owner in San Francicso, I know of only one other 285 in the Bay Area and when I sold it, it was very atypical for a boat sale, I had four offers the first week, two from Washington and they stated they would have it commercially towed up. Needless to say, it sold quickly and from Craig's list. There isn't a standard trailer for it, and these buyers both were going to have a regular transport company drop the mast, secure everything and haul it up there. One advantage is they insure the delivery so if there is damage, its covered. My experience is there are few on the West Coast but they are great boats, especially for the size. Never had any weather that it couldn't handle in the Bay and coastal area. Fog was a bigger pain. Mac

 

[Terry]

Towing

Dave- It would be quite possible to tow a 285 or 281 given enough time . I don't know what the cost of a transportation company would be now, but given the cost of fuel now-days, probably high.  We bought our 323 with a trailer which cost around $8000, so we could go on vacation and take our boat. So far it has worked well and been cheaper than having someone else transport it.  As far as permits, we secured most oversize permits from the appropriate sates web sites. Most states have their permits and regulations online, just send money Terry

 

[Syversens]

Neighbor boat was shipped from CA to WA

Dave, the boat next to ours has his shipped from CA. Not sure what type of boat it is but its 34' and older model. Next time I see him I'll ask for details about his shipping experience. I know it had to go thru Arizona and up due to restrictions in Oregon or on I5 going up here. Also there is a site called Uship (think its ebay powered) where you can post shipping jobs, perhaps they have past bids and you can search similar jobs.http://www.uship.com/Our boat (361) is in Olympia too and I'd be more than happy answer any questions, I'm not super experienced but I'll do my best. Our best contribution would probably be "newbie in Olympia". You came to a good forum though, great participation and knowledge here.RegardsGaute

 

[SoSound]

Still looking to buy

Thanks for the replies. I think that I'll give serious consideration to towing it myself - if I ever get the chance to buy one! The boat that I was most interested in just sold to someone in a better position to see it in person - So, I'm still looking for a Beneteau 285 or 281 for sale - if possible on the west side of the country! If anyone has or knows of a 285 or 281 for sale, please let me know. Especially if on the west coast or if you have the means to get it to the west coast at a reasonable price!!!Thanks, again!Dave