Hello All:
This is not meant to be a serious thread but rather some light informational musings to help tolerate the snow melt blues.
Occasionally I fantasize about building a boat from scratch instead of restoring one as I've done now 7 times...and so I have purchased Raul Parker's design book, and James Wharram's design book. I've even purchased a few plans off of Duckworks and one of Ted Brewer's designs and built to-scale models. In each case, it seems that designers will include at least one boat in their portfolio with a cargo hold. It seems odd to me... almost like they are scratching an itch.....in the description of their cargo cruiser they will espouse the freedom to "extend your cruising kitty" by hauling cargo from port to port.
CAN YOU REALISTICALLY DO THAT!?
I don't know the regulations but I'm guessing you would first need a commercial license and or vessel documentation.... Uncle Sam doesn't just let you haul stuff into this country without the bureaucrats getting theirs fingers in it. Am I wrong?
I recently engaged in a conversation with Erik Andrus of the Vermont Sail Freight Project and he was telling me that the regulations differ if you classify your freight as "property" (you own it) or "cargo" (you carry it for someone else). And getting a recreational vessel documented to carry freight is a hassle. But he wasn't sure of the process either.
So I ask this question. Is a "freight" cruiser a realistic idea? And if so, how does one educate themselves on the regulations to get started.
Probably won't ever happen for me so I'm only asking because I'm bored and there is 5" of snow on the ground.....but I am curious.
Fair winds and to all you sailor in the warm climes (I'm jealous).
This is not meant to be a serious thread but rather some light informational musings to help tolerate the snow melt blues.
Occasionally I fantasize about building a boat from scratch instead of restoring one as I've done now 7 times...and so I have purchased Raul Parker's design book, and James Wharram's design book. I've even purchased a few plans off of Duckworks and one of Ted Brewer's designs and built to-scale models. In each case, it seems that designers will include at least one boat in their portfolio with a cargo hold. It seems odd to me... almost like they are scratching an itch.....in the description of their cargo cruiser they will espouse the freedom to "extend your cruising kitty" by hauling cargo from port to port.
CAN YOU REALISTICALLY DO THAT!?
I don't know the regulations but I'm guessing you would first need a commercial license and or vessel documentation.... Uncle Sam doesn't just let you haul stuff into this country without the bureaucrats getting theirs fingers in it. Am I wrong?
I recently engaged in a conversation with Erik Andrus of the Vermont Sail Freight Project and he was telling me that the regulations differ if you classify your freight as "property" (you own it) or "cargo" (you carry it for someone else). And getting a recreational vessel documented to carry freight is a hassle. But he wasn't sure of the process either.
So I ask this question. Is a "freight" cruiser a realistic idea? And if so, how does one educate themselves on the regulations to get started.
Probably won't ever happen for me so I'm only asking because I'm bored and there is 5" of snow on the ground.....but I am curious.
Fair winds and to all you sailor in the warm climes (I'm jealous).
