Does anyone have any experience shipping a catamaran across country? Break it down and put it in a container? Are their companies that will haul it trailered? Costs? Suggestions?
Thanks,
Dave
Try Uship.com, I booked transport of a 20ft powerboat from Ohio to Texas using the site. Got several quotes. Driver hauled my boat and trailer on his roll on flatbed trailer.
+1 on Uship. I got a cat brought from Florida to South Carolina, about 8.5 hrs one way, for $350-375. When you figure gas and food it was pretty close to what I could have driven there and back for, and I didn't have to! I was very happy with the transporter, he was insured and had feedback on him I could read before booking. He called when he picked up and in route.
how was the mast handled in route. if it was on the trailer as normal it would be too high for some overpasses or not?
If you're referring to the boat I had shipped, he bumper pulled it with an SUV. I don't see it being a problem even if they used a flatbed to haul a cat. All kinds of things you could do with the mast, take it off the forward support and put padding under it on the crossbars, put it on the flat bed, etc...
I put wanted ads on Craigslist in the departure and destination cities, asking if someone already making the trip wanted to tow a boat for some gas money. A bit riskier than an insured shipper, you want someone with experience towing, who's reliable and honest, but I got an 18 sq from southern Cal to Spokane using 3 different guys, each taking it part way, and everyone was happy.
Dave
Thanks for the suggestions!
Dave
Where is the boat, and where are you?
I picked up my newest cat (Nacra 5.8) just north of Chicago, 820 miles away from me. Cost me about $400 in gas, $110 for a hotel for the night, and about $50-60 in road food. 11 hours on the way out, and 15 on the way back. Oh yeah, I did it with a 2011 wrx to boot. I only lost 2mpg while towing. I insured it before I picked it up. I do not know what "piece of mind" is worth by doing it yourself, but it was big for me.