We are in the process of buying a 45' CHB Tri-Cabin in San Diego. We plan to liveaboard. My husband is in the Navy and in the same week we put an offer on the boat, he got verbal orders to Newport, Rhode Island for next summer! So, we've looked at trailering the boat cross country, and the prices are coming in at about $30,000 due to the height of the boat. Too high for us. Another option would be for us to take it ourselves. The current owner has offered to transport it on her own belly for us next year for a cost of $5000, plus fuel and expenses, which he estimates will be $10,000 and it will take about a month. The price is very fair, to me. Does anyone have experience with doing anything like this? Is a month a reasonable amount of time? Has anyone done the Pacific to Atlantic trip, either way? Thanks.
I'm a huge fan of moving on the water, but that's when I can enjoy it. I don't know the age of the boat or engine hours or the speed or even the value of the boat. But a few comments. If the $15,000 is correct then you add to it the wear and tear, you add equipment failures that may happen over that range, you're rapidly increasing the cost.
You are talking over 5,000 miles. Assuming 8 hour days at 7 nmph plus a bit of distraction for 50 miles per day, thats 100 days. Was he planning on running it 24 hours? If so how can he possibly be paying a crew and himself to do so on $5000. If so you're talking 33 days plus time for fueling, provisions and food plus a week for the Panama Canal plus days waiting for weather windows and soon you're between 40 and 50 days with no issues developing. If the captain has underestimated the time then likely he has the cost and about half way there may be seeking more money. Remember the boat is totally out of your control on the way, in other countries even.
Fuel for 5,000 mile assuming it gets 2 miles per gallon so 2,500 gallons (now it may get better mileage, I don't know) but that would be 10,000 without other supplies and there would be others needed as you're putting 800 hours on the engines.
What happens when it breaks down in Mexico? How long to get it repaired? What cost? How much more to the delivery captain?
If you add $30,000 into the purchase price is it still a good deal? If not, is it too late to withdraw from the purchase? If you already own it then it more likely justifies the $30,000 than if you're buying it.
The whole idea of starting a trip like that on a boat I wasn't familiar with or having a captain do so scares me. Had I owned it, cruised it extensively, I might feel better.
The captain who gave you the great price, references? Bonding? Insurance? Has the survey been completed on it?
If it still makes sense to take it with you, I'd transport either on truck or barge. Now whether I'd transport to NJ or elsewhere, depends on savings in cost.
Obviously I have great concerns but feel that you asked so I have to answer honestly. Best of luck in whatever you decide.
