Wild and Crazy idea.

[ctbarbarian]

Its near impossible to find a 32 to 36 ft trawler that can be delivered
to Clinton Iowa, on the Mississippi.

So I have a offer
Anybody doing the Loop and wish to finish on the Mississippi, some
time next spring or summer.
I would be willing to purchase your Loop boat when you've finished
your adventure or you could even bring it up to St Louis.

Of course it has to be in good shape and I prefer a single engine diesel
but I'm open to discussion.
I know this idea has many variables but I'd like to start looking.
Thanks

 

[psneeld]

What obstacles are you finding?

Just cost? Or no one will do it...either by land or water?

 

[River Cruiser]

Look for something in the Red Wing and Minneapolis area. It be a easy trip down the river to Clinton.

 

[FF]

The Canadian dollar is cheap, and the Canadians frequently keep their boats under cover at least half the year.

Look at the CN brokers , get a deal and simply drive it home.

Good hunting

 

[ctbarbarian]

I've found a few reasonably priced trawlers but the problem is
getting them here ( Clinton Iowa)
They can't be trailered if they are over 13 ft because of bridges and
the flybridge should not be cut off and reattached later,
I've been told.
We are a long way from the Great Lakes and FL where most of
the nice trawlers are.

I will check Minn, Craigslist, thanks for that idea

 

[psneeld]

I've found a few reasonably priced trawlers but the problem is
getting them here ( Clinton Iowa)
They can't be trailered if they are over 13 ft because of bridges and
the flybridge should not be cut off and reattached later,
I've been told.
We are a long way from the Great Lakes and FL where most of
the nice trawlers are.

I will check Minn, Craigslist, thanks for that idea

the fly bridge may or may not be a big deal.

First, the boat doesn't necessarily have to be trucked all the way, just as close as the height restriction will allow, then run it on its own bottom. Not cheap, but boats never are.

Second....many older trawlers can stand to have the flybridge removed. They leak like a seive, so removing and a better reinstall is a plus.

 

[Gmarr]

Not even in Dubuque? You can also buy in Chicago and hire a captain to deliver with you

 

[FF]

Check the bridge heights on the local waterway you will be cruising , a lower boat might save hours after you get it.

 

[ctbarbarian]

Bridges on the local waterway (Mississippi) are not the problem.
I'm saying if I find a nice trawler in say the Great Lakes area
it can't be trucked here because of bridges on the Highways, usually
13 fight in height.
I've also been told do not cut off the flybridge.
So I think the plan might be to head to Fl sometime next year,
learn how to Captain a boat, find a boat and bring it up the
Tenn Tom and then the Miss till it gets to my home port.
Unless I can find a looper who wants to sell his boat on the Miss.

 

[psneeld]

Who told you not to cut off the flying bridge?


While neither simple or cheap...it is not a big deal if done correctly.


It is done all the time in my area/marine professional circles.

 

[ctbarbarian]

I found 2 nice Grand Banks in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron but
both dealers suggested this was not a good option.
Somebody has to cut it off, know the right way to do it
and somebody has to put it back on the right way.

Just didn't think it was a good option but I'm open to new ideas
Thanks for any help

 

[clynn]

So I think the plan might be to head to Fl sometime next year,
learn how to Captain a boat, find a boat and bring it up the
Tenn Tom and then the Miss till it gets to my home port.
Unless I can find a looper who wants to sell his boat on the Miss.

You know there are lots of freshwater boats on the TN river system that would likely be in better shape than you average FL boats (sun and salt water issues) and they would be way closer to home.

 

[BandB]

You are only 250 nm from Chicago. Should be able to find Lake Michigan boats.

As to removing flybridge and shipping by truck from elsewhere, depends on the boat. However, boats have that done all the time. There are professional boat transport companies with plenty of experience, who do this for the builders and others.

 

[BandB]

I found 2 nice Grand Banks in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron but
both dealers suggested this was not a good option.
Somebody has to cut it off, know the right way to do it
and somebody has to put it back on the right way.

Just didn't think it was a good option but I'm open to new ideas
Thanks for any help

Why would you be thinking of truck from Lake Michigan, instead of the short boat trip?

Yes, someone has to know how to do the job. Obviously those dealers don't.

 

[psneeld]

I found 2 nice Grand Banks in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron but
both dealers suggested this was not a good option.
Somebody has to cut it off, know the right way to do it
and somebody has to put it back on the right way.

Just didn't think it was a good option but I'm open to new ideas
Thanks for any help

Done all the time the time here with all kinds of boats...though maybe not Grand Banks.....but I am sure it can be done by those that are experienced in it.

Of course the major difference with Grand Banks and many trawlers, you probably aren't talking ....JUST....the flying bridge.

If you are talking fairing, seats and hand rails....then sure it's a bigger deal than many may want to tackle. Plus sometimes the fairing and rails have to travel on their own truck. So economically, bringing it on it's own bottom is cheaper.

The big question is can it be trucked closer, then brought on it's own bottom to the final?

I really think this is far from impossible and not at all uncommon.

 

[ctbarbarian]

Not finding much for 32 -36 ft single diesel Trawlers on Memphis
Craigslist, any dealers or other places to search for trawlers along
the Tenn area. I've checked Paducah Ky.
Search Yachtworld and boat trader too

 

[dhmeissner]

There's a nice looking Camano on the Minneapolis CG. Trailer available.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/boa/5643155998.html

 

[clynn]

Not finding much for 32 -36 ft single diesel Trawlers on Memphis
Craigslist, any dealers or other places to search for trawlers along
the Tenn area. I've checked Paducah Ky.
Search Yachtworld and boat trader too

I'd be a little more hesitant to buy a boat from Memphis simply due to the trip up river. We did it in a 34 Mainship single diesel, but it's slow going. Anything from Pickwick to Green Turtle Bay to Nashville would be an easy trip.

If you go on Yachtworld and expand your search to 37 feet, there are a few options on the Western side of TN.

Now if you wanted to boat up from Memphis and you wanted a twin gasser that was was 44 feet long, this boat showed up at my marina a few months ago and appears to be in very nice shape. I have no affiliation and have never seen anyone on it. Why they moved a boat for sale from Pickwick (very popular boating area) to Memphis (not a very popular boating area unless you are a tug boat) is beyond me, but could be a good deal for someone.

1978 Trojan FDMY Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

 

[BandB]

Reaching the OP's destination by water from the Great Lakes or the TN River would be easy and not an unreasonably long trip. Even from the Mobile area doesn't make it too bad. You have to decide how many days away by water you will consider. Beyond that you might still consider having a delivery captain bringing it closer and just add that into the price of the boat as you consider things.