MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

[DeliveryCaptain]

Many people have come up to me and asked, "Is it OK or A good Idea to move your Boat back and Forth from New Jersey to Florida and Back"? YES, IF the Boat is Big enough, and IF not does it Pay to bring it on a Trailer over the Road. In past experience (since 1999) I have Logged over 32 trips. It is best to Get an experienced Capt. and If Possible, Go along on the Trip. There is nothing more memorable than a trip along our Eastern U.S. Shores. From N.C. to Florida alone is worth the Price of a trip. In fact, most trips can be done for under $5500. or Less depending on Fuel Consumption. Most captains, Including myself, will go to the MOST Reasonable spots to Fuel up, I have accumulated over 11 Very Nicely priced Fuel stops, and Favorable accomodations as well. Last point, I highly recommend a Captain who works with several Larger Firms/ Or Brokerage places.. They tend to know what they are doing and Hire the Best! Hopefully someone who is debating this type of Endeavor will talk with their Local Captains on this subject. Best Boating to all!

 

[Ron G]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

Sounds like a great job to have,what does a captain make on a voyage like that?you must be talking about some pretty big boats.

 

[DeliveryCaptain]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

Yes CPO Ron,<br />It is sometime* It typically Takes Six days to complete Voyage from NJ> to FLA.(My fee is $1550. ++/ In this case, it goes all the Way to Naples. In fact, To go around thru FLA keys, makes for even a Prettier Trip. Helps to take a Crew, and This trip will be my First ONE South of VA> with My Dad. He is fairly Excited, Boat is Only a 40' SeaRay, but Bigger is almost Always better when out on Open Ocean. Most of Trip is Outside From DelMarVa, cape Henelopen to Oregon Inlet, Inside to Beaufort, NC. and OUtside ALL the Way to FLA> stops in Oregon Inlet, NC> Carolina Beach, NC; and Then Hilton Head or Jekyl Isl. GA> depends on Speed/Conditions>>BUT YES< can be very rewarding Job. Actually did one To Chattanooga, thru the TNN. River* from FLA. West Coast> That is Extremely PRETTY!! Mts. and Boats* Nice combo, BD Ft. Myers, FL

 

[Ron G]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

Beautyful contry here nickajack is goergeous in the fall.you have an excellent job must be great ,im going to assume theres some schooling and licencseing do that?

 

[DeliveryCaptain]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

The Best way to get YOUR Capt.'s License is Thru what is Now called "Sea School", I believe they are based out of St. Pete, FL.. but they are Available at diff. times and Places. I was fortunate to grow up in Boat Business, since I was Seven* Dad got me behind the Wheel EARLY!! It is helpful to Apprentice Under an experienced Cpt. Most Licenses require at Least 360Days at Sea; But more is better@! Hope to hear from YOUR experiences up on the RIVER(Tenn.) It is very nice this time of year! especially from Chattanooga, to the SOUTH/ALA> border. thanks again for the Response. Bill D. Ft. Myers,FL:

 

[allcarbs]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

I just bought a 30 ft 9ft8inch.wide twin engine wellcraft express and have been around boats my whole life <50years> and a boat mechanic as well my Question is I would like to bring my boat from stuart Fla. to Phil Pa. were can I get info. on the best time of year and the best places to get fuel and the best routes

 

[DeliveryCaptain]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

Biggest Questions:: IS it a GAS boat, O.B. or Inboard,,AND>> the fact That a Gas Boat Delivery from FLA> to Philly, up the Deleware Bay/ is VERY Expensive.. GAS runs over 3.45 gal. in most Places where we can still get DIESEL for UNDER 2.65 gal..Which over 1300 gal. of FUEL is Over $1050. Just a thought.. Your fuel cost,,Because I am certain you got a GAS boat> would be nearly $4800. just in Gas, not counting Time, effort, FOOD, and DOCKING fees.. sorry, May not Be cost Effective..BUT would give you Best Places to stop along the Route if still interested;; BILL D

 

[allcarbs]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

still interested, twin 5.7L gas engines when do you think is the best time of year, and I would like the places you stop.

 

[DeliveryCaptain]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

OK< Best time is Right about NOW< but make sure you check forecast *GO To: NDBC, on NOAA.gov.. It will give you buoys from FLA> to NJ..into the Deleware.. IN fact, I would go up Cheasapeake, thru the C and D canal.. Pretty this time of Year. Second: you asked on Places to Fuel>> First stop after Stuart, St. Augustine, OR is comsumption allows, Try for FernandinaBch. On Ga./FLA border! It is state Marina, and Charges .20 to .30 Lower! NEXT: Charleston, S.C. It has Two marinas,,Real Fancy on Rght. Is Hilton, DONOT go there, Straight across is CHarleston Maritime Ctr. BIG Savings there* THIRD: Get up to N.C., can go to either SOuthport Marina,, OR up the Way in Wrightsville, NC..Jarrett Bay in Morehead CIty is Only 110 miles, but worth the STOP/ BIG mega Yachts made there/ People are Fantastic there, SEE joe Morris in Ships Store for Friendly Discount. *YOU can Mention me for a Laugh Last You'll need to Stop in COINJOCK, or PUNGO ferry, VA> These will be Last Stops before getting Into the Chesapeake..I might have a few MORE!! But I think I should Write a Book or Something,,SOOO> much more to cover@! Hope this helps..Keep writing, TRY for END of OCT> at Latest!! Weather is VERY Marginal from NOV> 1st on>> see you out there@ Bill D.

 

[allcarbs]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

Thanks very much for your reply I will let you know how I made out

 

[island lurker]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

just found this post captain.<br />I made trips from cape may to jupiter with the delivery captain. Great experience! Great to be with someone that knows the ropes. Not only does he know the ropes, he knows just about everyone along the way.

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

Just a note: I took the trip from Elizabeth City NC (50 miles south of Norfolk VA)to Naples FL in a 24 foot express cruiser. Single 350 with Alfa drive. 100gal fuel, 22 gal water. It was my dog and me. We took the ICW all the way, and it was a trip to remember. I actually added two days, travelling slower just to relax and enjoy the trip. Spent all but one night on the hook. The great thing about the ICW; besides the shelter, is you can anchor almost anywhere. So a day usually started about sunup. enjoy a good cup of coffee, a light breakfast and get underway. Travel until you have to stop for fuel, water, ice, P/O. then resume the trip. end the day when and where you want. clean up a bit, have a good meal, relax, drop a DVD in the player, and just enjoy. My total cost was just under $1400 (Fuel, Ice, food, etc)<br /><br />One thing I would like to suggest is take a few short trips first, you will be amazed and all the stuff onboard that you just don't need. <br /><br />Anyway, enjoy

 

[massimofinance]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

LuckyPenny, how long did the total trip take? and you can anchor anywhere in the ICW?

 

[seabuddy]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

Do you run all day, generally from 9 am to 6 pm?

 

[seabuddy]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

Does anyone take a "lay-day" if its bad weather?

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

the actual trip departure from Elizabeth City to arrival took just 7 days. I usually travel from 0800-0830 until I get tired mostly until 30-40 minutes before sunset. I would most strongly recommend that you get a copy of Skippers Bob's two ICW pubs. Anchorages in the ICW and Marina's in the ICW. Best investment I made besides good charts. I had stocked up pretty well and did not need the services of a food market. I never had a fuel problem. traveling at slower than I normally would have, just to enjoy the trip, I needed to refuel everyother day. Marina costs for overnight were reasonable, but since I spent all but one night on the hook, that was not a real factor (the hot shower felt good) <br /><br />Let me know if there is any other information you need.

 

[horsefly38425]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

Delivery Capt. If you get up/down in Tenn. river to 138 marker give us a call. stay a while if you like good friends /partys on weekend's /fuel /car-not a rental/good food,in a small friendly town/ch.15.May the stars guide you -------Boatmates discounts.

 

[seabuddy]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

So, everyone runs rain, wind, or shine?

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: MOVING Your Vessel From NORTH to Florida*

For Seabuddy: No weather does play a factor on any trip. A light rain, with just a breeze, as long as you can see where you are going and conditions do not make for excessive work during shiphandling, the trip can be accomplished. If you do not feel comfortable with the weather, take a layday, relax, tinker a bit, take a nap, watch a movie, have a glass of wine, and just enjoy the day. <br />When taking a pleasure trip, keep it pleasurable, and just enjoy what and when you can.