New Boat

I need more help! I been deciding to pilot the 44 to NJ or have her shipped by truck. In talking with several trucking transporter and they want me remove the hard top to lower the height. Is removing the top a big deal any experince? I know it had to be installed so it can be taken off. Is it heavy? Can I do it myself? Does anyone have a guess on cost? thanks to all!!!!
 
Ouch, that will be an expensive one and a separate truck to transport the top...
 
I was wondering if they are shipped that way I've seen bigger one with the hardtop stored on the bow. I guess I'll call searay tomorrow.
 
topgun1185 said:
I need more help! I been deciding to pilot the 44 to NJ or have her shipped by truck. In talking with several trucking transporter and they want me remove the hard top to lower the height. Is removing the top a big deal any experince? I know it had to be installed so it can be taken off. Is it heavy? Can I do it myself? Does anyone have a guess on cost? thanks to all!!!!
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After trucking my 320DA from FL to NJ all I can tell you that even with low profile trailer (I think this is how they're called) it was a tight fit. However, there are number of variables. For example, the trucker used certain permits that had certain limitations and no need for escort. So, by paying more for different permits with escort might allow you to use other roadways that will have higher bridges and overpasses.

As I mentioned earlier, it's a lot more fun and less aggravation to bring her on her bottom. If the weather is a showstopper, just keep her there for the winter, if it's an option. From previous post it looks like the locks are fixed, so hopefully this is not a show stopper. When I was surveying my 420DB it was mid December, the water was 35deg and the air temp was 25deg with some nice 15kts wind. After we came back from sea-trial the swim platform was full of ice from frozen spray. All this time I felt very comfortable being on the boat, your boat shouldn't be much different (I'm sure it has cockpit heat). You just have to take extra precautions when boating in these conditions. All it means is to do more detailed homework and keep sharper lookout.
 
If you decide to remove the hardtop for shipping, I would contact MM to get a price for the removal and re-installation. It is not trivial, and all the electronics on the hard top, speakers, lights, etc, will have be disconnected are reinstalled. I have seen the HTs shipped on the bow as mentioned. If you have the time, I would take it back through the canal and down the Hudson... It would be a once in a life time trip, which is essentially subsidized by the not have the cost to ship the boat...
 
rcknecht said:
If you decide to remove the hardtop for shipping, I would contact MM to get a price for the removal and re-installation. It is not trivial, and all the electronics on the hard top, speakers, lights, etc, will have be disconnected are reinstalled. I have seen the HTs shipped on the bow as mentioned. If you have the time, I would take it back through the canal and down the Hudson... It would be a once in a life time trip, which is essentially subsidized by the not have the cost to ship the boat...
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My experience with the local MM has been OK, but I have only purchased misc. small parts from them. A buddy of mine has had nothing but troubles. I know of a much better local marina with a great service dept. if you choose to have someone else disassemble the hard top. I'll leave it at that.
 
Lake Erie Boater said:
My experience with the local MM has been OK, but I have only purchased misc. small parts from them. A buddy of mine has had nothing but troubles....
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And this is only the beginning. IMO, trucking 500 miles when you can deliver her on her bottom is making simple things very comlicated. Don't get me wrong, you may have personal reasons for leaning toward trucking. Otherwise, I don't think you'll save much money, time or hassle. It could be just the opposite.
 
No question that I would deliver it by water. It's one of the great cruises in the northeast. Once in a lifetime, or maybe twice if you're lucky.
 
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Turtlesboat said:
No question that I would deliver it by water. It's one of the great cruises in the northeast. Once in a lifetime, or maybe twice if you're lucky.
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You have a tremendous opportunity here to enjoy your new boat in a way that few of us can. You have a chance to take a fantastic cruise, to use your boat as it was meant to be used and to have the costs off set somewhat by what your are saving through not having it trucked and/or re-assembled. (By the way, I would be surprised if it ever went back to get together as good as it is assembled right now.)
I wish I had the chance to take my boat back by water when I bought it.
Go for it and share your trip with us.
 
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