540 hardtop on or off?

C

crosscr

Member
Jun 2, 2008
37
St Thomas, USVI
Boat Info
2000 340 Sundancer
Engines
454 Horizons
Looking to ship a 1999 540DA from Florida to SC. Does anybody have experience with this model? Does the hardtop need to come off or can it stay on? Getting conflicting answers from shippers. Will be on a lowboy trailer. Really looking for someone who can wet launch this boat. Thanks, Robert
 
The specs say that it's 14'4" from keel to the top. That assumes everything is stripped off the top, and doesn't take into account the rudder. Put it on a trailer and you won't be passing under any low bridges. From there, it really depends on what is between the origin and destination.

Another guy got an $8K quote to ship a 480 (IIRC) about 200 miles, including removing the arch and setting it back up at the end. As Mike suggested, sailing it home might be a cost-effective solution.
 
If the boat is staying on the coast, bring it up by water. 3 or 4 days from south Florida. probably a lot less expensive than trucking, not to mention more fun
 
Thanks for the replies. It will be going to a lake. Been thinking about bringing up to Charleston and then worrying about getting it to Lake Keowee. I would love to do it myself if I can find the time. If the top has to come off then it probably going to cost over 15K to move it. Ouch.
 
crosscr said:
Looking to ship a 1999 540DA from Florida to SC. Does anybody have experience with this model? Does the hardtop need to come off or can it stay on? Getting conflicting answers from shippers. Will be on a lowboy trailer. Really looking for someone who can wet launch this boat. Thanks, Robert
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Is that the 540 that was down in Stuart?
 
Wow, Keowee? Wouldn't dropping a 540 in there cause it to slosh over the edges?
 
src said:
Wow, Keowee? Wouldn't dropping a 540 in there cause it to slosh over the edges?
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Just a little...

It wouldn't be the biggest boat there since there are few houseboats but I think it might be the largest cruiser on the lake.
 
yeah Gary,we have a contract on it, just have to find a way to get it into the water on Keowee. It is not going to be easy(or cheap)
 
Cross,

Why not just slip the 540 in Charleston permanently. If you run the 540 on plane in Keowee, you will swamp every canbote on the lake,
 
SeaRide said:
Cross,

Why not just slip the 540 in Charleston permanently. If you run the 540 on plane in Keowee, you will swamp every canbote on the lake,
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We have discussed that option but we have been on Lake Keowee for many years. We have lots of friends and family there and would prefer to stay there.
 
Last edited:
crosscr said:
Thanks Gary, I could use some help filling the tank!:smt001
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But a full tank should last you about 5 years on Keowee. Not going to be doing a lot of distance cruising.
 
src said:
But a full tank should last you about 5 years on Keowee. Not going to be doing a lot of distance cruising.
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Hey, it is all of 14 miles to the waterfall. Almost 20 to the dam. Thats a long distance(if you're swimming)
 
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