KEY WEST TRIP OPTIONS

[casey6901]

All,
We have just purchased a vacation home in Key West and we have a permanent slip at Boca Chica Marina. Our plan is to keep our 305 Express there from November to June.

Can anyone weigh in on the pros and cons of cruising down vs. contracting a transport company? Time is an issue for us otherwise cruising would be a no brainer.

Thanks!

 

[ocnslr]

First of all, I am very envious.

Looks to be less than 500nm run outside (coastal). That's either two long days of running, or three easier days - each way. Cost is the hours on the engines, and a few thousand $$$ for fuel.

Never had a boat transported, but you have to arrange for a wide load transport - possibly in each direction. Transporter will likely be empty for half of each trip, and that will be reflected in the cost. You will have to arrange for off-loading and on-loading, and I would be surprised if you didn't want/need to be there, so you have to either schedule that to take up part of your vacation time, or make separate trips before and/or after the vacation to take care of the boat.

I'd guess that the costs are equal, the PITA of coordinating the transport is far worse than doing it yourself, and I'd always prefer to be cruisin'..

Best wishes,
Brian

 

[VeroWing]

I recommend purchasing another Grady for strictly "Key" duty. :lol:

 

[Bob's Cay]

Let me be the first to offer to run her down there for you!

 

[Grady Hunter]

Since you have a home in Key West you don't need a boat to sleep on. I agree with another who suggested purchasing another boat for the keys. It sounds extravagant until you pay to haul that sucker a couple times. I trasnsported a boat with a 12 foot beam from Indiana to Ft. Lauderdale every year for 6 years and could have bought another boat for the cost, not to mention the trouble. Good luck. I am envious also.

 

[hotajax]

Recommend a Keys Boat as well

Check the online boat ads in the KW area, if you don't need a new one. The turnover on used boats in that area is high, you should find something to your liking, and plenty of Yamaha guys to fix 'er. Oh, yeah, congrats on moving to KW. I am green!!!

 

[Capt Bill]

I agree with those that say to buy a boat to leave in the Keys. My neighbor 2 doors down, bought a place in Cujoe key (waterfront) a few years ago, and he ended up buying a 24 CC to leave there. He also bought a used SUV to leave there, so they fly down for a week or 2 whenever they get the chance.

I am going to be in the Keys for probably 2 months this winter, and am looking for a small (20' +/-) CC to keep down there as well. I checked on long-term storage, and you can have a 22-24' CC shrinkwrapped and stored in a lfence in, locked, and attended storage yard for <$500.00.

Worth it to just have there, waiting for you.

 

[Sailfish25]

Capt Bill
When you say $500, is that a month?

 

[Capt Bill]

Capt Bill
When you say $500, is that a month?

No, that is $500 for 12 months storage, and includes the shrink wrap. Of course, it won't be in storage that long... probably 10 at the most, and hopefully, less

 

[casey6901]

Thanks to everyone for the tips and advice!

Our Grady is safely at her slip in Key West. We decided to go with a transport company due to time constraints and it worked out perfectly. Our Grady dealer, Lockwood Marine, did an outstanding job prepping the boat for transport, taping hatches, etc.

We are definitely planning to purchase a second boat but not sure which one to leave in the Keys. The Express is awesome down there for overnighters, etc.

If anyone needs a great transport referral please PM me.