Best way to get a new boat from eastern Florida to the western side?

[dougmealing]

I am in the process of buying my dream boat, a 2014 Jeanneau 44 DS. I live in PA and the boat is in Ft. Pierce, FL. I’m planning to keep it in FL for the Winter, but would prefer to have it on the western side near Punta Gorda, as I have family there. I won’t be comfortable yet to sail it there myself, so was curious what people thought would be the best way to get it there. It’s a 65’ mast so I can’t take it through Okeechobee, so it would have to go around the Keys I assume. Would I hire a captain? Is it feasible to truck it across? In the Spring, I want to take it up to the Chesapeake. I work full-time, but can do ~4 weeks of vacation a year. So, maybe I would be better off just leaving it on the eastern side?

And yes, I’m new to cruising long distance. Current boat is a 26’. My only blue water experience was as crew on a 65’ sailboat from St. John to Newport via Bermuda.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[GreenWave]

You could truck it but the trip around the Keys isn’t that bad. Figure 4-6 days depending on whether you sail 24/7 or not. Since you haven’t sailed those waters it would be good to have a captain or experienced crew. Florida marinas are expensive so sort that out before you make plans.

[AA3JY]

You can unstep the mast and try the Okeechobee route..

[tkeithlu]

With limited time to cruise, the benefits of taking it to the Gulf are questionable. You'll use a chunk of your time just getting back to the east coast. Consider the posssibility of even moving it a bit north to a Georgia or north Florida marina for the winter.

[LoudMusic]

I'd leave it where it is.

Next option would be to enjoy sailing it around the Keys to the west side.

I *might* consider stepping the mast and taking it through the canal.

I would not truck it. That seems like an absurd cost and hard on the boat when there are other better options.

[mabowers]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Consider the posssibility of even moving it a bit north to a Georgia or north Florida marina for the winter.

This. If you get it up to Georgia within 90 days of closing & provide proof it's out of state, you'll save paying 6% Florida sales tax. Insurance will likely be lot less as well.

[tennis4789]

Advertise on here for a crew & people probably volunteer to help?

Or trade a guy on here lives in Estero & will trade a month in his place for a month on your boat & have him relocate it for you?

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ty-256930.html

[dougmealing]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I think I’m better off leaving it in the current marina and then slowly taking it North early to avoid the 6% tax. My cousin lives in Georgia and my work has an office in NC, so those are two good stops along the way north during the winter. I’ll also look for crew on here once I figure out dates.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by dougmealing

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I think I’m better off leaving it in the current marina and then slowly taking it North early to avoid the 6% tax. My cousin lives in Georgia and my work has an office in NC, so those are two good stops along the way north during the winter. I’ll also look for crew on here once I figure out dates.

First you may or may not save that 6%. Depending on where you keep the boat and what address will you use to document or register the boat you will very likely be subject to sales tax in another state besides FL.

Suggest you check out this issue specifically before making a move.

[TBW]

Just go ahead and register it and pay the sales tax where you live. If you keep it where it is you will not have to winterize it. But that is not the main concern. Put it where it is safe and convenient for your schedule.

[gfrazier]

Keep in mind the west coast is more prone to hurricanes

[TBW]

west coast more hurricanes????? no

[Snore]

Originally Posted by dougmealing

I am in the process of buying my dream boat, a 2014 Jeanneau 44 DS. I live in PA and the boat is in Ft. Pierce, FL. I’m planning to keep it in FL for the Winter, but would prefer to have it on the western side near Punta Gorda, as I have family there. I won’t be comfortable yet to sail it there myself, so was curious what people thought would be the best way to get it there. It’s a 65’ mast so I can’t take it through Okeechobee, so it would have to go around the Keys I assume. Would I hire a captain? Is it feasible to truck it across? In the Spring, I want to take it up to the Chesapeake. I work full-time, but can do ~4 weeks of vacation a year. So, maybe I would be better off just leaving it on the eastern side?

And yes, I’m new to cruising long distance. Current boat is a 26’. My only blue water experience was as crew on a 65’ sailboat from St. John to Newport via Bermuda.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

I have moved boats both ways, many times.

A 44ds will barely squeak under a 65’ bridge…. If the VHF is stainless. The safer move is to take her around Key West.

Ft Pierce is nice. But depending on the marina, could have a wicked current.

Option 1) leave it in Ft Pierce and sail out of there.

Option 2) have it moved to Punta Gordy and sail the protected waters of Charlotte. BUT there are some skinny channels in Punta Gorda, so research access.

Option 3) you move it to Punta.

You are pretty much out of hurricane season, so that is not a factor.

IMHO the issues are —- Cost? Will you have crew if you sail out of FtPierce?
What is the current in Ft Pierce?

[capn_billl]

I just did that trip last year. Very doable.

If you decide to go to Punta Gorda, consider finding a marina a little south like Burnt store. (cheaper, and easier access).

I ended up at Marco Island, and drive.

I lived in Cape Coral, and commuted to boat in Ft Lauderdale for months.

Not that bad a drive.

Going around the Keys isn't a bad trip, but has it's challenges.

I decided not to risk the bridge as the power line can sag to below 65 feet.

[dougmealing]

Yeah, I'll likely register it in Maryland, which is 5% tax. It sounds like I can get 90 days in Florida, plus another 90 if the Broker does something special, and then I can pay Maryland taxes after 180 days.