Where To Launch In Marathon?

[chris kingerlee]

if i truck my 40' yawl from Maine down to Florida, where, South of Miami, can i launch, without insurance, either off the trailer or through a yard? cheers, Chris

[boatpoker]

Good Luck.

[skipmac]

Have never seen a ramp long and deep enough to launch a 40' sailboat directly off a trailer. One might exist but I would be surprised.

Going to a yard without insurance also a long shot. You do know that only liability is required which can be had easily and cheaply.

[chris kingerlee]

Thanks Skipmac, i'm a brit buying a U.S boat so appreciate the advice, will look into liability insurance. any hints on a useful marina\yard to launch from? chris

[skipmac]

Hi Chris,

I see the reasons for the question. Hope I can help or offer some suggestions but will first ask some questions back.

First, is the boat going to be in operable condition, working motor, mast and sails? If so, it might make sense to launch in Miami or Ft Lauderdale and go the rest of the way south on your on. I guess this begs the next question, why launch in the Keys? Are you planning to keep the boat there long term or use that as a launching point for other destinations? If so, I might again recommend Ft Lauderdale or Miami. Reason I'm suggesting other locations, if you are outfitting the boat, traveling back and forth from the UK it will be easier, cheaper, more resources, closer to an airport than doing this in the Keys. Also every mile you truck the boat will cost more.

Regarding insurance, for straight liability try BoatUS over here but you might also call some UK companies, Pantaenius comes to mind.

Big question, where and how will you register the boat? If UK then you're probably OK. If you plan to register in the US then there's a whole new list of questions, options and a few pitfalls to address.

[Boatguy30]

If the boat looks decent and you make arrangements with a nice accent on the phone should have no issue at The 3 yards in marathon. Assuming a quick truck in and splash. If you want to work in the yard entirely different possibilities. Would be way cheaper to truck just as far as Green Cove springs or indiantown.

[chris kingerlee]

i will register the boat on the Small Ships Register, U.K. Hope to check out the condition of the boat before trucking it South so may or may not need to do work on it before launch. Then plan to sail South into NW caribbean, which i'm familiar with so will be a one time launch in the States

[skipmac]

UK registration should cover you but be aware that state likes to collect a 6% sales tax (more or less like a VAT) on the selling price of used boats in Florida, even if purchased out of state and even if owned by non US citizens. You will probably fall under that radar with UK registration and even if you come to the notice of the wrong bureaucrat you have 90 days grace period to get out of town before you have to pay.

Perhaps because I'm less familiar with options in the Keys but if doing the same thing you plan I would launch the boat further north. Rule of thumb in Florida, the farther south you go on the FL east coast the more expensive it will be. This does tend to peak in Miami and maybe drop off a little in the northern Keys.

Lots of marinas in north and central Florida that can do what you need.

[smj]

Try Keys Boat Works in Marathon. Very easy going yard and we've never been asked for proof of insurance. Come to think of it, we've hauled at Marathon Marina a couple of times and never been asked for proof of insurance.

[PuttingDoctor]

Marathon Marina and Resort has a large travel lift and are on the outside. Nice spot to dock as well.

[crazyoldboatguy]

I hauled my 28' Triton there about 8 years ago and used Key Boat Works. Good folks. They can arrange a crane to come and step your mast. They are on the outside of the island on the gulf side.