Relocation package include moving sailboat

[Seadog74]

There is a good possibility that the company I am interviewing with will offer to pay to relocate. Since I currently live on a sailboat, was wondering if it would be out of bounds to ask them to ship sailboat to a nearby lake. Or do companies just cut you a check based on estimated expenses and you spend it how you want to? Don’t expect the shipping to be more than 5,000.00 and I have heard of some house based moves costing upwards of 15,000 to 20,000 dollars.

[kenbo]

There are many different ways a company can relocate employees. But if the boat is your home I see no reason why the move shouldn't be covered. I wouldn't discuss any relocation details until an offer of employment is made. After that, open the subject for discussion. Don't inform your current employer until the details of the relocation are known, just in case the relo kills the deal.

[mvweebles]

Relocation packages are routinely negotiated as a lump sum payout. People have a wide array of personal circumstances from a single person living at home to a family of five with a house and mortgage.

Two items- relocation packages are typically taxable as income, so you may want to try requesting the costs e grossed-up to cover tax liability (careful about becoming greedy). Second, employment offers that include relocation sometimes have a retention period commitment meaning company expects repayment of at least part of the relocation package if you quit or get fired for cause prior to the retention period (2-years is typical)

I once lived aboard at a marina connected to a military base in San Francisco. One of my neighbors was a lieutenant at the base and lived aboard a 38 foot trawler. He relocated to Hawaii and the boat was relocated for him, likely at a cost that rivaled the value of the boat. Military sometimes works that way. I wouldn't expect corporate America to do likewise. Of course, the US Military is the world's biggest non-profit organization.

Good luck with your job offer and career path.

Peter