BajaNomad

Shipping a small boat to Baja Sur?

Cardon Man - 9-4-2008 at 09:32 AM

I have a 17 foot boat in Washington state. Is it possible/practical to have it shipped to the Los Cabos area?

I'm sure there are countless pit falls I'm not aware of. If this is even possible.

Your thoughts and advice would be appreciated.

Diver - 9-4-2008 at 09:40 AM

Hmmm ... if I put it on my flat bed or my boat trailer and hauled it behind my F350....
Diesel for about 4,600 miles round trip would cost around $1,500 bucks; plus wear and tear, camping, a few hotels and a few beers ....
Say $3,000 with expenses and I will make plans !! :biggrin:

Terry28 - 9-4-2008 at 09:40 AM

Sell the boat in Washington. Use the $$$ to buy one in Baja....Now if you have a friend driving down who can deliver the boat that would work. Otheriwse see the above.........My 2 pesos worth

Cardon Man - 9-4-2008 at 09:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Terry28
Sell the boat in Washington. Use the $$$ to buy one in Baja....Now if you have a friend driving down who can deliver the boat that would work. Otheriwse see the above.........My 2 pesos worth


Thanks for the input. Selling the boat up there has been my plan all along. Way less hassle really. But...I've fished this hull and outboard quite a bit. I know them and trust them. If it was financially viable to have the whole package sent down here I would go that route.

Hey , appreciate the offer Diver! If i was a wealthier man...

Bruce R Leech - 9-4-2008 at 09:57 AM

yes you can do it but my guess is that the 3,000 buck number would be pretty close.

Cardon Man - 9-4-2008 at 10:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
yes you can do it but my guess is that the 3,000 buck number would be pretty close.


You may well be right. And if so, that certainly isn't viable for me.

Nonetheless, if anyone has a recommendation as to where to get a quote please post it.

tripledigitken - 9-4-2008 at 10:09 AM

Can't speak to the costs in Baja, but stateside the going rate for boats towed behind a one ton pickup was $1 mile based on one way mileage. This was in October of 2007, would be more now with the higher fuel costs!


Ken

Martyman - 9-4-2008 at 11:59 AM

This is probably a stupid question but...Why don't you tow it down yourself?

Cardon Man - 9-4-2008 at 12:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
This is probably a stupid question but...Why don't you tow it down yourself?


Not a stupid question at all.

Like many of you out there in Nomadlandia I've driven from Washington to Baja Sur numerous times, even a couple of solo trips. However, if I can avoid the drive while towing a boat I'd like to pursue that option.

Secondly, I'm not too confident with the current trailer in the face of such a long drive.

Bob and Susan - 9-4-2008 at 01:37 PM

a trailer for that shouldn't be more than $1500 w/new tires

Don Alley - 9-4-2008 at 05:11 PM

I believe there used to be an advertisement in the Vagabundos Del Mar newsletter for a company that towed boats to Baja. Maybe give them a call.

Paladin - 9-5-2008 at 09:18 AM

I did get a quote about 3 months ago. It was about $3 per mile.
I gave up on that real quick.

Follow up....

Cardon Man - 9-5-2008 at 10:00 AM

For those who might be curious as to actual cost of shipping...

I just got a quote from a company in San Diego. From SD to Cabo would run just over $2500.

Looks like I'll be heading up there to fetch the boat myself!

Thanks all for your input.

Diver - 9-5-2008 at 10:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cardon Man
I just got a quote from a company in San Diego. From SD to Cabo would run just over $2500.


So $3,000 is a DEAL from WA to Cabo !! :biggrin:
I'm still game !!

Diver - 9-5-2008 at 10:05 AM

Now wait a minute;

When is Sharksbaja heading down to Mulege' ?
If he is not towing anything behind his Dodge .... ??
Maybe worth a U2 ??

gnukid - 9-5-2008 at 11:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cardon Man
I have a 17 foot boat in Washington state. Is it possible/practical to have it shipped to the Los Cabos area?


There are thousands of windsurfers and kitesurfers who travel from Cananda/washington/oregon to la ventana or los barriles in november and december. Most have large rigs that could tow and it would not be difficult to find one to pay for the service. I would think that $.50 is reasonable.

If you are interested in connecting with someone you might speak to people by contacting them on iwindsurf.com or ikitesurf.com.

Apparently boat importation permits are no longer required.

Bob and Susan - 9-5-2008 at 12:57 PM

its not the weight...
its the condition of the trailer and the tires

plus the danger AND the speed you lose towing

PLUS the mileage

plus... for the sharkman...
cabo is at least 9-10 hours away from mulege