Buying a boat across the country

[n33d45p33d]

Hey everyone, I’m debating purchasing a boat on the other side of the country. a new one from a dealer, has anyone used any shipping service to see costs?

 

[steveinmd]

Hey everyone, I’m debating purchasing a boat on the other side of the country. a new one from a dealer, has anyone used any shipping service to see costs?

You can get online quotes from uship and citizenshipper. It will be into the thousands with gas prices the way they are. Prob $3-$4 per mile

 

[RNYCLV]

A buddy of mine bought a boat from an AZ dealer and had it shipped to PA. He used UShip, rates weren't horrible and it was trailered with two driver's who made the trip in a few days.

 

[Bruce]

Gas prices were similar in 2012. I spent ~$700 to uShip a boat from Virginia to Arkansas at that time.

In August of 2021 I spent $1,300 to move a car from Connecticut to Arkansas.

The best deal will be if you can find someone who has dropped a load off near the boat and is headed home to Florida.

 

[mark_m]

Road trip! Go get it! What an adventure it could be!?
I live in central Ohio and I drove to ocean city, Maryland to get my boat. Met a really great guy @OCMD in the process.

 

[OCMD]

I have shipped tow boats. Relatively painless and inexpensive in 2012; basically free in 2005 - 400 bucks from NC to MD. Contrary to the assertions above, gas in 2012 topped out at 3.62 at the highest point which is nowhere near the outrageous price we pay now. Presently, gas at my local station in 4.79, which is similar across the USA. Highest gasoline prices ever, and worst inflation in 40 years. So expect to pay a bundle now. I dread the cost of non-eth which is all I use in my boat. I'm certain it will be upwards of 6 bucks. But shipping is a doable "thing" though, and done all the time. Just expect to pay a bundle because of the price of gas.

What's up @mark_m ? The 230 still running perfectly as I told you it would? Next time down I'll race you in my new to me wave runner, which happens to be sitting in the yard at Bayside at the moment.

 

[mark_m]

I have shipped tow boats. Relatively painless and inexpensive in 2012; basically free in 2005 - 400 bucks from NC to MD. Contrary to the assertions above, gas in 2012 topped out at 3.62 at the highest point which is nowhere near the outrageous price we pay now. Presently, gas at my local station in 4.79, which is similar across the USA. Highest gasoline prices ever, and worst inflation in 40 years. So expect to pay a bundle now. I dread the cost of non-eth which is all I use in my boat. I'm certain it will be upwards of 6 bucks. But shipping is a doable "thing" though, and done all the time. Just expect to pay a bundle because of the price of gas.

What's up @mark_m ? The 230 still running perfectly as I told you it would? Next time down I'll race you in my new to me wave runner, which happens to be sitting in the yard at Bayside at the moment.

@OCMD 230 is running like a champ still! You and Eric were right, this boat loves fresh water. I changed out her impellers and wear rings this off season and we’re excited to enjoy it again this year!

My daughter is on her 8th grade trip to dc this week; if we can get these kids thru college might be making another trip to bayside again for a newer boat someday.

 

[mark_m]

I have shipped tow boats. Relatively painless and inexpensive in 2012; basically free in 2005 - 400 bucks from NC to MD. Contrary to the assertions above, gas in 2012 topped out at 3.62 at the highest point which is nowhere near the outrageous price we pay now. Presently, gas at my local station in 4.79, which is similar across the USA. Highest gasoline prices ever, and worst inflation in 40 years. So expect to pay a bundle now. I dread the cost of non-eth which is all I use in my boat. I'm certain it will be upwards of 6 bucks. But shipping is a doable "thing" though, and done all the time. Just expect to pay a bundle because of the price of gas.

What's up @mark_m ? The 230 still running perfectly as I told you it would? Next time down I'll race you in my new to me wave runner, which happens to be sitting in the yard at Bayside at the moment.

I’d still consider a road trip for some distance of you could make the price right…. Who cares on some $ for fuel when you can make some memories and friendships, right?

 

[n33d45p33d]

Uship quotes are around $3,750. It’s about 2550 miles. I calculate if I do it myself I might be close to $2,750 or so in costs all things considered. So sure I save about $1,000 but also carry all the risk.

 

[mark_m]

Uship quotes are around $3,750. It’s about 2550 miles. I calculate if I do it myself I might be close to $2,750 or so in costs all things considered. So sure I save about $1,000 but also carry all the risk.

If your trailer is in decent shape it’s not that much of a risk. Just prep for the distance tow…. In fact, towing interstate isn’t really that awful. First time I ever towed anything it was my boat on that Maryland to Ohio road trip. I might just have to dig up that thread… (one of my first posts)

Easier than dealing with people at the ramps…

 

[haknslash]

Not sure if @Betik would be interested or if he still tows for people.

Were there no boats closer to you than across the country?

 

[n33d45p33d]

Nope, trust me I would much rather buy locally!

I was purchasing a used 2021 from a private seller and the guy backed out last minute so had to start the search again.

 

[johhnyboat]

I live in Maryland and purchased my boat from the Florida Keys so pretty much like cross country. I used Shiply and it went really well.

 

[haknslash]

Nope, trust me I would much rather buy locally!

I was purchasing a used 2021 from a private seller and the guy backed out last minute so had to start the search again.

What boat and colors are you looking for?

 

[Cut2thechase]

We left New Bedford, Ma on a Friday morning. Got to Round Lake, IL on Saturday morning. Test Run, paper work, hooked up and was trailering late Saturday afternoon. Washed 1,100 miles of bug guts off it and was in the ocean by 11:00 AM on Sunday. I'll admit I wasn't willing to travel to Washington state to get the only blue, twin 300 HP model in the US at the time though!

If it's the one you want, go get it! You'll feel more comfortable making the purchase after seeing it in person anyway!!

Good Luck either way!

 

[n33d45p33d]

What boat and colors are you looking for?

Preferably 255XD, black and blue. New is more than I want to spend but a used 2021 would work perfect.

This one is a new 2022 252XE in white.

 

[goofydisneydaddy]

Preferably 255XD, black and blue. New is more than I want to spend but a used 2021 would work perfect.

This one is a new 2022 252XE in white.

Have you called on the dealers in Florida? RideNow had a black 252XE last week when I spoke to them. If you don't mind a green 255, those have been popping up too. Last week one in Alabama was unspoken for and today there is one in Woodbridge, VA.

 

[n33d45p33d]

Yes, I’ve called the dealers in Florida. At least the ones that I know about. RideNow doesn’t have any currently. I would love a 255, but I definitely don’t like the green color. How do you know of these that have popped up?

 

[goofydisneydaddy]

Yes, I’ve called the dealers in Florida. At least the ones that I know about. RideNow doesn’t have any currently. I would love a 255, but I definitely don’t like the green color. How do you know of these that have popped up?

I call around and stock BoatTrader. Part of it is just timing and luck. Join the Facebook group too, as sometimes people post there when they see something. I too am waiting for a blue 255 - I've found a couple greens in my search, but I just don't like that color.

 

[n33d45p33d]

I call around and stock BoatTrader. Part of it is just timing and luck. Join the Facebook group too, as sometimes people post there when they see something. I too am waiting for a blue 255 - I've found a couple greens in my search, but I just don't like that color.

Seems like we are in the same boat! Well, looking for the same boat anyways.