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Yacht Delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of boats do you deliver?
We deliver all sized sailing and motor vessels on the water under their own power. They can be privately owned, commercial or charter vessels and we often deliver for yacht brokers and new boat owners. A good part of our business is moving boats from the northeast states down to south Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. We deliver boats for owners who are too busy to make the trip, don’t care to make the trip alone or would like professional assistance because the trip is to windward. We also perform sea trials and pre-purchase inspections.
What is your experience?
We are experienced licensed U.S. Coast Guard commercial captains with years of sea time and a stack of discharges. Our background comes from the commercial world of deep draft ships, tugs, cruise boats, tour boats, charter boats and yachts. We are yacht owners ourselves and successfully operate and manage motor and sailing charter vessels in Destin and Pensacola, Florida. We have navigated the waters Maine to St. Thomas and around to the Panama Canal, the Gulf of Mexico and all along the west coast to San Francisco. We circumnavigated the world several times on deep draft and commercial vessels. We are yachties and sailors who work on the water every day.
What is your training and qualifications?
We have all the current U.S. Coast Guard and International STCW qualifications and licenses required to operate vessels up to 1600 gross tons as master and to operate as 3rd mate on unlimited tonnage, any ocean vessels. Some of our captains even have MCA’s (European Master’s Licenses) and international unlimited masters licenses. Specifically our captains have Bridge Resource Management, Advanced Firefighting, Damage Control, Unlimited Radar, ARPA, GMDSS, STCW 95, Water Survival, Rescue Boat Operator, AB Unlimited Lifeboatman, FCC Marine Radio Operator’s License, Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection Training, and current Small Arms Qualifications. All captains and crew have a current Drug-Free Certificate.
Will you perform the delivery yourself?
Not only do we manage the day-to-day operations but also actually perform most deliveries ourselves. We are a group of captains and crew that have worked and sailed together for years both professionally and recreationally. Everyone that works for us is carefully screened and always performs a delivery or two with the owner to verify their ability and qualifications and to assure that they are capable and someone that we would want to represent our company.
Are you insured?
Yes, we are insured by CNA Marine, New York, N.Y. We have $300,000 liability, $500,000 fuel and other spill liability, $300,000 uninsured boater coverage, we carry Longshoreman and Harbor Workers Compensation per the states statute limit. We are insured for $10,000 in medical payments for personal injury to the captain and crew. In addition to an unlimited coastal U.S. Assistance Towing Policy.
Does the boat need to be insured?
Yes. We require that the owner carry insurance on the vessel to be delivered and cannot do the delivery without insurance. Our insurance only covers liability and injury of our captains and crews. We will need a copy of the cover page of your policy showing the effective dates, boat identification and the Protection and Indemnity (P&I) section of your policy showing that all crewmembers are covered by the policy.
What geographic areas do you cover?
We navigate the East Coast, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and South America. We have a West Coast experience sailing from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to points as far north as Bodega Bay, California doing the infamous Baha Bash delivering boats upwind from Cabo to their home ports in California. Since we are located in Florida, it is neither practical nor cost effective to operate West Coast deliveries because of the airfare and travel expenses. We will work the West Coast and Mexico, just be aware that travel can get expensive.
What does it cost?
That depends on the type of vessel, time of year, weather, crew requirements and length of passage. Use $2-3 dollars per mile as an estimate. You are responsible for all vessel expenses and transportation to and from the vessel.
Here is what we provide:
1. A professional captain, mate and necessary crew and arrange for their transportation.
2. We will obtain all navigational charts and pilots if they are not already on board.
3. We have our own GPS’s, electronic charting systems, laptops and plotting instruments.
4. We will provision the yacht for the voyage, including food and fuel.
5. We will perform a pre-voyage inspection report of the vessel and its many systems along with digital photos of the vessel and provide a full log and accounting of all vessel expenses incurred along the voyage.
6. We will complete all relevant clearance documentations, customs and excise taxes and port fees.
7. We will provide the owner with a position report and progress report daily.
Can I come along?
Yes, of course and it is encouraged. This is the best time to learn about your vessel's capabilities and improve your own skills on the trip. Depending on the vessel and the route, we might require an additional mate or deckhand to round out the watch bill.
What route will you take?
This depends on the type of vessel, time of year, weather conditions and owner preference. There is usually more than one way to a destination. Our first concern is for the safety of the vessel and those aboard her. The route for a 35’ sailboat going to Saint Thomas would be different than a 100’ twin-screw motor yacht. We generally take the ICW south and then jump out in below Hatteras then island hop working the night lees southbound thru the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean. This has proven to be a safe and smooth passage down island.
What condition does the vessel need to be in?
In a word, seaworthy and well found. This means clean fuel tanks, good sails, functional well running and maintained engine, adequate engine spares (i.e. fuel filters, belts, raw water pump and impellers, etc.). Running and standing rigging in good condition, current flare kit, all PFD’s and fire extinguishers in good condition and non-expired.
What needs to be onboard the vessel?
All USCG required safety equipment. Charts and pilots for the area to be navigated. Cooking and eating utensils. Several spare fuel filters, spare engine parts, tools, spare lines, fenders, 406 EPIRB for ocean voyages and a working VHF Radio.
What happens if it is not ready for the voyage?
When we come onboard, we will assess the vessel and prepare a written report of any deficiencies. You will be responsible for correcting these deficiencies before departure.
How do I pay for this service?
You pay a deposit and advance for all transportation, vessel expenses, supplies, fuel and provisioning. We will keep an accounting that details all expenses incurred during the voyage. We will submit a final bill upon completion of the delivery. We expect the owner or representative to meet the vessel upon arrival to pay for the delivery with cash, certified funds, wire transfer or credit card. Alternatively, you can charge the entire delivery on your credit card providing you sign one of our charge authorizations.
What are your terms?
- 10 % Deposit to book a time slot.
- Transportation, vessel expenses and provisioning paid up front.
- Balance due upon arrival.
Am I charged for weather delays?
No.. If we feel it is not safe to continue, we will stay at anchor or dock until conditions improve. We want to be fair and don't charge you for small delays.
Am I charged for mechanical delays?
Every situation is unique and will be addressed appropriately when the time comes. Generally we don't charge for small delays but if you lose the engine or major system and can't get parts or repairs for a week we'll stay on the boat and do something constructive like varnish the bright work and detail the interior and exterior while we wait and charge you a day rate.
What happens if repairs are needed along the way?
We will make repairs underway within our capability. Otherwise we will get to the nearest marina and contact you immediately for your approval before any repairs are done.
What happens if the vessel becomes unseaworthy or incapable of continuing safely?
We will immediately get to the nearest port and contact you.
How many hours are made underway each day?
This depends on the vessel and the route. On an ocean route with our crews aboard, we'll sail round the clock. In the ICW we generally sail at least 12 hours a day and stop for the night. Of course, if the owner is aboard and desires to do something else, we are flexible.
Is a recent survey needed?
This would be ideal, but if a survey was done within the past two years we would like to have a copy.
How do I book a delivery?
Call 850 916-4602 or 850 393-7009 to schedule a delivery
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