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 may be privately, commercially or charter owned vessels and we often deliver for yacht brokers and new boat owners. A good part of our business is in moving boats in and around the ports of the northeast states as well as from Maine down the eastern coast to Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Of course we also pick up boats in Florida and the Caribbean headed northward to points on the way back north as far as Maine as well. Some boats are delivered for owners who are too busy to make the trip, don't care to make the trip alone or would prefer professional expertises since the trip is to windward. We also perform detailed sea trials for prepurchase inspections. [Back to Top]
What is your experience?
We are experienced licensed U.S. Coast Guard commercial Master Captains with years of sea time and various additional endorsements and credentials such as commercial towing, commercial sailing and my being an ASA certified sailing instructor. Our background comes from the commercial world of cruise boats, tour boats, charter boats and yachts of all sizes. We have been yacht owners ourselves and successfully operate and manage motor and sailing charter vessels in the northeast and the busy NY/NY Hudson and East Rivers. We are yachties and sailors who work on the water nearly all year round. [Back to Top]
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 100 gross tons as a commercial master. All captains and crew belong to a random drug-testing program and carry a current Drug-Free Certificate. [Back to Top]
Do you or your personnel carry weapons?
On some occasions and under some circumstances we are legally armed to protect a client's vessel and those aboard from theft, uninvited boarding and to assure the safety of our passengers and crew from such activities as piracy in virtually any form. We are NJ licensed but adhere to all requirements of a state we are traveling within. All our weapons are equipped with laser sights to maximize accuracy. [Back to Top]
Will you perform the delivery yourself?
Not only do I manage the day-to-day operations but also actually perform most deliveries myself. We have group of associate captains and crew that have worked and sailed together for years both professionally and recreationally. Everyone that works with us is carefully screened and always performs a delivery or two with me to verify their ability and qualifications and to assure that they are capable and someone that we would want to represent our association. [Back to Top]
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 captain and crewmembers. 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. For added security we suggest that a rider be added to the policy added our Captain and crew as authorized operators of the vessel. [Back to Top]
What geographic areas do you cover?
We navigate the East Coast, Caribbean, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. [Back to Top]
What does it cost?
That depends on the type of vessel, time of year, weather, crew requirements and length of passage. For local deliveries we use a daily rate. For extended passages we use $2.75 - $3.75 per mile as an estimate cost. You are responsible for all vessel expenses and Captain/crew transportation to and from the vessel.
Here is what we provide:
Click here to request a quote. [Back to Top]
How is your crew transported & returned to their home base?
Typically if the delivery is along the US east coast we use a major car rental agency that provides a vehicle capable of transporting Captain and crewmembers along with all supporting gear on a one-way basis. We then pick up another vehicle for the return trip. In some cases our clients maintain automobiles, helicopter and jet aircraft with their own crews and staff of drivers. These may all be used in supporting that delivery. [Back to Top]
May 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, the route and your skill set, we might require an additional mate or deckhand to round out the watch bill. [Back to Top]
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 St. Thomas would be different than a 100' twin-screw motor yacht. We generally take the ICW south and then jump out in below Cape 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. [Back to Top]
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, impellers, gaskets, etc.). Running and standing rigging in good condition, current flare kit, all PFD's and fire extinguishers in good condition and non-expired. [Back to Top]
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. Requisite bedding, several spare fuel filters, spare engine parts, tools, spare lines, fenders, (we provide a portable VHF radios, 406 EPIRB and Viking offshore life raft for near coastal and ocean voyages) and working VHF Radios. [Back to Top]
What happens if the boat 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. [Back to Top]
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, proof of wire transfer. Alternatively, you can charge the entire delivery on your credit card using the link prominently displayed on our site. [Back to Top]
What are your terms?
Am I charged for weather delays?
In short, no... if we feel it is not safe to continue, we will stay at anchor or at a dock until conditions improve. We want to be fair and don't charge you for small delays of one to two days. Provisioning and expenses not withstanding. [Back to Top]
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 of one to two days, 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 such as routine maintenance, detailing the interior and exterior while we wait and charge you the day rate. [Back to Top]
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. [Back to Top]
What happens if the vessel becomes unseaworthy or incapable of continuing safely?
We will immediately get to the nearest port and contact you. [Back to Top]
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 12-14 hours a day and stop for the night. Of course, if the owner is aboard and desires to do something else, we are flexible. [Back to Top]
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. [Back to Top]
How do I start the ball rolling?
Please e-mail me and we will take care of the rest.
Or, Click here to request a quote. [Back to Top]