Aquasport transport from SW Fla. to Jax, Fla

[gran398]

Fellow members,

This is definitely off-topic, and hope its OK with Rick. Looking to get the 22-2 from Marco here to NC, sometime in March, really doesn't matter when. Problem is that its 13 hours one-way from here to there, longer back Don't really want to trailer in the dark, for many reasons. So would need to hit a motel, both down there and then on the way back up.

And don't really want to leave the boat/trailer overnight in an unsecured motel lot on I-95 on the way back.

So, was wondering if anyone on the SW side knows of anyone who would be willing (for money of course) to pull the boat from Marco to Jax. The boat currently does not have a trailer. They would need to supply a good trailer and load it at a ramp in Marco, and tow it up to Jax.  Would dump the boat in at a public ramp in Jax, the load it on my tandem for the haul on up here.

This could be a chance for someone that knows boats, your boat mechanic, friend, etc. to pick up some extra money, while having the satisfaction of helping an old girl find a new home... :)

Just trying to take a look at all the options, and figured this is a great place to start. Your opinions as well are much appreciated.

Thanks to all,
G3

[Aswaff400]

pm sent.

[flkeysaqua]

Unfortunaltley we just booked our flights to PA yesterday for march 14th (really didn't want to drive 17 hours one way with a 2 year old) but would be willing one weekend to drive it up for you is aswaff isn't able to. Just pm me

[fitz73222]

Hey Scott,
I replied back on the other email you sent me this morning. Not sure if you got; I dont see it in my sent items. Let me know if you got it. BTW, the boat is still on Site Mash. Get that SOB out of there before I drive down there and out bid you!!!! (LOL)!

Regards,
fitz73222

[gran398]

Thank you all for all of your help. I'm still in the middle, have a big decision to make.  Go all the way down and get it, meet the original owner (he just turned 80). Enjoy a really neat experience, meet the man and his boat,  his boat only for the last 35 years.

Or miss only one day of work, go to Jax from here, turn around, come home. Long day, but do-able. And she's in my driveway safe and sound when get home.

No overnight I-95 hassles, worries, attempted thefts, successful thefts, etc.

Or meet the owner, and let him feel good about who is marrying his little girl.

Or miss four days of work, no pay.

What ya'll think?

Thank you all again for your responses.

[slvrlng]

I would have to go and meet him myself. When skoot picked up his 19-6 he said the owner even told him what size tarp to use. How valuable is that?  You don't think he wouldn't want to take it out for a spin so he can show you his baby. Those opportunities only come around every so often, so my vote is to go and visit and the weather has got to be better than what we've been having. I have some friends that live just south of Savannah. I could ask them if you could park it at their house overnight. They live right off I-95.

[fitz73222]

Hey Scott,
I agree that you should go down and get it. You could set up overnight stops along the way. I`ll donate my driveway for the first leg,I`m 10 minutes off of 95. how often will there be two 73` 22-2`s with twins in one driveway! I`ve got the room! Think of the photo ops.  that gets you about 80 miles south of Jax, if you take I95 up the coast. Find someone in Hilton Head for the end of the second leg, and then your home. You got a lot of people that will step up to the plate. I`m in if you need me.

Fitz73222

[Capt. Bob]

Gran,
Where are you located in NC?

[gran398]

Tell you what, you guys are the best. No kidding. I'm about 80% sure after reading these posts that that's what I should do. And I really appreciate the offer, Fitz! Will send a PM.

Captain Bob, I'm in Wilmington, SE NC on the coast,  about 70 miles north of Mytle Beach, SC.

Again, thank you all. Somebody from Savannah posted a few weeks ago, will try and get in touch with them.  Fitz, that's a terrific idea.....great job!

[Capt. Bob]

Looks like a little over 800 miles one way. You're more than welcome to stay in Tally but we're 90 miles out of your way.

I'd make it a long weekend.

I'm sure there are others along the way.

SeaBob4 is not too far off your route using map quest. That would be the run back from Marco.

I see an 0 dark thirty start on Friday down. Get the worst over with when your fresh.
Meet up on Sat. with the owner and gain a wealth of knowledge about your new baby, then head home.
Pull into the Brooksville/ (9.5 hrs to home) or further as the light begins to fade and get a good nights sleep.
Up Sunday morn for a nice drive home.

[gran398]

Capt. Bob, thank you.

You're right, looks like pretty much a three day trip any way you slice it. Unless I could commandeer a twin-rotor helo....

Our friend Fitz is in Palm Coast, north of Daytona. He has graciously invited me to use his home as a base. Actually about 44 miles less going that way, time about the same.

So could leave here pulling a tandem, head to there, spend first night there. Get up, head 5+ hours to Marco, do the transaction, load up, head back to Fitz's. Probably have a little time pulling in the dark, but shouldn't be bad. Then Sunday, come on back up.

Haven't discussed any of this with my new bride. Not even the boat. (let's not forget, BOAT is a four letter word). She always says, "Whatever makes you happy". However, as Ben Franklin eloquently stated in "Poor Richard's Almanac",  Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman's Scorn."

Gonna find out....

[fitz73222]

Hey Scott,
I talked to Beth about our plans; (Atleast she knows whats going on) She`s in! Ofcourse this will go way beyond an overnight boat storage value propostion. She should be picking out outfits and beginning the entertaiment planning phase by week 4 this month. She does realize the historical value of the two 73 22-2s with twins in the driveway and will respect the chest beating and hoisting of a brew or two or three or...

[gran398]

I'm all about honesty......

I'm just scared....Ben's quote keeps popping in to my dreams(nightmares)?....

I'm taking her on a journey to the tropics next weekend.....perhaps we can discuss it after the fourth Mai Tai...

Fitz, thanks to you both for your warm hospitality and generous offer.

I'll bring the Stump Sound oysters!

Best,

Scott