Transporting a Carver 405 (370, 406) OTR

[BenTen]

I just want to say I appreciate you sharing these details of your challenges! I obviously wish you well and am sorry I can't be of any help, my boat was much smaller when it was OTR transported from NY to SC.

[km1125]

This is a cool thread... like the pictures and can't wait for more.

The way the original transporter describes the package is very similar to a lot that I've seen on the road, with the bridge structure on the bow of the boat. I don't recall what they did with the railing, but it makes sense to pull that and reinstall (seems like a lot less work than another truck)

[Johnnykey]

It is not possible to convey this days entire adventure. But I'll try.

Transport driver arrives last evening at marina, to a very tall 1998 Carver 405 on marina launch trailer, in unknown state of disassembly. Unknown because of third person "less than perfect' communication. Did I mention 5 weeks lead time?

Driver wakes up this morning, inspects boat in the light of day, and immediately locks horns with marina service manager, over estimated 14',6"-15" loaded boat height.

The weather forecast is calling for an actual temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

3.5 hours later. Driver offers to cut prop strut length accepting pockets, in transporters $$ trailer cross members with acetylene torch. After measuring a transporters loaded trailer height of 15' 7" without Helm "pod" removal because of 3rd person "less than perfect" communication. Yes, I was told that helm pod +, had been removed. Marina work is booked 3 weeks back.

Spoiler: Driver, boat and Trailer still sitting in Austin Texas, with linkage to My wallet. Driver "wait" fees etc. A new over height up-charge of $3750 has been agreed to, by the boat owner (Me). As per the the transporter, the new agreed and permitted height of 15' or less will require 2 escort vehicles, one pull height and one follow. IF, and I repeat IF, this fabled 15' loaded trailer height can be achieved with the helm pod, that may or may not have been removed.

Now, the shafts and shaft struts (4 strut boat) will need to be removed. The props and rudders Have already been removed and boat turned around on trailer. BUT, marina not sure if it has time to preform said pulling operation. So, I said "Cut the shafts off with a sawzall, this is now FUBAR" Yes , I really did.

I was able to get some low quality cell phone pics of this mornings shenanigans. I am now attempting to transfer said pic's for your perusal. I have been promised hi-quality pics of disassembly via e-mail, at which time I will share.

I am now pouring a cocktail. I will follow this up.

[bud37]

Geeez....makes ya wonder how some of these folk find their way home after a shift without someone holding their hands.....where was the management in all this....good luck going forward man, it appears you will need some.

[Johnnykey]

A few cell phone shots sent by service manager.

[Johnnykey]

It would be really super easy to pass blame ALL around. But It's all on Me. I have many excuses about lack of communication and other things.

The truth is that I expected things from people, as I would have done them but I knew way more about the total project than they did. And the 1200 mile distance between me and them is a big obstacle, in 20/20 hind sight I would make sure that I was there and had firm exact commitments from each and everyone involved. And that would still leave room for plenty of a "comedy of errors".

The companies involved are actually pretty good professional organizations while standing alone, the problems arise when being forced to work together, without firm oversight.

If one boater benefits from this thread, that's a win. Communication, Communication, and Communication. ASSume Nothing.

More coming.

[Johnnykey]

So at about 2 pm this afternoon, I have pretty much had it.
it does not look like this move is going to happen in the time frame allowed.

The actual transport company owner calls me and basically says, (Loose quote) "We've never bailed on a boat move in our history". And that this move is becoming quite a challenge. He said that they are comfortable at under an under 15' haul, and that if this were an east coast move, that they would be forced to Walk away because of clearance issues in that part of the country. And that the re-permitting for this height and adding a pull car is expensive. Also that He would keep his driver and truck there for one more day to see if this move could still be put together. Also a $3750 over height, up-charge would be required. And that his driver said the helm on the boat was still completely intact.

The marina says that they were buried in work and had no more time available to get this boat at the new 15' height that the transporter was wanting. Also again, that all the other transporters were pulling tall with no problems. And perhaps that I needed a different transport company. (Not what I wanted to hear) And, that they could pull shafts and struts but did not know when with any certainty. That they had more 40' boats that were waiting and had to get done asap.

Now, you would think that these fellas would be able to talk together and work this out wouldn't you? Nope, it doesn't work that way.

At about 3pm and no word from anyone, I decide to go on offence. I call around to the Austin area looking for a mobile marine mechanic and see if I can get them to go over there and pull these shafts and struts, with permission from the marina of course, but had not asked yet. And put an end to this circus and get this truck and boat on the road. After a few calls I see that it may be possible to have just that done.

I call the service manager. I know that I do not have any power on this call, they hold all the cards. I ask him, "How much do those shafts cost to replace?" He hesitates and says, "About $3000 for a pair". I say, "Well then cut them off with a sawzall, because that would be cheaper than having to send that truck home empty on this FUBAR boat haul. I need this boat loaded and under 15' ". "Or I can have so and so come over there and pull the shafts if thats OK with you."

I don't know what effect that my little request really had on the guy. But he said that he would spend a half an hour on them to see if they come out easily or not. If you've ever pulled inboard shafts, you'd know that they either kinda fall out, of become a half day pita, And those couplers are fragile little things if you want a smooth preforming prop shafts. That's My experience anyway.

About 6pm, and after closing time. I get a call from the manager saying that he's had a man in the boat for the last few hours in the parking lot in 106 degree heat, and that they had the shafts off and were going to load the boat tonight in order to get this truck and boat on the road.

That's the last I've heard, and all I know. I guess we'll see tomorrow.

[Midnightsun]

I feel your pain, getting things done properly nowadays is definitely a challenge. There is a reason I tend to do most stuff on my own, the main reason I will live much longer due to the reduced stress.

[Johnnykey]

9:13 AM, next day. No word from anyone. One of 3 things is going to happen today, they figured it out and the boat is in route, I'm pretty sure that news would travel pretty fast and that I would already know. I hire a new transporter for who knows when or how much, then argue for some part of My transport deposit back. Or, I leave for Texas, put the boat back together and then put it up for sale in Texas.

As always, We'll see.

[km1125]

Thanks for the updates. Sure does have to be frustrating!!

Really surprised at the lack of communication from the field. Would think a quick phone call or some texts with updates every now and then would be par for the course but i think overall we're getting much poorer with communication in spite of all the tools and technology we have at our disposal.