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Novice looking for advice.

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Wavemkr, Jul 28, 2009.

  1. Wavemkr, Jul 28, 2009
    #1
    Wavemkr

    Wavemkr New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2009
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Greater Kingston Area, Ontario, Canada
    Hi Everyone,

    I have been a member of Yacht Forums for a few months and up until now have been happy to just surf around reading everything I can. After 35 years in the Security business my wife and I are about to fulfill a long time dream.

    At long last the purchase of a luxury yacht is within reach. We have spet a lot of time searching on the web and in magazines and I think we have finally agreed on an 85 foot Westport that was launched just recently. She is currently located in La Conner Wa. So here's my question.

    Could a yacht this size make the journey from La Conner to Toronto Ont. Canada? If so how long would it take and is it advisable? Should it be transported by a delivery company? The yacht is reported to have an 800 NM range @ 12 knots.

    I spent some time in the Canadian Navy when I was younger but the closest I've been to the sea since is a cruise my wife and I took ten years ago. I an totally inexperienced and would certainly hire a Captain and crew. Any thoughts you would have are appreciated.

    Wavemkr
  2. dennismc, Jul 28, 2009
    #2
    dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2009
    Messages:
    1,178
    Location:
    Vancouver BC
    Yes it certainly could do that trip with few problems, your biggest concern would be the right delivery crew..if you get serious and need a reference I have a skipper who made that trip from Panama in tug with no problems.
    Be sure the boat is well sea trialed before leaving US waters for Panama and a full complement of spares are aboard.
    You could check with "Yachtpath" and "dockwise" for delivery quotes which may be less expensive and save wear and tear.
  3. Capt J, Jul 29, 2009
    #3
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Yes it can make it. Definately get yourself a delivery crew because it sounds like you don't have the experience to safely do the trip. Not to mention fix problems that may arise.
  4. NYCAP123, Jul 29, 2009
    #4
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    It sounds like you're close to retirement or at least at a point where your time is more your own. I would recommend doing the trip yourself as it will be a once in a lifetime experience. You will be wanting a captain on this boat and most likely a deckhand for the upcoming several years so I would recommend hiring someone local to you, but with experience with this voyage. Someone you'll be keeping after. Give yourself 2 or 3 months and plan to leave the vessel every few weeks for a home break. In fact, at this point in the year I'd pleasure cruise it around to New Orelans, use it in that area through next winter, and then finish the trip to Toronto next spring.
  5. Pascal, Jul 29, 2009
    #5
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Location:
    Miami, FL
    welcome to the forum...

    if you have the time to make at least part of the trip on board, then it's worth taking her home on her own bottom. Or if you can't but still arrange to fly to the boat in some areas, ports, or for some of the legs.

    otherwise, ship her home, or to the east coast, on dockwise, less wear and tear.
  6. Wavemkr, Jul 31, 2009
    #6
    Wavemkr

    Wavemkr New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2009
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Greater Kingston Area, Ontario, Canada
    Thank you

    Thanks everyone, your input is very helpful. I'll keep you posted as to our progress.

    Wavemkr