ProCAPTAINS

There is over ten thousand miles of coastline and thousands of islands in the continental US, plus, many more thousands of miles of coastline and spectacular islands in Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Secluded anchorages and marinas abound. Good times, family, friends and scenic beauty are awaiting you and your yacht.

Would you like to - safely, inexpensively and conveniently enjoy these opportunities?

Yachts ranging in size from 50' to 200' + have several options. Very few of these boat owners, however, are able to realize their dream of cruising both the pristine Pacific Northwest, the Mexican coastline, the Caribbean islands, the Inside passage, the Great Lakes, or the Mississippi River on their yachts. The primary obstacles are time, distance, inclement ocean weather conditions and/or crew changes.

Present Options Available

• Truck the vessel overland - This is typically suitable for vessels in the 35' to 65' range. It is an increasingly costly method caused by various states imposition of stiffer regulations. Height and width restrictions on "oversized loads" result in increasingly prohibitive costs. The additional costs of preparing, dismantling and hauling the vessel; followed by launching and reassembly at the point of arrival generally adds 50% to the base cost of transporting overland. There is also the psychological deterrent for the vessel owner who is faced with dismantling and re-assembling the vessel at each end of the journey and never getting it back together quite right. Depending on construction it often requires cutting fiberglass, electrical wires and hydraulic lines. The road trip can further subject vessels to the hardship of severe wear and tear.
• Charter a vessel - at the chosen destination. This is typically suitable for vessels in the 35' to 65' range as a "Bareboat Charter" and for vessels in the 65' to 165' range as a "Crewed Charter". It may appear to be a practical solution, however, most boat owners of this size range cannot justify making payments on their own boat, including all related expenses, as well as the additional expense of chartering a second vessel. This option also presents the psychological disadvantage of cruising on someone else’s boat, one where he or she would never feel as comfortable or at home.
• Barge a vessel - This is typically suitable for vessels in the 50' to 150' range. This solution is restricted to the limited calender dates the barge makes passage and your ability to rendezvous at the prescribed pick-up and drop-off times at both ends. Plus the required preparation, expense and time to move your vessel from your normal moorage to the pick-up site then move your vessel from the drop-off site to your desired destination. Often these loading ports are in primitive locations without yacht supplies or facilities nearby. Boats are handled by longshoremen use to commercial cargoes, not the delicate needs of your personal yacht. The vessels are loaded on a barge by crane and secured in the necessary cradles and chocks that need to be customized to accommodate the hull of your vessel. Without great care in designing cradles, damage can be caused by boats shifting in heavy weather. Further boats are sitting out on exposed decks exposed to the elements, salt spray and smoke stack soot. Cargo bookings, paper work, clearances and shore crews need to also be arranged at the designated ports. On larger yachts the barge company usually requires a representative to accompany each yacht.

The Solution - ProCAPTAINS -

• Hire a professional delivery crew to sail the vessel to it's destination. This is typically suitable for vessels in the 50' to 150' range. This is usually the least expensive method and best for the vessel. This allows your yacht to depart from your home moorage and arrive at your preferred destination at your pleasure and convenience. As to vessel systems - most systems deteriorate fastest when NOT used and marine diesel engines almost never reach or wear out because of engine hours but because of non use and time. Lastly, if you choose, you may join the delivery for the entire trip or just the scenic part or one leg.

Fees:

The fees and options each provide different suggestions. The ProCAPTAINS solution with a professional crew is clearly the answer. It has the distinction of consuming the least amount of an owners time, preparation, stress and money. And provides the greatest amount of convenience.