Can you recommend a low cost service to tow my boat home?

[Windway]

Would anyone know of a reasonably priced haulier who could collect my 21 foot trailer sailer from the boat yard in Sheppey and bring her home to North Wales? She is on the trailer, no cranes required just connect to a towball. Distance from Sheppey to Bala according to Google is 262 miles. Currently I am without a tow car, hence the enquiry. Thanks.

 

[KeithH]

This may be a stupid thought - but why dont you hire a vehicle with towbar? I know that you can find car/van hire companies with vehicles fitted with tow hooks, as I have done it myself.

Might be worth checking with smaller local hire companies, rather than the big ones.

 

[Windway]

Thanks for those suggestions.

 

[Balbas]

Try Shiply (google it). When I've needed stuff moving they've come up trumps. Basically you put your requirements in and then hauliers / independents bid for your business.

In my case I've had stuff loaded onto a lorry that was otherwise going to be doing an empty return run.

 

[lw395]

There are people whose main business is delivering caravans.
There used to be a boat delivery service advertised on ebay.
I would look at hiring a van, or bribing a mate.

 

[solent clown]

Try Shiply (google it). When I've needed stuff moving they've come up trumps. Basically you put your requirements in and then hauliers / independents bid for your business.

In my case I've had stuff loaded onto a lorry that was otherwise going to be doing an empty return run.

Shiply is good, use the feedback scores (bit like ebay) to select the right offer. It also has the facility to let you know how well insured they are...

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I hire a Transit from one of those companies that hire out older vans because the ones that use newer vehicles are a bit precious about towbars. I pay £40 for a day and it's a bargain when you consider that you can bung all the tools and gear in it that wouldn't fit into an ordinary car.

And normally you'd need someone guiding you back to align ball and hitch, but because previous hirers haven't bothered if you set the ball height for it you can just reverse back until you bump your trailer with the pock-marked van bumper.

 

[Lodesman77]

I have a friend who hires a landrover twice a year to tow his trailer/sailer from home to mooring. Could try asking the local 4WD/green lane types...

 

[davidpbo]

This may be a stupid thought - but why dont you hire a vehicle with towbar? I know that you can find car/van hire companies with vehicles fitted with tow hooks, as I have done it myself.

Might be worth checking with smaller local hire companies, rather than the big ones.

I had to hire a tow car once, it was an extremely expensive and stressful time because it was a top of the range 4x4. I had to go 20 miles to pick the car up, drive back, pick the boat up, tow it 100 miles, launch it, tow the trailer back home, return the vehicle and then catch the train back to the boat.

They went over the vehicle including the load space/boot with a fine toothed comb when I returned it.

 

[peteK]

Depending on when you passed your driving test not everyone is entitled to tow a trailer other than a very small one so all these posts about hiring a vehicle with a towbar may not be applicable.

 

[TQA]

I would look for flat bed lorry with a HIAB capable of lifting the boat and trailer. If you are not in a hurry you might get one looking for a back load.

No worries about the state of the trailer using this form of transport.

 

[Cantata]

Go and see Jim Brett in Queenborough High Street - yard near the top end. He used to do boat deliveries, and will likely know who can help you out.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Depending on when you passed your driving test not everyone is entitled to tow a trailer other than a very small one so all these posts about hiring a vehicle with a towbar may not be applicable.

The restrictions aren't that bad.

 

[vyv_cox]

PM sent.

 

[prof pat pending]

Try Tony Anderson http://tonytugboats.com/

He’s moved my boat a number of times

 

[nimbusgb]

Could possibly help out if you are still looking.

What does the combination weigh. Are you insured for towing risks?

Driving ( Ford Ranger ) from Sussex to North Wales Sunday.