New 50ft boat - is haulage viable?

[danieleither]

I would like to invest in a new (but used) boat next year. I am keen on a Fairline Targa 48 (2019-on) however these are very rare in the UK - however they often pop-up in the South of France. I am curious as to whether it is viable to move a boat of this size via road haulage, and if so does anyone have a rough idea of cost? Literally just a ball-park figure which would give me an idea as to whether this is viable or not.

Length is 51ft, weight approx. 15,000kg

 

[JOHNPEET]

The overall height of the loaded boat on the low loader will be your greatest challenge. Best to give one of the transport companies a call. As a previous happy customer - I can recommend South West Boat Transport.

 

[PCUK]

Boat of this size can go on ships designed for yacht transport. Alternatively have the trip of a lifetime and bring her home yourself!

 

[danieleither]

The overall height of the loaded boat on the low loader will be your greatest challenge. Best to give one of the transport companies a call. As a previous happy customer - I can recommend South West Boat Transport.

I actually tried 5 different companies (using online quote) and none replied. I have a feeling maybe they get their time wasted a lot? And to be fair, I wouldn't want someone to work out a precise quote at this stage, I literally just want a ball-park idea (e.g. £5,000 - £1,0000) or £15,000 - £20,000 kind of thing. £20k haulage on a £700k boat would be feasible. £150k haulage, not so.

 

[danieleither]

Boat of this size can go on ships designed for yacht transport. Alternatively have the trip of a lifetime and bring her home yourself!

I thought about this - it's probably 3000-4000 nm though. It could potentially be fun, but I think more likely it would ruin my love of the new boat. By the time I got home, I'd be fed-up of it sort of thing.

 

[DavidJ]

The overall height of the loaded boat on the low loader will be your greatest challenge. Best to give one of the transport companies a call. As a previous happy customer - I can recommend South West Boat Transport.

I used South West Transport to bring my boat (S37) back from Spain. They did a great job. They couldn’t use French motorways (ie more than 3 meters width) and I had to take off my radar etc to prevent overhanging trees taking it off. I can’t see how they would transport a 48 footer but best to ask directly.
Peters & May handled the import paperwork, I was VAT exempt but you probably won’t be.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Also try Coast to Coast. They brought @Elessar’s boat across France from La Rague to Carteret; that’s a T46 I think, wee bit smaller but probably more air draft. These companies specialise in this work and I’d be happy to use either.

You could get dropped in on the N France coast then do the cross channel under your own power, this might be cheaper than a cross channel truck crossing. Make sure the import paperwork is in place.

Depending on who you buy from, the selling broker may also be able to help.

 

[Alicatt]

I thought about this - it's probably 3000-4000 nm though. It could potentially be fun, but I think more likely it would ruin my love of the new boat. By the time I got home, I'd be fed-up of it sort of thing.

For a 6ton 28ft sports cruiser in the South of France I got quoted £6k a few years ago, just before Covid. To take it back on her own bottom would have been a bit over £4k in fuel alone and taken a good bit of time through the French canals.

Seven Star Yacht Transport is one that keeps sending me emails from back then " welcome @ sevenstar-yacht-transport. com " they are a Dutch company

 

[ridgy]

I thought about this - it's probably 3000-4000 nm though. It could potentially be fun, but I think more likely it would ruin my love of the new boat. By the time I got home, I'd be fed-up of it sort of thing.

South of France to the Solent is about 1900nm, 100 hours at 19 knots. 20 five hour days plus as many extra as you want for sightseeing and chilling. Taking in the Balearics, the Algarve, Spanish Rias, and maybe the Channel Islands for a laugh. Get the autopilot on, take a couple of mates, 30 minute watches. Fuel costs aside, what's not to like?

 

[danieleither]

South of France to the Solent is about 1900nm, 100 hours at 19 knots. 20 five hour days plus as many extra as you want for sightseeing and chilling. Taking in the Balearics, the Algarve, Spanish Rias, and maybe the Channel Islands for a laugh. Get the autopilot on, take a couple of mates, 30 minute watches. Fuel costs aside, what's not to like?

Hmm - when you put it like that, it does sound more appealing - however from my experience of cruising the South Coast of UK, It can take a week literally just to move 100 miles across the coast if the weather is bad (waiting for weather windows).

There's also the risk of a new boat (which may have problems) - however looking at something only a few years old, so hopefully mechanically sound.

 

[DavidJ]

Nice one in Dorset
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/boat/2019-fairline-targa-48-9013145/

 

[Tranona]

I would like to invest in a new (but used) boat next year. I am keen on a Fairline Targa 48 (2019-on) however these are very rare in the UK - however they often pop-up in the South of France. I am curious as to whether it is viable to move a boat of this size via road haulage, and if so does anyone have a rough idea of cost? Literally just a ball-park figure which would give me an idea as to whether this is viable or not.

Length is 51ft, weight approx. 15,000kg

Perfectly feasible - almost certainly the way it got from the Fairline factory to where it is now in the first place. Probably in the £15-20k range with handling each end. surprised you are having difficulty getting quotes as it is a bit of a milk run for boat transporters (although less so now since Brexit).

However transport is the least of your problems importing a boat from the EU. Don't forget the 20% VAT and re-certification before you can use it in the UK if you are a UK resident.

 

[Momac]

....... re-certification before you can use it in the UK

Is re-certification required ? I thought the UKGov had seen sense and extended acceptance of CE marking indefinitely?

 

[Tranona]

Is re-certification required ? I thought the UKGov had seen sense and extended acceptance of CE marking indefinitely?

AFAIK only for newly certified boats. However from the price mentioned it seems the OP is looking at post 2015 boats which will not be a big issue. However if it was the earlier 1990s early 2000s models they would be a problem as the engines are not to the latest EU spec.

 

[Elessar]

Also try Coast to Coast. They brought @Elessar’s boat across France from La Rague to Carteret; that’s a T46 I think, wee bit smaller but probably more air draft. These companies specialise in this work and I’d be happy to use either.

You could get dropped in on the N France coast then do the cross channel under your own power, this might be cheaper than a cross channel truck crossing. Make sure the import paperwork is in place.

Depending on who you buy from, the selling broker may also be able to help.

That’s all correct. Splashed at carteret. Coast to coast I’ve used from the med to UK twice and can’t fault them.

Radar arch, fly railings and screen removed.
Props and rudders in place, drop into slots in the trailer.

 

[westernman]

I used South West Transport to bring my boat (S37) back from Spain. They did a great job. They couldn’t use French motorways (ie more than 3 meters width) and I had to take off my radar etc to prevent overhanging trees taking it off. I can’t see how they would transport a 48 footer but best to ask directly.
Peters & May handled the import paperwork, I was VAT exempt but you probably won’t be.

You can transport something wider than 3m in France but you need extra escorts. Above 4m you need motorcycle escorts in addition. In any case you need a bunch of permits and qualifications. I think the driver also needs a certificate that he speaks french. The days and times you can move are limited. I think the précise route and times are fixed in advance.
I.e. a PITA.

 

[danieleither]

Nice one in Dorset
https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/boat/2019-fairline-targa-48-9013145/

I've seen it, but the configuration is strange (no saloon, inside or out).

 

[Portofino]

The cost of this haulage could buy an awful lot of flights / airport parking / hire car logistics if you INITIALLY kept it in the Med .

Then once reassured it’s works faultlessly ( is it IPS ? ) and perhaps with time on your hands slowly migrate it round in stages taking a few seasons taking in Spain , Portugal.
Leaving a last big Biscay hop last .

It will keep your neurones occupied planning .

 

[Bouba]

Without the radar arch (which has to be removed even on a truck) can the Targa do the inland canal route from the Med to the Channel?

 

[DavidJ]

Is re-certification required ? I thought the UKGov had seen sense and extended acceptance of CE marking indefinitely?

Agree and I’m living proof having brought my boat back in Sept 2023. No re-certification required which was a relief because my KAD43’s wouldn’t cut the mustard to todays regs.
What the indefinite delay of the UKCA mark means for boat buying and selling - Practical Boat Owner