East~West Yacht Deliveries

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of boats do you deliver? We deliver all sized sailing and motor vessels on the water under their own power. They are usually privately owned vessels and we often deliver for yacht brokers and new boat owners. A good part of our business is moving boats along the eastern seaboard, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.. We deliver boats for owners who are too busy to make the trip, don’t care to make the trip alone or would like professional assistance. We will also perform sea trials and pre-purchase inspections. What geographic areas do you cover? We navigate the East Coast, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Panama Canal. We also have extensive West Coast experience sailing from the Canal Zone, Central America and Mexico to the Puget Sound, Seattle area. Since we are located on the East Coast, it is neither practical nor cost effective to operate West Coast deliveries because of the airfare and travel expenses. We will work the West Coast and Mexico, just be aware that travel can get expensive. We have traveled Mexico and Central America extensively and are very familiar and comfortable with navigating those areas. We both speak Spanish. What does it cost? That depends on the type of vessel, time of year, weather, crew requirements and length of passage. You are responsible for all vessel expenses and transportation to and from the vessel. Please contact us with the details of your plans and we will be glad to work up a free estimate! Here is what we provide: 1. A professional captain, mate and necessary crew and arrange for their transportation. 2. We will obtain all navigational charts and pilots if they are not already on board. 3. We have our own GPS’s, electronic charting systems and plotting instruments. 4. We will provision the yacht for the voyage, including food and fuel. 5. We will perform a pre-voyage inspection report of the vessel and its many systems along with digital photos of the vessel and provide a full log and accounting of all vessel expenses incurred along the voyage. 6. We will complete all relevant clearance documentations, customs and excise taxes and port fees. 7. We will provide the owner with a position report and progress report daily. Can I come along? Yes, of course! And, it is encouraged. This is the best time to learn about your vessel's capabilities and improve your own skills on the trip. Depending on the vessel and the route, we might require an additional mate or deckhand to round out the watch bill. What route will you take? This depends on the type of vessel, time of year, weather conditions and owner preference. There is usually more than one way to a destination. Our first concern is for the safety of the vessel and those aboard her. The route for a 35’ sailboat going to Saint Thomas would be different than a 100’ twin-screw motor yacht. We generally take the ICW in unpleasant weather and the ocean when conditions are favorable. We always choose routes that our experience has proven to be a safe and smooth passage. What condition does the vessel need to be in? In a word, seaworthy and well found. This means clean fuel tanks, good sails, functional well running and maintained engine, adequate engine spares (i.e. fuel filters, belts, raw water pump and impellers, etc.). Running and standing rigging in good condition, current flare kit, all PFD’s and fire extinguishers in good condition and non-expired. What needs to be onboard the vessel? All USCG required safety equipment. Charts and pilots for the area to be navigated. Cooking and eating utensils. Several spare fuel filters, motor oil, spare engine parts, tools, spare lines, fenders, 406 EPIRB for ocean voyages and a working VHF Radio. What happens if the boat is not ready for the voyage? When we come onboard, we will assess the vessel and prepare a written report of any deficiencies. You will be responsible for correcting these deficiencies before departure. How do I pay for this service? You pay a deposit and advance for all transportation, vessel expenses, supplies, fuel and provisioning. We will keep an accounting that details all expenses incurred during the voyage. We will submit a final bill upon completion of the delivery. We expect the owner or representative to meet the vessel upon arrival to pay for the delivery with cash, certified funds or wire transfer. What are your terms? 10 % Deposit to book a time slot. Transportation, vessel expenses and provisioning are to be paid prior to departure. Balance due upon arrival. Am I charged for weather delays? No.. If we feel it is not safe to continue, we will stay at anchor or dock until conditions improve. We want to be fair and don't charge you for small delays. Delays of more than a day will be charged accordingly. Am I charged for mechanical delays? Every situation is unique and will be addressed appropriately when the time comes. Generally, we don't charge for small delays but if you lose the engine or major system and can't get parts or repairs for a week we'll stay on the boat and do something constructive like varnish the bright work and detail the interior and exterior while we wait and charge you a day rate. What happens if repairs are needed along the way? We will make repairs underway within our capability. Otherwise we will get to the nearest marina and contact you immediately for your approval before any repairs are done. What happens if the vessel becomes unseaworthy or incapable of continuing safely? We will immediately get to the nearest port and contact you. How many hours are made underway each day? This depends on the vessel and the route. On an ocean route with our crews aboard, we'll sail 'round the clock'. In the ICW we generally sail at least 12 hours a day and stop for the night. Of course, if the owner is aboard and desires to do something else, we are flexible. Is a recent survey needed? This would be ideal, but if a survey was done within the past two years we would like to have a copy. How do I book a delivery?  Contact us: Peter Morse at Bluewater Yacht Sales George Swartwout at gtSwartwout.com