Response: Yes, please go ahead and make a formal bid. I would like to give you the business if at all possible since you live so close to the boat but I've received other very competitive bids so could you do it $750? Also, how were you planning on delivering it? If everything is in agreement I will accept your bid today. Let me know, thanks... Neil (11/29/2007)

Response: First, with the costs of fuel, maintenance and other associated costs, I am reluctant to go any less. However, your current active bid is 850, and I will do a little better and bid 800. I do have a 1 7/8" ball so I would be towing your unit behind my truck. I will place the formal bid at this time. Thanks Backhauler (11/29/2007)

Response: O.K., I guess the only question is whether the boat can be transported with a cover on it. Right now it has a boat cover as you can see in the picture but I do not know whether that will just blow off or if it is even worth using at all. Have you transported boats before and if so what would you suggest? Thanks... Neil (11/29/2007)

Response: Yes, I have transported boats before. Thus far, it has been my experience that the covers can blow off if not on there tightly. Also, they generally have slack in them and the wind will cause it to buffet against any contact areas and literally wear a hole at those points. I do have straps and I can use them to try and eliminate any slack but I truly believe it would be best to simply stowe it. (11/29/2007)

Response: O.K., sounds like the boat cover should be stowed. Also, the boat is a 1957 classic with an original wooden mahogany hull and plexiglass windshield so an important issue in transporting it is to protect the front boat hull and windshield from getting messed up by road gravel or stones thrown up by the truck. My friend can cover the windshield in something that will make it through trip but does the truck have mud flaps? Also, I would prefer to minimize the time the boat is not in a stored, covered environment so would it be possible to pick it up the same day you would drive up here? (11/29/2007)

Response: Hi, I must operate within DOT regulations. The trip is 859 miles. The maximum I am allowed to log is 11 hours of driving time per day. I do not drive at high speeds. I would likely run between 500 and 600 on the first day, and complete the run (make delivery) the next. Realistically, I can make delivery sometime this Saturday. Also, I will be with the boat the entire time. My truck is set up where I can sleep in it on the road. If you prefer, following your bid acceptance, I will come to Shelbyville tonight and simply lay over there leaving early in the morning. Thus less open time. Backhauler (11/29/2007)

Response: O.K., I understand and will accept the bid once I leave this screen. I already tried reaching the contact person in Shelbyville and left him a messages so I hope to hear back shortly. He is always aroung so he must be eating dinner or something. In any case here is his address and phone numbers: Contact persons: Jim & Pam Bratcher 231 woodland drive, shelbyville TN 37160 (30 miles south of Murfreesboro) 1 7/8" tow ball... My Information: Neil Campbell 32 Matheson Road Oldwick, NJ 08858 (Just North Of Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889) (Exit 24 off of Rte 78 - Rte. 523 North, 1st Right onto Felmley Road, Next Right onto Matheson Road to end approx. 1 mile) (11/29/2007)