Question: Hi, I may able to help you out here. First of all I specialize in boats, I know them in and out when it comes to transporting. I have 30 years experience transporting boats so I am offering highly experienced professional service. We are pros and we care. I also travel equipped to perform trailer repairs if necessary, so you don’t have to worry about your boat getting stranded. There are sometimes unforeseen items that need attention on that only a professional would see, I am that professional. Give it some thought and let me know what you decide. Thanks Quality Transport. (8/13/2007)
Response: Thanks for your bid. It's a little more than I had in mind and I have lower cost options including towing it myself but the round trip would take longer than I want to be away from work.
I am flexible enough on transport dates and routes that you should be able to do a back haul and/or pick up another shipment in your truck as you come this way. The boat won't be ready for transport until August 30th but I can give the transporter a 30 day window on pickup and delivery dates.
If you noticed, this is a very light and narrow boat for a 30 footer and should be no more difficult than towing a 30 foot travel trailer or 5th wheel trailer. The boat weighs 4500 lbs. and my guess is that the trailer itself is not more than 1,000 to 1,500 lbs.
Knowing this information, you may be able to lower yout bid a little? My maximum budget for this is $1,800. Any thing above that and I will haul it myself.
-Dusty (8/13/2007)
Question: Dusty We could do this for you after August 30th and for $1860.00, the uship fees keep me from going any lower. My price includes everything including insurance and fees. Let me know if this will work for you and I will place a bid. Mercercer Enterprises (8/14/2007)
Response: Sounds like what I'm looking for... happy to have you bid. Thanks. (8/14/2007)
Response: I would plan to pick up August 31st along with other freight, then move the boat to my site in VA, make preperations to move your boat to TX by or before September 23rd. Would this be agreeable? If this sounds like it will work, I will put in a bid, with this time frame and movement plan included. Thanks Rick for Mercer Enterprises (8/15/2007)
Response: yes. i'm flexible on the dates and the route. i trust you are willing and able to take on full liability for security of the property while in your possession? perhaps you could cover it with a tarp while in storage in VA to protect it from sun and rain?
still happy to see you bid. it may be a week or so before i accept a bid, in order to get a good selection of service providers, prices and options. your price, history, feedback, integrity and capabilities put you at the top of the list at this point.
and yes, i know you mean NM rather than TX. (8/15/2007)
Response: Dusty
Things have changed slightly. I will now be able to pick your boat up and move it directly to NM, instead of taking it to VA. The time for pickup is after Memorial day weekend, probably on Tuesday or any day that week that would suit you if you accept my bid. I will have to resubmit my bid, due to the change in the way it will be delivered, but the price is the same $860.00. Mercer Enterprises. (8/16/2007)
Response: snotta problem. and yes, i know you mean labor day and $1860.
Here are questions I asked of the former owner, followed by his answers:
Q. What size ball is needed for the hitch on the trailer?
A. It is a 2" ball.
Q. Is there a spare tire and wheel for the trailer?
A. There is a brand new spare tire that we bought to transport the boat and was never used.
Q. Does the trailer have brakes? If so, are they surge brakes or electric brakes?
A. It has surger brake but are unoperaional. Didn't feel it necessary to fix them. It was no problem to trailer from Michigan.
Q. What type of electrical connector does the trailer have for the lights? and do all the lights work?
A. It has three prongs but I have a connector into four pins. Yes the lights work fine.
Q. Are the tires and wheel bearings in good enough condition to make a 2,000 mile trip "as is"?
A.The bearings were repaced 2 years ago and have only been in the water 3 times. All tires are in good condition. (8/16/2007)
Response: Thanks! That was a very through question and answer session. I would like to do the job for you, and I am able to overcome any obstacles that I may encounter. We carry an assortment of tools, jacks, straps and spare tires on our trucks. We have moved many boats for local dealers. Thanks for the opportunity to bid. Hope to be able to do business with you. Mercer Enterprises (8/16/2007)