Trailer to HI and back

[r.finn]

I enjoyed following the race this year. I'm looking at doing the race in 2007 on a trailerable boat. Has anyone looked into the cost of shipping an empty trailer to HI and shipping the loaded boat back? I did the race in 2004, but obviously prices have changed since then, and I'm putting my budget together now. Thanks.

-Ryan

 

[DaveH]

Hey Ryan -
I assume you mean 2027, not 2007.
Aside from that, yes, things have changed A LOT with shipping the smaller boats home.
Some of it has to do with the pandemic hangover; some has to do with local inter-island developments; and some has to do with the newly dynamic macro economics of ocean freight shipping.

here is where things sit as of this year;
First, neither Pasha nor Matson are currently offering ro-ro servive to Nawiliwili. Because of this, the cost & logistics of re-consigning with Young Bros, who's barge service is really the only inter-island option now, effectively means sailing back to Oahu and loading the boat there. This has been the case since 2023, and is unlikely to change (IMO). When last checked the costs of getting trailers and boats to/from Kauai was at least another 5K for a 30' boat with keel. Assuming you could figure out how to pull off the transfer in Ohahu while at sea.
Second, at least this year, neither Pasha nor Matson offered the previous "westbound empty trailer free" discount/sponsorship - that's not just for us - its across the board, including that other transpac. This MAY revert back, but for now plan on paying for the empty trailer to Oahu.

Loren Brindze will have the most current data - he is arriving today in Oahu, intends to haul his Hobie 33 (fixed keel) and pack at kehei, then consign with (I think) Matson to Long Beach.
I do know that GWENDOLYN, and Olson 29 did this in 2023 to OAK. In very round numbers, the total was 10K, including yard fees, someone to deal with the trailer in Oahu, etc. and that was when we were still sending trailers West for free. PORK CHOP EXPRESS did the same drill in 2023, but I dont know the totals.

Certailnly not wanting to discourage you, but that's the state of things right now.

DH

 

[todd22123]

Hello

For GWENDOLYN in 2023, the Matson bill was $8334.
Additional charges for the Keehi Marine Center to put the boat on the trailer and take the mast down, $1k round number.
Also, depending on timing, you may need someone to pick up the trailer from Matson, store it for a week or two, deliver it to Keehi Marine Center, pick up boat/trailer at Keehi, and deliver to Matson. The boat yard charges a lot to keep empty trailer and/or store boat beyond the actual day they are working.
Summary available written for Pacific Cup boats: https://pacificcup.org/kb/shipping-home

Kauai to Honolulu was a nice adventure, and I am glad I did it, however... At the party, one of the members of the Nawiliwili Yacht Club spoke with me. He was interested in buying our boat. I was already down the path with the empty trailer in Honolulu, but this would be a good option. I am pretty sure several boats have been sold in Kauai, including an Olson 30 in 2018 (or around that time).

Todd

 

[r.finn]

Thanks for the inputs. Yes, I don't mind sailing the boat back to Oahu. It's a lifting keel and can be hauled out and un-stepped at any boat launch, so big yard costs and transport to Oahu can be removed.
Thanks again.

-Ryan

 

[DaveH]

At the party, one of the members of the Nawiliwili Yacht Club spoke with me. He was interested in buying our boat. I was already down the path with the empty trailer in Honolulu, but this would be a good option. I am pretty sure several boats have been sold in Kauai, including an Olson 30 in 2018 (or around that time).

Todd

This is relevant for Olson 30/29's primarily - the NWYC has an active fleet of 5 or so, the majority of which are former SHTP rides (3 that I know of).
With that said, Brendan Huffman sailed his Santa Cruz 33 SIREN to Kauai and donated it to the Kauai Sailing Association; it's sailed every week by the older kids.