The Great Migration of Boaters Heading South for Winter

With the seasons changing and temperatures dropping in the Northeast, it comes time for boaters to begin the migration south to warmer climates where boating can continue year-around. We see several Sandy Hook Yachts clients depart the Northeast for various destinations in Florida and beyond for the winter months.

If the schedule and costs allow, bringing your boat to warmer climates in the winter as an alternative to winterizing can have many advantages. Being as Florida is the boating capital of the United States, boaters have access to a wider variety of shipyards and contractors to work on your vessel for planned maintenance or an emergency. With more places to have the work done, the rates can be slightly more competitive with more options available to you. Once the boat is in tip-top shape, boaters can take advantage of a different part of the country and voyage internationally to destinations such as Bimini Fish & Game Club, Spanish Wells, Chub Cay, and the Exumas to name a few. 

When determining bringing your boat South for the winter,  you can haul it by truck or run the boat down by water, commonly referred to as “On Its Own Bottom”. If the boat is under forty feet with gas power, the conversation will typically lean towards hauling by truck but there are always options to weigh:

• Size and weight of the vessel
• Gas or diesel power
• Cost of transport by hauler including load onto the trailer and offload on arrival
• Labor costs of preparing the boat for transport (flybridge, mast, drives/props, shrink wrap, etc.) 
• License and insurance of transporter

As the client whose boat is being transported, what you are considering is the cost of transport by land versus the fuel, dockage, crew fee, hours on motors and depreciation of the boat to go by water. The added experience of running a boat on a long trip can be the decision maker for some clients; they would like to experience the seas and use it as a way to visit different cities on the East Coast. When running a boat on its own bottom for an extended trip for the first time, always bring an experienced captain to train you and help you make your way.

Things to consider when migrating a boat “On its Own Bottom”
Plan ahead but be flexible:
Plan your fuel stops and route ahead of time. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and potential boat issues to arise.
Book your docks the morning before
Dockwa is an amazing resource to find and book slips and marinas along your route. They will indicate if they have fuel, amenities and what the pricing may be.
Leave early everyday
The earlier, the better to leave in order to always have daylight. Leaving the dock at sunrise will assure you have an amazing view and sea conditions tend to be the flattest. You want to be at your destination for the evening with plenty of daylight, preferably around four o’clock. The key is to avoid looking for a slip at the last minute after sunset. 

Plan your fuel stops and manage your consumption
Be mindful of your fuel burn/capacity and ensure you plan out where to fuel up. If you are migrating a bigger boat, a large portion of the migration cost will be fuel. It is important to take advantage of high flow fuel hoses as well as cheaper fuel costs. CoinJock NC Is a famous fuel dock along the ICW in North Carolina that boasts the cheapest diesel on the East Coast and a delicious prime rib dinner! 

Some popular destinations to visit on your migration:

Cape May
South Jersey Marina
South Jersey Marina
“South Jersey Marina has been providing first-class accommodations and services for more than 20 years. Slip holders and transients find everything they need to make their boating experience productive and pleasurable. The marina’s 75 slips all feature high-profile, state-of-the-art floating piers.”-South Jersey Marina

Norfolk
Waterside Marina
Waterside Marina
“Waterside Marina is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk, on the Elizabeth River – Mile Marker “0” on the ICW. Guests will enjoy many conveniences and amenities such as free grocery shuttle service, showers, ice and free Wi-Fi. In spring of 2020 we will have brand new floating docks and power. Mega-Yachts up to 300 Feet can be accommodated. And last but not least, we are located next to the Waterside District featuring dining and entertainment!”-Waterside Marina

Southport NC/ Coinjock NC
Safe Harbor: South Harbor Village
Safe Harbor South Harbour Village
“Whether you’re running the ICW or in search of home port, Safe Harbor South Harbour Village combines a wealth of dedicated services and amenities with the charm of southern hospitality. Take to the water and explore the many nearby untouched acres of beach, marsh and maritime forest preserves or enjoy boutique shopping along Southport’s charming tree-lined streets. As the sun sets, return home and dine with boating neighbors at one of our two waterfront restaurants”- SH Marinas: South Harbor Village

Coin Jock Marina

Coinjock Marina

Cheapest Fuel on the East Coast & an amazing prime rib dinner. Real Boaters will be fascinated by this place!

Hilton Head Island SC
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
“Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina is situated in the middle of Hilton Head Island across from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, just off the Intracoastal Waterway. Shelter Cove Harbour offers year round waterfront dining, shopping and entertainment, and water sports, activities and tours.”- Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina

St Augustine
Municipal Marina | St. Augustine, FL
“St. Augustine Municipal Marina provides all the amenities necessary for an enjoyable stay, plus the added benefit of being located in the center of “The Nation’s Oldest City.” All within a short walk from the safe, casual environment of the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, you can enjoy:Dockage up to 200ft, Mooring balls for vessels up to 120ft, Deep water Fuel Dock, Laundry Room, Boaters Lounge, Boaters Shower facilities, Free Wi-Fi, Pumpout boat, Mooring Field Launch Service , Oil Disposal, Outdoor Event Venue rental, Galimore Community Pool and After hours Security”- St. Augustine Municipal Marina

Palm Beach

Palm Harbor Marina
Designed and programmed to delight Owners, Captains and Crew alike, this world-class South Florida marina welcomes the International yachting community with superior facilities, exceptional hospitality and available slips up to 300 feet.

Ideally located in the heart of the Palm Beaches, you’re just steps from everything this premiere South Florida destination has to offer, including: eclectic dining, beaches, golf, shopping, entertainment and museums. Palm Beach International Airport and private aviation facilities are just 15 minutes away from the marina.- Palm Harbor Marina

Ft Lauderdale
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
“The Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center is the ultimate Hotel and Marina destination in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Experience a spectacular waterfront destination featuring a Double Tree by Hilton Hotel. Relax during your stay with our array of amenities.
Enjoy fun-filled activities for the family, or simply lounge by the pool with refreshments or enjoy live music on the patio. We are just a few steps from the beach and in walking distance to Fort Lauderdale’s well-known attractions”- Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center

Naples FL
Naples Bay Resort
Slip into paradise at Naples Bay Resort, Southwest Florida’s only luxury waterfront resort with a fully operational marina, featuring direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. With on-site boat rentals, overnight slip rentals and annual marina slip leases, Naples Bay Resort & Marina offers boaters a truly special waterfront experience. It is home to Sandy Hook Yachts main Naples location where you can find our expert broker, Dennis Mercer, and Florida Manager, Nick Forte to help with any of your concerns. 

No matter which way it is achieved, by land or by water, boaters should consider transporting their boat south for the winter to expand their travels and maximize the use of their investment.

However, make sure to plan accordingly if you are going to make the trip memorable and fun. A very important last thing to consider is timing. Insurance plays a huge role in arriving south at the right time, so check with your insurance provider and ask them for advice on the best times to make the trip. Usually arriving any time before November 1st can cause issues with your provider. 

Join us for our next blog in December where we will be discussing Marex the Norwegian Boat Builder in detail and the upcoming boats that will be arriving in the United States.