What Goes Into Our Sailboat Delivery Estimates?

The cost to perform a yacht delivery depends on many factors- no two deliveries are identical.  Some of the factors that contribute to the final cost of a delivery are, anticipate speed of the vessel,  condition of the vessel, condition of her systems, staffing needed, route and time of year. 

We understand that delivery captain rates vary.  My daily rate varies based on duration of engagement and complexity.  I do not wish to be the least or most expensive alternative- I strive the be the best.

What sets my service apart?  I am one of the few delivery captains that downloads weather twice a day using an Iridium GO.  I have a skillset few other captains have. My experience delivering  vessels up and down east and west coasts of the United States, throughout the Bahamas, Panama, and the Caribbean as well as having done 2 transatlantic crossings, well equips me to be the master on your delivery.  

My articles regarding weather downloads, using Predict Wind PRO and Luck Grib have appeared Practical Sailor Magazine. On a recent transatlantic delivery of a brand new vessel we began having mechanical issues.  Because I carry an Iridium GO the owner, the factory representative and I were able to e-mail and diagnose the problem.  

Every delivery includes a vessel report.  When you purchase a vessel, you obtain a survey and sea trial report.  But the delivery is the true sea trial of a boat.  At the end of all my deliveries I provide a full report on the vessel.  After delivering a brand new catamaran- I provided the owner with an 8-page report.

The largest variable in calculating the estimate  is  vessel speed.  Many captains bid assuming that a vessel will be moving at her hull speed.  This provides an unrealistic estimate.  A 40’ vessel may have a theoretical hull speed of 8 knots. But should she pushed that hard for a 2 week delivery?  

So how do I estimate a delivery?

1. I estimate the speed the boat should carry during all weather.  Usually it is 5.5kts for vessels under 50 and 6 for vessels over.  Can we make better time?  Probably, but this conservative number increases the odds your actual cost is less than the estimate.
2. The distance needed to complete the passage is divided by the assumed speed. This is used to calculate  the number of days on passage.
3. Add time for travel, provisioning and any needed port clearance.  
4. Multiply number of days by cost of labor.
5. Add allowance for provisioning (see below)
6. Add boat expenses (see below)
7. Add cost for transportation to/from the vessel (see below).

Customers can provide crew. However, owner-provided crew is expected to have a level of experience. Should you wish to have less experienced crew, we can discuss that. 

Because of relationships I have with sailing schools, sometimes individuals who have earned an ASA ratings will seek blue water deck time. If that opportunity exists, you will not be billed for volunteer crew.

Our transportation costs are a direct pass-through.  This includes airfare for the captain and crew to/from the vessel, or, if it is more cost efficient, one-way vehicle rental.  Travel time is billed at the daily rate.

The cost for items such as customs fees, fuel and dockage (if needed) are direct pass-through items.

If not on-board, we will provide an EPIRB for the captain's and crew's safety during the passage.  All our deliveries include free access to our Garmin inReach tracker/communicator.  During the delivery you can always track , or contact us through https://share.garmin.com/williamherrmann

Provisioning: the cost of provision is also a pass-through.   At sea the normal calorie requirement for the captain and crew is well over 2,500 sometimes 3,000 calories per day. 

Owners who are vegetarian or vegan are advised the captain and crew will require a more expansive diet.  

The good news, is that if you have the fix’ns on board, and the seas are cooperative, I make a great red pasta sauce-- and an incredible carbonara!