Vessel Delivery Frequently Asked Questions

What type of boats do we deliver?

We deliver all sizes of sailing and motor vessels on the water under their own power. They can be privately owned, commercial or charter vessels and we often deliver for yacht brokers and new boat owners. A good part of our business is moving boats from the northeast states east coast, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. We deliver boats for owners who are too busy to make the trip, don’t care to make the trip alone or would like professional assistance.

What are our training and qualifications?

Each Lundy Charters delivery is led by at least one USCG licensed Captain. Often our mates also are licensed Captains and every member of our delivery team has years of seagoing experience. This allows us to adapt to the owners delivery schedule.

Will we perform the delivery ourselves?

We are not a broker and actually perform all deliveries ourselves. Our Captains and contractors have worked and sailed together for years both professionally and recreationally. Everyone that works for us is carefully screened and always performs a delivery or two with the owners of Lundy Charters to verify their ability and qualifications and to assure that they are capable mariners and of good character.

Does the boat need to be insured?

Yes. We require that the owner carry insurance on the vessel to be delivered and cannot do the delivery without insurance. Our insurance only covers liability and injury of our captains and crew. We will need a copy of the cover page of your policy showing the effective dates, boat identification and the Protection and Indemnity (P&I) section of your policy showing that all crew members are covered by the policy.

What geographical areas do we cover?

While most of voyages are along the East Coast of the United States to the Caribbean, our captains and crew are experienced in trans-oceanic passages as well.

What does a delivery cost?

Here are our rates:

Lundy Charters Delivery Rates
(Airfare, provisions, and expenses are expected upon delivery.)
POSITION	DAILY	HOURLY
CAPTAIN	$200 - $325	$25 - $75
MATE	$125 - $200	$12 - $35
STEWARD/ESS	$100- $175	$12 - $20
ENGINEER	$175 - $300	$25 - $50
DAYWORKER		$12 - $20+

Here is what we provide:

1. A professional captain, mate and necessary crew and arrange for their transportation.

2. We will obtain all navigational charts and pilots if they are not already on board.

3. We have our own GPS’s, electronic charting systems, laptops and plotting instruments.

4. We will provision the yacht for the voyage, including food and fuel.

5. We will perform a pre-voyage inspection report of the vessel and its systems. This will take place on a "Sea Trials" day. If the vessel is deemed to be seaworthy by our Captain and Crew, you will not be charged for this day. We will provide a receipt of all vessel expenses incurred along the voyage.

6. We will complete all relevant clearance documentations, customs and excise taxes and port fees.

7. We will maintain an online blog of your delivery that will allow the owner to track the delivery. We will post location updates, photos, and videos of the delivery.

As the owner, can I come along on the delivery?

We always welcome owners to come aboard and make the delivery with our team. The owner may choose to take an "Captain Assisted" (active) or "Owner Aboard" (passive) role during the delivery. We encourage all owners to become active members of the delivery team during the voyage and to take advantage of the numerous learning opportunities on the voyage. Our team is comprised of many experienced outdoor educators with backgrounds in sailing and vessel handling instruction. Drawing from these experiences allows us to seamlessly integrate training for the owner with the operations of a vessel delivery. We will crew the vessel to meet the schedule and needs of the owner.

How do we determine the route for your boat's delivery?

This depends on the type of vessel, time of year, weather conditions and owner preference. There is usually more than one way to a destination. Our first concern is for the safety of the vessel and those aboard her. We will work with the owner to determine the safest and most efficient route for the vessel.

What condition does the boat need to be in when we arrive?

Your vessel should be seaworthy and well-found. This means clean fuel tanks, good sails, functional, well running and maintained engine, adequate engine spares (i.e. fuel filters, belts, raw water pump and impellers, etc.). Running and standing rigging in good condition, current flare kit, all PFD’s and fire extinguishers in good condition and non-expired.

What needs to be onboard for a delivery?

All USCG required safety equipment. Charts and pilots for the area to be navigated. Cooking and eating utensils. Several spare fuel filters, spare engine parts, tools, spare lines, fenders, 406 EPIRB for ocean voyages and a working VHF Radio.

Do we require a SeaTow or BoatUS membership to deliver the boat?

We require that the owner of the boat either have a current membership to BoatUS or SeaTow, or pay a fee to use our Lundy Charters membership.

What do we do if your boat is not ready for the delivery when we arrive?

When we come onboard, we will assess the vessel and prepare a written report of any deficiencies. You will be responsible for correcting these deficiencies before departure.

How do I pay for the delivery?

You pay a deposit and advance for all transportation, vessel expenses, supplies, fuel and provisioning. We will keep an accounting that details all expenses incurred during the voyage. We will submit a final bill upon completion of the delivery. We expect the owner or representative to meet the vessel upon arrival to pay for the delivery with cash, certified funds, check, or any major credit card.

How do we structure our payments?

50 % Captain and Crew fees paid to book a delivery date.
50% Transportation, vessel expenses, and provisioning paid before departure day.
Balance due upon arrival.

What happens in the event of a weather delay?

If we feel it is not safe to continue do to inclement weather, we will stay at anchor or dock until conditions improve. We want to be fair and charge a modified rate for weather delays. You will not be charged for small delays of less than a day.

What happens in the event of mechanical delay?

Every situation is unique and will be addressed appropriately when the time comes. Generally we don't charge for small delays but if you lose the engine or major system and we cannot get parts or repairs for a week, we'll stay on the boat and do something constructive like varnish the bright work and detail the interior and exterior while we wait, and charge you a modified daily rate for the captain and crew.

What happens if repairs are required during the delivery?

We will make repairs underway within our capability. Otherwise we will get to the nearest marina and contact you immediately for your approval before any repairs are done.

What do we do if your vessel becomes unseaworthy or unable to continue the delivery

We will immediately put into the nearest port and contact you.

How many hours a day will we be underway during a delivery?

This depends on the vessel and the route. On an ocean route with our crew aboard, we'll sail around the clock. In the ICW we generally sail at least 12 hours a day and stop for the night. Of course, if the owner is aboard or desires to do something else, we are flexible.We will crew the vessel to meet any delivery schedule.

How can I book my delivery?

Contact us using our interactive form on the website or call us in our office at 919-827-1953. We will gather some basic information about your vessel and route and will prepare an estimate for you.