Sounds like Steve's and my experiences were pretty similar. The shrink wrap
I've seen used was very heavy duty white material, and I've seen it used on
new boats pretty frequently. It was not available when I shipped my boat,
but if it was I would have given it a try. If your truck driver is against
it, I wouldn't argue. He's the one that is ultimately responsible for
delivering your boat safely. If you can't trust his judgement, find someone
else.

Incidently, the last time I had a boat shipped, I didn't pay anything until
delivery of the boat. When the boat arrived (a day early in fact), I
thoroughly inspected the boat before handing over the cashier's check. If
you are not able to be there to meet the boat, I would advise finding a
knowledgeable / responsible person to do this on your behalf. As I mention
later in this reply, a yacht surveyor may be someone to contract for this
purpose.

( For Paul, Which boat yard did you use in SD?? My friends had a bad
experience with South Bay Boat Yard (damaged the paint on the mast).

I can't say that -I- had a bad experience (yes, the same yard as your
friends), but I watched their crew prep a boat for shipment. Pretty lame
job: left the canvas dodger on, but unbolted the bowspirit and bow pulpit
(which they duct taped to a lifeline). If it were my boat, I would have
been pretty upset.

Working with boat yards takes a bit of know-how. I conduct the entire
process in as professional a manner as I can. After nearly 30 years on the
water front, I've taken everything from 20' sailboats to 900' ships into the
yard. After a while, you learn how they work and are able to get things
pretty much the way you want them. I usually prepare a written schedule of
work I want done, and get them to commit to completion times and costs.
While the work is being completed, I'm in the yard frequently and monitor
their work very closely. A positive / friendly attitude, but sharp eye for
details is pretty much the main rule. Boat yards vary alot, and even in San
Diego where the yards have a reputation for being expensive and hard to work
with, I've had good experiences over all, even at South Bay.

I guess one more bit of advice would be, if you are not 100% comfortable
with the yard that is doing the work and cannot be there to monitor their
work, you might want to find someone to monitor the job for you. A
reputable yacht surveyor may be a good candidate for this task. It's been
money well spent in the past for me.

All the best,

--
Paul

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