Frequently Asked Questions

James Lowe's Captain Services base of operations is Central Florida.
Near Orlando was chosen for its central location as well as the availability of airports, car rentals and train stations.

1a.How do I book a delivery?
To schedule a delivery please first use our Contact Form.
(Contact infomation is required for charting distances, stops, calculating transit times)
Then Call (727) 236-1385

1b. What happens to information submitted to contact form?
Your information is needed in order to provide you with an accurate estimate, it is kept private and only used to provide you with an estimate. Your Information is not sold or shared!

A deposit will be required to get on the schedule. If you did not pay a deposit, You are not yet on the schedule.

2.What is the difference between a quotation and an estimate?
While we can QUOTE you a daily rate for crew. We can only ESTIMATE the total number of days to complete a voyage from to the (boat speed) infomation given to us by you.

3.Where will you deliver?
I will deliver your boat to marinas and private docks along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, Inland Rivers, Intracoastal Waterways, Great Lakes, Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and other ports.

4. Does the vessel need to have insurance?
Yes. Existing insurance usually covers a licensed Master Captain. Be sure to check with your agent.

5. Does the vessel need Documentation?
Yes, Documentation and/or state registration should be aboard with a letter appointing Captain James Lowe as the owner's agent.

6. Does the vessel need covered by a towing policy?
Yes, Its a good idea to have an existing Sea Tow or BoatU.S. membership considering the long trip we are talking about.

7. What type of boats do you deliver?
For long distances only sailboats over 27 feet, power boats over 30 feet and any larger type and size of powerboat or sailboat. Private and commercial up to 200 gross tons.

*NOTE: Vessels smaller than the minimum stated can be moved locally. Lessons are also given on smaller vessels. If you need to move a vessel long distance and its smaller than 30 feet, you should consider trucking it. I may make some exceptions for smaller vessels in excellent condition crossing between Florida and the Bahamas where trucking isn't an option.

Passengers

8. Can the owner come with us?
Yes, If the owner wants to come with along with family and friends, they are more than welcome. However, unless your boat is a coast guard "Inspected Vessel", passengers will be limited to less than six and vessel size may also add passenger limitations.
NOTE: Inspected vessels are not the same as Documented vessels.

Crew Verses Passengers

9. How many crew for a delivery?
A minimum of 2 crew including captain and 1 deck hand depending on size of the vessel.
If the owner wants to participate as crew that's fine, but they will be expected to do their share. If the owner prefers to just be a passenger, then an affordable but qualified deck hand will be provided at the owners expense.

Can the Owner provide thier own deckhand? Simple Answer NO! The deckhands are employees of Captain James Lowe and are trained professionals. Frankly we have tried in the past using friends brothers and employees of the vessel owner and everytime has turned out to be a babysitting adventure with grossly under trained personel. you may send someone along as passenger but the crew is soley hired by the captain NO EXCEPTIONS

10. What condition should the vessel be in?
As well maintained as possible. The engines needs to be in good running order and recently serviced with a few spare parts. Fuel filters, hoses clamps and some basic tools etc.

11. Electronics
The Vessel should be equipped with a working GPS/ Chartplotter and a working VHF Radio. All the navigation equipment, lights and radios should be in good repair.

*NOTE: I carry a back up GPS / Chartplotter and Handheld VHF Radio.

12. What do you need on board?
All USCG required safety equipment. 2010 REQUIREMENT CHART
Vessel must have all required safety gear, fire extinguishers and life rafts. Any safety gear that has an expiration date should be checked to ensure they are still valid. All must be in good condition. Paper and or electronic charts for the areas to be sailed should also be available.

13. How do i know how much fuel I need?
Owners should do a fuel consumption burn prior to any boat relocations. Its simple enough to do.
Go to a marina, fill the vessel to capacity, chart a course at least 15 nautical miles or more one way, pay attention to the time of day prior to getting underway and set the boat at your desired cruising speed. Go to destination, turn around and take note of time.
NOTE: We are looking for gallons per hour (GPH) NOT miles per gallon (MPG). Measure the actual distance of you voyage on GPS too. Return to Marina and check time of day again
Fill boat to capacity again. Winds and currents will vary speeds and distances per hour but the engine burn rate should be fairly consistent. You should have a fair assumption how much fuel your vessel will burn per hour in similar circumstances.

Owners of powerboats should be aware and have realistic expectations of fuel cost during a relocation. Even at a slow speeds, you will likely spend more on fuel for the boat than you spend paying the crew delivering the vessel. Be aware that running your boat at a higher RPM will use more fuel, while a slower RPM will require the crew to be on the yacht longer.

14. How many hours a day do you sail?
We start at the crack of dawn and try to get at least 10- 12 hours of travel each day utilizing mostly daylight hours when possible. We are not limited to daylight hours but for safety reasons it is preferred.

15. What route will you use?
The Captain reserves the right to alter course and route at any time for the purpose of safety based on weather, vessel congestion, tides currents or any other concerns. We endeavor to make the shortest and quickest passages possible.

Video Unreliable Wind

16. Weather delays?
Should we encounter severe weather, in SOME cases an alternate route is available. In some crossing situations it may be necessary to hold up in a port of refuge. In the event that may occur, we charge a discounted daily rate.

17. Mechanical Delays?
Mechanical concerns are treated on a case by case basis. We will attempt to fix on the spot if possible.

18. Sail or motor? (Sailboats only)

We will always sail where possible. However, we are not sailing purest, so you can be sure we are also running the engine to get the necessary speed on the course we desire.

19. Extra Cost?
All expenses above the crew daily rate incurred by the boat such as fuel, marina fees, repairs, crew travel, tips for marina dockhands and onboard provisions etc... will be charged to the vessel owner.

20. U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP)
Do private yachts have to go through U.S. Customs returning to our shores? Simple answer is YES!, I am familiar with the procedure. You will Need a DTOPS

DTOPS, the Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System'

For more information please see my Rates/Fees