Transporting Referrals

Good Old Boat Magazine

December 2010 Newsletter

MAIL BUOY

LESLIE TRANSPORT AND SERVICES

With our new boat securely tucked under its winter canvas, I wanted to let you know how pleased Joyce and I were with the service we received by one of Good Old Boat’s advertisers, Leslie Transport and Services.

Having sold our Pearson 28-2 last year, we spent more than six months searching for the right replacement boat. We found our Caliber 35 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After the negotiations, the marine survey, and what seemed like reams of paperwork (a Florida boat, Canadian owners, and we’re in Ohio), it was time to move it to the Great Lakes. We solicited bids from three boat haulers. While their rates were all in the same ballpark, we discovered that their services were for hauling only. Decommissioning and commissioning, including unstepping and stepping the mast, were not included. These services could easily add $1,000 to the bill, and if we wanted to know how and what was done, another trip to Florida was required . . . another cost!

In the Good Old Boat classifieds, I came across an ad for Leslie Transport and Services. A couple of things caught my eye: “Sailors Moving Sailors,” expert rig tuning, and crane services. I spoke with Derek Leslie and described my situation. He said he would do it all! In fact, that’s the “services” part of Leslie Transport and Services. His quote was very reasonable and we signed a contract.

Being a sailor and having routinely transported his Catalina 30 from Tennessee to the Gulf of Mexico and back, Derek designed and built his transport trailer, which incorporates a crane. He coordinated with the broker and the Florida yard, arrived on time, decommissioned the boat, secured everything for transport, including shrink-wrapping the mast, and took numerous pictures to document condition and ensure proper reassembly. While on the road, he kept me apprised of his whereabouts and his anticipated ETA. On delivery day, we arrived at the marina 30 minutes ahead of schedule. He and his helper were already there and working. By lunchtime, our boat was floating at the dock.

Throughout the entire process, Derek and his helper were professional and courteous in every way. There were a lot of unknowns and potentially anxious moments, but Derek made the process go smoothly. Gregg and Joyce Nestor

Scott Hall, I was very pleased with the services you provided with the move of my Colgate.

Craig Sherman, You did a wonderful job and being able to let you do a TURN KEY project was wonderful - we did not have to do anything
but just be at the marina when you arrived. I also appreciate the little extras you provided at no extra charge (you probably dont even remember them,but I do)

David Taylor, My Hunter 310 was transported from Harbor Island to Elm Hill Marina. This function was carried out by Leslie Transport and Services. I was very pleased
by the services that Leslie Transport and Services provided! Some of their characteristics that I observed:
* Very professional in all their dealings
* The team of Derek Leslie and Ray Bullits worked in a very dedicated and efficient manner.
* Checking, rechecking,and rechecking agaiun every minute detail of the decommissioning and re-commissioning of the boat.
* They exceeded their time commitment by half of a day.
* Very pleasant and conscientious demeanors.
I would not hesitate to recommend this operation to anyone who needs their boats moved near or far.

Jim Berstorf, Thanks again for your help and professionalism.

Bob Koch, I was very happy with the move. I thought that you did the job as if you were the owner of the boat. I wish you continued success. If I need my current boat
or another boat in the future, I will give you a call.

Del Scruggs,

Derek,

Thanks for a first rate job! You have a great business as well as being a pleasure to deal with personally. Keep up the good work.

I will definitely call you first for any boat that I need moved.

Please feel free to use me as a recommendation anytime.

Thanks again.

Cheers,

Del

Dean Henderson, I am a satisfied customer and will refer any and all to you if and when they decide to move their boat. The fact that my boat had some unknown electrical issues was not your fault. I do however commend you for the extra work you did and your dedication in ensuring my boat was completely secured before considering the job done. It was, in my opinion as owner, a job well done!

If you need your sailboat moved, I heartily recommend Leslie Transport and Services. They have now hauled and transported my 30’ Islander twice and both jobs demonstrated professionalism in every aspect. In addition to prompt response and on-time arrival, they thoroughly pressure wash the hull with water brought on the truck, unstep the mast with a crane built onto the truck, and wrap the parts needing protection during the trip. The whole process is fast, painless and very reasonably priced. The integrated crane simplifies the process immensely and reduces costs. Thanks, Derek, for another job well-done.

Gary Pardun

s/v Galilean