I want to ship my boat (Hunter 29.5, 8900 lbs) via truck from Milford, CT to Green Cove Springs, FL, considered the ICW, but there's too much going on in a short time frame. (emptying a house & condo, picking what goes and stays, getting rid of or moving that stuff into a new house in FL). That said this will be the first time I've had a boat shipped by a boat mover. I've already registered the boat and dinghy in FL.

Do you have any recommendations for a boat mover? What are typical costs for preparing the boat for the move and moving it. I've already paid Green Cove Springs marina for getting it off the boat trailer, moving & blocking it and 3 months storage.

Is there a possibility of a bit cheaper rate if I could catch a mover on a return trip so he/she doesn't return empty? How is insurance for the move typically handled.

What are the pitfalls a newby wouldn't think of?

Any advice would be appreciated.