Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
Photo by Erling Foshaugen, Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Erling Foshaugen,
Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia



Hill Shipping - Motorcycle and car Shipping Experts!

Like Tree16Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Jun 2023
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,314
Exclamation Stahlratte REPLACEMENT in progress for September - with luck

I've received an update from Captain Ludwig Hoffmann, formerly of the Stahlratte: (very slightly edited)
"good day Grant!

After a long time searching finally i found a good ship same size like Stahlratte our old schooner was. it is a much more modern ship and the owner will now do a refit in a shipyard in Cartagena/Colombia and prepare special rack construction to carry motorcycles between Panama and Colombia exactly the same route we did with Stahlratte. The ship will be able to carry up to 15 motorcycles at the time and more passengers and if all goes well upgrade for up to 20 motorcycles by next year.

The ship is in excellent conditions as it did luxury charters before but now can't survive as they do not find enough clients for these luxury tours. So Hank the owner told me he would like to start a serious business with carrying bikers between Panama and Colombia and also between Mexico and Cuba every year...as we did with Stahlratte.

I am now doing my best to organize what ever i can to make this happen and bikers community on the road on the Panamerican highway can have a similar experience and a highlight of their tour doing the Darien gap on a sailing ship big enough and safe to get to South America and vice-versa. I will attach some pictures of the ship so you can see whats this about.

We will start our first tour by beginning of September this year if all goes well. We are now talking to authorities and agents to get all the permits so all will hopefully run smoothly and legal."



NOTE WELL - this is all IN PROGRESS, and NOTHING is locked in yet with the authorities. Ludwig is well known in the area, has done it all before, so it may go smoothly - or it may not.

But we are hopeful! Stay tuned and subscribe to this thread to keep informed.

__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 Jun 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 276
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant Johnson View Post
.

The ship is in excellent conditions as it did luxury charters before but now can't survive as they do not find enough clients for these luxury tours. So Hank the owner told me he would like to start a serious business with carrying bikers between Panama and Colombia and also between Mexico and Cuba every year...as we did with Stahlratte.


Something tells me that the prices are going up. Maybe it is the words "luxury charters"? Hmm..
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Jun 2023
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,972
The photos do look just a hair more luxurious than the Stahlratte, don't they? I was most struck by the VERY attractive table setting, but I have to wonder: is this dinner, or perhaps lunch? Or (heaven forbid) breakfast?

I have a lot of respect for Ludwig's abilities when it comes to making the impossible happen. I hope he's also feeling somewhat chastened by the last attempt at Stahlratte II.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Jun 2023
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,521
Great news! Keep our fingers crossed this will work out a good way….
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Jun 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2023
Posts: 1
Like to be one of your first guests

Hi. I´ll have to cross the Darian gap around mid of October. If you're gonna make it until then, please contact me- I would love to be one of your first guests!
regards from Bavaria, Jörg
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Jun 2023
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: India/UK
Posts: 22
Booking

Please let me know the first sailing date (South in September) as I'd like to book a spot.
Many thanks,
Simon
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Jun 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 8
This is great news! The return of the detour to Cuba would be an amazing opportunity!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Jun 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 834
Great news! The last bike crossing mentioned at HUBB by smaller Boats did read more like a nightmare than an relaxed trip!

Thanks for keeping us updatet!

Surfy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Jun 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1
Great News!

Hopefully all will go as planned. great news!
__________________
Adventure Rider Radio - Motorcycle Podcast
Seasoned moto-travelers, industry pros talk Adventure Motorcycle Travel.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Jun 2023
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,314
Subscribe!

Everyone, be sure to subscribe to this thread to keep updated!


"Thread Tools" at the top of the first post, and "subscribe." Then there are several options for how often you want updates.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Jul 2023
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,314
Just in, and as has been the path of many such ideas...
good day Grant!

i just received the following message from hank who was the one wanting to start the motorcycle transports between Panama and Colombia. now it comes out, that he is not the owner and as you can read in his message: all is cancelled by now!!!

i was too fast in asking to spread the word as i was so sure that this will be going well and i have moved the hell in the last weeks and woke up all my old contacts in customs, imigratin offices, agents in panama and Colombia and insurance company to get motorcycle insurances for our guests etc.....and now this

to be honest i am a bit destroyed now after all this work.....hope i can manage to find another reliable ship with an owner who is able to make reliable decisions.

i do apologize very much that you have also put this in your blogs to anounce that there will be a new reliable transport very soon and you have surely trusted in my word that this would be happening as i told you before. so now i hope your reputation will not suffer at all because of this!

sorry and thank you for your time!
ludwig hoffmann

here the post sended from hank to me today:

Hello Ludwig,

Unfortunately I have some disappointing news. I’ve broken my lease with the owner of this schooner and have decided to move on. Frustrating after all the efforts and monies but there are issues that needed addressed.

I had a refit program lined up here to deal getting this vessel operational for offshore passages reliably. First, it needed to be hauled after 5+ years and an inherent problem with bad propeller vibration fixed. Also, it needed lots of new running rigging and deck hardware. Much of which was pilfered. At best the boat is only coastal now but with the $75-100 thousand projected budget it could have been completed. Sadly the owner that said he had it was moving to slow to for my style.

Like you, I’m heading for terra firma in the cool Andes for a while to recuperate from this last 9 month non stop schooner program. Perhaps something will change now that I’m leaving but I doubt it. This boat has a checked past and an uninvolved owner that doesn’t understand much.

I still like the charter program idea. Let’s look for another yacht that’s ready. Hope we stay in touch.

Cheers, Hank
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 Jul 2023
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: India/UK
Posts: 22
Options?

Such a shame to read the latest update as I was rather looking forward to being onboard in September.
Does anyone however have any other knowledge or recent connections that might offer a similar service?
I've no knowledge on the possibility of shipping containers etc but if there were enough people interested (with similar timings) might it be worth considering pulling together? (Is it ok to remain on this subject thread?)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11 Jul 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Bonn
Posts: 12
short note,
I just got an offer from Overland Embassy for both,
shared container an airfright, Panama to Colombia.
no sailboat though, sorry.
You may ask wild card sailing, but they didn’t respond to me yet.
Arnulf
__________________
https://tulf.de
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 15 Jul 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 834
from the grapevine and rumor mill, my so called Buschfunk:

There are new Options for the darian gap available, too for small/midsize 4x4 by airfright. I did just got the price per bike, the request for a van I did ask too.

https://www.4x4tripping.com/2023/07/...rundschau.html

Too the carnet document options seems to grow, but that is not a point of interest for south america.

For now the article is just available in german language.

Surfy

Last edited by Surfy; 15 Jul 2023 at 18:56.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 21 Jun 2024
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Munich, Germany
Posts: 53
I still have very fond memories of my trip with Stahlratte in 2012.

Maybe it is on interest that the Stahlratte is advertiesed as sailing ship for voluntary crew at this site:
https://www.crewbay.co.uk/job/12956

According to one of the former owners the ship has been sold to a french guy who likes to do a social project for the youth in learn to sail (https://spirebo.com/2024/05/20/die-s...ft-oder-nicht/ - German website of spiritual organisation that has been the previous owner).
It the voluntary project does not work maybe there is a chance that they sell it again?

Cheers,
Uli
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Quit my job... gone riding through the Americas LovinglivingAdventuring Ride Tales 49 30 Mar 2017 20:23
Opinion about progress in 4x4 industry NejcT The HUBB PUB 10 29 Sep 2013 22:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:53.