Defining a Load Properly

Hello guys,

I am seeking some unbiased, but experienced advice on a haul.

Dimensions:
Length: 40'
Width: 11.5'
Height: 10' (over estimate)
Weight: 16,000lbs (over estimate)

Pickup Location: New Orleans LA
Dropoff Location: Berkeley CA

I have a 1986 Alubat Ovni 37 all aluminum expedition style sailboat. Its designed to push through ice and dry out on its own bottom- built strong. To dry out on its own bottom, it is a centerboard type boat- meaning there is no keel and it can be loaded onto standard dunnage- perfect for a standard step deck or lowboy haul. It does not require a specialized yacht trailer.

The problem I am having is that whenever I reach out to shippers, they seem to get very focused on this being a boat and sometimes dont want to haul it. But its not your normal type of boat and it seems hard for me to explain that to someone who has no experience with this style of craft.

Do you have any suggestions for the terminology or information I might provide in initial query email that may help with this?

The next problem is that the quotes that I am getting seem far above what I am finding as posted per mile rates for the trailers they are suggesting. I am most commonly being told I need the RGN Lowboy. Despite that it fits dimensionally on the much less expensive step-deck. I am being told that they want to keep the center of gravity low- sure makes sense. But its a sailboat and has 50% of its mass (called ballast) located directly in the center of the bilge (bottom framing of the boat)- a mass of lead pigs encapsulated in resin sitting in the bottom center of the boat and completely welded in- so it would be hard to get the mass any lower and centered than that.
Do you have any suggestions of what I might say to explain this part?

I had one company say that drivers of step-decks are not experienced enough and that is why I need an RGN lowboy- can you help me understand why they wouldnt assign a driver and trailer that best fits the needs of the load rather than just upcharge me for the RGN?

I have attached the photos that I am sending in query emails for your comments and considerations.

 

The last two photos are the exact make and model. The top photos is simply a couple years newer- but same company and design.

This is the exact boat, but of course the mast would be taken down and prepped for shipping:

 

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

I dont feel I was looking for the cheapest answer, but just trying to get a better understanding of what to expect since posted rates available online and the rates quoted were so far off.
I tried to communicate my questions clearly as I think I am having communication issues with the shippers I have contacted thus far. Sometimes its as simple as not knowing the terminology to use.

Is this load considered a heavy haul because of its size then? Its certainly not heavy compared to trailer and load ratings posted on the heavy haul rates.