Boat Transport
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Boat Transport Preparation GuideAs a boat owner that is in need of having a boat transported, there are a lot of items that need to be addressed prior to shipping your boat. A great deal of the preparation can be done by you. Most of the preparation that needs to be done prior to any boat transport can be done by the owner or agent. The marina you choose or the boat transporter you have contracted with can be a great resource for information. Most of the details that need to be addressed require very little technical skills or experience. If you have more time than money here is a great opportunity to save a bundle and get to know your boat a little better at the same time. Dimensions are of absolute importance when requesting a quote to have your boat transported. To measure your boat, please follow the guidelines below. It is important to be accurate. 1. Please put your motors or out drives in the raised position, and then measure the overall length of your boat, remembering to include out drives or motors, bow pulpits, swim platforms, and motor brackets. 3. To measure the beam of the boat, you measure the widest portion of the boat and include anything that is attached to it. Picking The Right Marina For Your Boat Transport1. Is there a forklift or travel lift for loading and unloading your boat before and after being transported to its new destination? 2. We do NOT recommend shrink-wrap for boats, but you may want to know if they can shrink-wrap your boat prior to transporting it, if necessary? 3. Is there a service bay that can disassemble and reassemble the fly bridge or radar arch? 4. Are they willing to assist with the prep work of the boat in order to have it ready for transport? How To prepare Your Boat To Be Transported SafelyTo assist you with preparing your boat for safe transport, please take a few minutes to read this guide. Thank you. Since this is the most important part of transporting your boat safely, we recommend you follow our guidelines by having a responsible boat yard do the preparation, or overseeing the preparation is done properly yourself. 1. If damage occurs due to loading or improper preparation by the shipper, the boat transporters cannot be held responsible. 2. Please ensure your boat is properly prepared for transport, as boats not properly prepared will be shipped in an “as is condition” and the carrier will not be responsible for damages. Our specialists in “Boat Transport” would rather not do this, as it is not the correct way to transport a boat. 3. 13’6” is the legal height for transporting your boat on the roadways, in most states. 4. When choosing a marina to transport your boat from, please select one that has a minimum of 14’ clearance overhead with no branches or wires that interfere with the approach. 5. More clearance is required for larger boats, as the load is higher. Prior To Transport Checklist1. Secure all loose gear in proper storage, as the boat transporter will not accept responsibility for improperly stored gear. Make sure all cabinets and the cabin is locked and “you” keep the key. Also, please note all tanks must be empty for transport including water and fuel – minimum of fuel, and remove the hull’s drain plugs. The bilge needs to be water free during transport, and during winter months, all fluids should be drained from water systems, air conditioners, pumps, etc. 2. Remove anchors from the deck, disconnect and secure the batteries. 3. A coat of linseed oil will prevent your wooden boat from drying out too much, and normal dirt from road travel should be expected. Canvas Covers / Shrink Wrap During transport, canvas covers must be removed as this will prevent them from tearing or flying away. The transporter will not be responsible for damages, if these covers are not removed. The transporter will ship shrink-wrapped boats, but please be aware that during transport it may tear and fly off. Additional shrink-wrap tape is carried and every reasonable effort will be made to make repairs to the shrink-wrap. If it becomes un-repairable, it will be removed to prevent damage from occurring to the boat. The carrier will not assume responsibility for damages that occur under these conditions and you may be charged additional fees for the time the boat transporter spent repairing and/or removing the shrink-wrap. Cradles / Trailers The transporter will not accept responsibility for damages if your cradle breaks during transport; therefore, if you own the cradle, you are advised to carefully inspect it, checking for loose bolts and weaknesses that could cause breakdown. If you ship your boat on a trailer you own, the transporter will not accept responsibility for roller or frame damage, trailer brake apart or anything else that occurs with your personally owned trailer that may cause damage to your boat. Dinghies Please remove your dinghies from their davits, and if you decided to leave them aboard during transport, ensure that they are well protected and padded. If the superstructure has to be removed, ensure that it is protected and padded as well.. External Accessories The transporter will not be responsible for damage to the following, which must be removed, packaged securely, and then stored securely below deck. Anchor lights, lights, propellers, flag masts, antennas, horns, electronics and radar. Boat Hatches The boat transporter cannot be responsible if damage occurs to the boat due to hatches blowing off or water leakage during transit. Your boat will sit in a different position on the trailer than it does in the water; therefore, you need to leak-proof and tape down, secure, your hatches from the outside. Windows / Windshields All cabin windows need to be latched tight and taped from the outside. Protruding flying bridge windshields and Plexiglas needs to be removed, packaged in a cargo blanket, and stored below. The transporter will not be responsible for damages if they are not removed and stored properly. Sailboat Transport - Additional InstructionsAll lights, winches, wind indicators, and rigging must be removed from the mast and carpet provided for the mast’s tie down points, although you should expect chafing at these points, and if the mast is painted, it is nearly impossible to prevent the paint from chafing. The transporter will not repaint, or pay to repaint the masts if this occurs. Please, do not secure your mast to your boat, as the transport trailers provide a space for the mast. If your mast is secured to your boat, the transporter will not be held responsible for any damage that occurs to the mast or boat. If the highest point of the keel is rendered over the height limit, usually 11’ keel height on the transport trailer, due to bow and stern pulpits, life lines, and stanchions, they should be removed. Keel Sailboats could experience some separation where the keel joins the hull, although it is likely due to the paint and filler cracking and not structural damage. On centerboard sailboats, please secure the board so that it will remain upright during transport. Racing and light built sailboats may expect indentation in the hull from the support pads, which normally disappear when the boat is put back in the water Power Boat Transport - Additional InstructionsPlease remove all outriggers, antennas, flag masts, propellers, etc, even if your powerboat is short enough to ship with your flying bridge on, you should remove wheels, masts, windshields and Plexiglas that protrude over the bridge – packaging them in a cargo blanket and safely storing them below deck, and all lights. If your powerboat is too tall to ship with the flying bridge on it, you will require a cradle built, which will support the bridge to be shipped in, on the cockpit area or forward deck. All points touching the rail or deck must be adequately padded. Please remove all valuables and electronics, package them securely, and store them below deck. If you have additional questions, call your transporter.
Transporting Your Own Boat On Its Own Trailer - Additional InstructionsBefore moving your boat onto its trailer, replace or service the wheel bearing to prevent breakdown, and as a rule of thumb, it your bearings have not been serviced in the last six months have it professionally done, as travel builds up tremendous heat which can cause failure. Salt-water exposure makes bearings especially venerable. Have your tires checked for proper inflation, sufficient tread, cracks, bubbles, or gouges in the rubber, and remember that old tires should be replaced, as this will prevent blow out during transport. Always remember to carry a spare tire. Check all wires and the lighting system to make sure all are in good working order, and have repairs done well in advance. Your transporter cannot accept responsibility for damages if your trailer is not in excellent shape, so please don’t ask your transporter to move your boat on your trailer if it is unfit to travel, endangering our equipment, safety, drivers, and your boat. You are responsible for any damage, repairs, and problems caused by your trailer. Routine maintenance is much cheaper than unnecessary breakdowns. 252 480 6600 1 877 297 3934
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