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There are several things that mist be done in order to have your boat shipped and ensure that it arrives safely at its destination.
Step 1: Measure Your Boat Before Transport
One essential preparation task before transporting a boat is to ensure that you have accurate measurements to pass along when completing a boat transfer quote. When requesting a quote, dimensions are incredibly important, as this helps the chosen haulers accurately quote for and provide equipment that can safely handle the boat’s size.
Critical measurements include:
– Overall length
– Overall height
– Overall width
When it comes to measuring the overall length, do not forget to include bow pulpits, platforms, outboard motors, motor brackets, swim platforms, and other protruding fixtures. Measure from the tip of the tongue to the end of the engine. As the maximum height of many overpasses, depending on the destination, is 13’6″, and oversized transport regulations require deliveries to fall below a specific size. Height is an essential measurement. Large yachts often need wide-belly low-boy trailers, and pole cars may also be required to escort the equipment. Height measurements should include a measure from the bottom of the keel to the highest non-removable section, and total standing height is calculated from the draft plus clearance.
Depending on your model, you may need to have the bridge removed; measure without including the bridge, and provide bridge dimensions to secure appropriate transport. Measure your boat at its widest point, including attachments, to get a suitable width measurement for the transport company.
Step 2: Secure All Belongings Before Boat Transport
Some essential preparations to make before the boat transport truck arrives on-site at the promised time include:
– Secure electronics. You can store these in the cabin with all doors, windows, and access points locked. You could also choose to ship them separately.
– Secure anchors, propellers, and other moveable objects. Any items that extend beyond the previously stated dimensions of your vessel needs to be adequately secured to prevent unwanted movement during transit. Remember this rule, if it can move, it will.
– Secure canvas, cushions, and screens below. To prevent unwanted movement and potential loss during transport, store these items in the cabin to avoid unnecessary exposure and damage to or caused by these items.
– Secure dinghies, if present. Dingies cannot be transported on their davits. They should either be stored inside the cabin or padded and lashed inside the cockpit.
– Remove exterior electronics, horns, lights, windshields, etc. Anything that must be removed should be packed securely packed in cargo blankets and stored below; carriers are not responsible if these items are lost in transit.
– Lock everything! All interior items should be battened down securely, and all locker doors should be locked. Items left onboard should be lashed down. As the driver won’t have the key to the cabin, anything that becomes loose during transit cannot be re-secured.
– Seal hatches with tape. This prevents wind-driven water from entering the boat—also, secure latches to prevent them from coming undone during transit and getting damaged.
You should also check drain plugs. While a boat is being transported, there should be no water in the bilge. Make sure the fuel tank is not more than a quarter full. If transporting during winter, all water should be drained from pumps, air conditioners, and water systems.
You should also tape down the wipers on the windshield. Tape down anything that could move, slap, or bounce (both inside and outside of the cabin). The roads that are traveled can be really bouncy and the winds can be blowing hard. Do your best to ensure that no damage will be done. A good driver will also check out areas of the boat and let you know what they think should be secured.
Never use duct tape to secure items. Duct tape will leave residue and possibly damage things. Use shrink wrap tape (the best idea). This can be purchased at most marinas. It is costly, but well worth it.
Step 3: Check for Zebra Mussels Before Departure
If you’re moving your boat from a state infested with Zebra mussels, make sure you’re not transporting any with you to your new destination if traveling out of state. Thoroughly inspect intake strainers, through-hull fits, scuppers, outdrives, and other possible attachment areas. If Zebra mussels are found at a weigh station, your boat will be seized by DOT, and hot water removal will be required to rid the vessel of attached mussels. This will be costly and will mess up your delivery date and possible future loads with the company hauling your boat.
Check out the companies that you want to have your boat hauled by. Make sure that you have all the information that you want and that they are a good fit. Speak with the driver when he loads your precious cargo. The driver should be well versed in the boat hauling aspects and be able to point out any areas where a problem may occur. Ensure that you are happy with your decision because once loaded, it cannot be undone.
Step 1: Measure Your Boat Before Transport
One essential preparation task before transporting a boat is to ensure that you have accurate measurements to pass along when completing a boat transfer quote. When requesting a quote, dimensions are incredibly important, as this helps the chosen haulers accurately quote for and provide equipment that can safely handle the boat’s size.
Critical measurements include:
– Overall length
– Overall height
– Overall width
When it comes to measuring the overall length, do not forget to include bow pulpits, platforms, outboard motors, motor brackets, swim platforms, and other protruding fixtures. Measure from the tip of the tongue to the end of the engine. As the maximum height of many overpasses, depending on the destination, is 13’6″, and oversized transport regulations require deliveries to fall below a specific size. Height is an essential measurement. Large yachts often need wide-belly low-boy trailers, and pole cars may also be required to escort the equipment. Height measurements should include a measure from the bottom of the keel to the highest non-removable section, and total standing height is calculated from the draft plus clearance.
Depending on your model, you may need to have the bridge removed; measure without including the bridge, and provide bridge dimensions to secure appropriate transport. Measure your boat at its widest point, including attachments, to get a suitable width measurement for the transport company.
Step 2: Secure All Belongings Before Boat Transport
Some essential preparations to make before the boat transport truck arrives on-site at the promised time include:
– Secure electronics. You can store these in the cabin with all doors, windows, and access points locked. You could also choose to ship them separately.
– Secure anchors, propellers, and other moveable objects. Any items that extend beyond the previously stated dimensions of your vessel needs to be adequately secured to prevent unwanted movement during transit. Remember this rule, if it can move, it will.
– Secure canvas, cushions, and screens below. To prevent unwanted movement and potential loss during transport, store these items in the cabin to avoid unnecessary exposure and damage to or caused by these items.
– Secure dinghies, if present. Dingies cannot be transported on their davits. They should either be stored inside the cabin or padded and lashed inside the cockpit.
– Remove exterior electronics, horns, lights, windshields, etc. Anything that must be removed should be packed securely packed in cargo blankets and stored below; carriers are not responsible if these items are lost in transit.
– Lock everything! All interior items should be battened down securely, and all locker doors should be locked. Items left onboard should be lashed down. As the driver won’t have the key to the cabin, anything that becomes loose during transit cannot be re-secured.
– Seal hatches with tape. This prevents wind-driven water from entering the boat—also, secure latches to prevent them from coming undone during transit and getting damaged.
You should also check drain plugs. While a boat is being transported, there should be no water in the bilge. Make sure the fuel tank is not more than a quarter full. If transporting during winter, all water should be drained from pumps, air conditioners, and water systems.
You should also tape down the wipers on the windshield. Tape down anything that could move, slap, or bounce (both inside and outside of the cabin). The roads that are traveled can be really bouncy and the winds can be blowing hard. Do your best to ensure that no damage will be done. A good driver will also check out areas of the boat and let you know what they think should be secured.
Never use duct tape to secure items. Duct tape will leave residue and possibly damage things. Use shrink wrap tape (the best idea). This can be purchased at most marinas. It is costly, but well worth it.
Step 3: Check for Zebra Mussels Before Departure
If you’re moving your boat from a state infested with Zebra mussels, make sure you’re not transporting any with you to your new destination if traveling out of state. Thoroughly inspect intake strainers, through-hull fits, scuppers, outdrives, and other possible attachment areas. If Zebra mussels are found at a weigh station, your boat will be seized by DOT, and hot water removal will be required to rid the vessel of attached mussels. This will be costly and will mess up your delivery date and possible future loads with the company hauling your boat.
Check out the companies that you want to have your boat hauled by. Make sure that you have all the information that you want and that they are a good fit. Speak with the driver when he loads your precious cargo. The driver should be well versed in the boat hauling aspects and be able to point out any areas where a problem may occur. Ensure that you are happy with your decision because once loaded, it cannot be undone.