boat-transporters.com

A useful guide for boat and yacht transport.

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• Preparing to Transport Your Boat
  • Insuring Your Boat for Transport
  • Securing Your Boat for Transport
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Secure Your Boat for Transport

Securing your boat for transport is among the most important aspects of boat transportation. Boat owners are a tidy bunch who understand the necessity of economy and neatness on-board. When preparing for boat transport, boat owners should be vigilant about preparing the boat for a move. Additionally, those who own boats 30 feet and and larger may have to schedule and pass an inspection by a licensed marine boat surveyor before they can hit the highway. You can visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Web site for inspection checklists and guidelines.

Our boat transport preparation guide explains the importance of properly securing a boat for transport, as well as detailed lists of the items to secure and remove before transporting the boat. Additional instructions for powerboats and sailboats are also included.

"It is up to you, the owner, to make sure that your boat is secured so it can withstand just about anything."

Boat Transport Conditions

When preparing a boat for transport, keep in mind that inclement weather, high winds and road vibrations are common hazards that your boat may experience during the move. Wind resistance is much different when pulling an object like a boat. For instance, hurricane force conditions occur when a boat is being moved at 60 miles per hour into a headwind of at least 14 miles per hour. An improperly prepared boat moving through these conditions could experience damaged property and most boat transport companies make it very clear that they will not be held responsible for such damage. That means it is up to you, the owner, to make sure that your boat is secured so it can withstand just about anything.

What to secure prior to shipping your boat

Below is a basic checklist of items to secure as you prepare your boat for transport:

• Hatches - Seal from the outside with tape or rope
• Cabin locker doors, drawers, cabinets, etc. - Secure with tape
• Batteries and cables - Disconnect and tie off to prevent contact
• Battery-operated engine hatch covers
• Dinghies - DO NOT leave dinghy on davits. Store in cabin or keep secure and padded in cockpit
• Any other loose items

What to remove from your boat prior to shipping

The following items should be secured tightly and stored in the boat's cabin, or removed from the boat:

• Zebra Mussels - Any boats with zebra mussels can be seized by DOT (Department of Transportation) officers, so remove them from the hull and from water intake valves.
• Windshields - Remove any windshields and/or Plexiglas that extends beyond the flying bridge.
• Fuel and water tanks - Drain the tanks for safety and weight limitation purposes.
• Canvas covers
• Electronics
• Radars
• Jailers
• Horns
• Antennas
• Propellers
• Flag masts
• Lights
• Anchors
• Anchor lights
• Outriggers
• Screens
• Cushions
• Weatherboards
• Drain plugs from hull
• Personal belongings and valuables

Special notes for moving yachts and powerboats

If you are preparing a powerboat for transport, take these additional precautions to keep from damaging the powerboat or any items/equipment on the boat:

• Remove and store all Plexiglas windshields to prevent them from breaking. Pack Plexiglas fittings in a cargo blanket and secure tightly to keep safe.
• Remove antennas, propellers, lights, flag masts, outriggers or anything else that might come loose from the force of wind pressure during transport.
• Raise and lock any inboard/outboard motors.
• Some powerboats are low enough to be transported with the flying bridge on, in which case any items protruding over the bridge must be removed. These include windshields, lights, masts and wheels.
• Any boats not low enough to transport with the flying bridge require a cradle for its bridge, which will be transported either on the forward deck or cockpit area.

Special notes for moving sailboats

Get your sailboat ready for transport with these additional preparation guidelines:

• Take down and secure the mast, placing carpet or a cargo blanket at the points of tie-down. Make sure to remove all rigging, lights, winches and wind indicators from the mast. Keep in mind that chafing will likely occur to painted masts.
• Secure any cables and wires.
• Remove stanchions, life lines, bow and stern pulpits if they cause the boat to be over the legal height limit. See Maximum Size of Boat for more information on boat measurements.
• Remove any other loose items, including ladders, rudders and outboards.

Next Page Now that your boat is packed, secured, and ready to go, it's important to make sure the rest of your gear is ready. The next section talks about the importance of choosing, preparing and maintaining the boat trailer.