boat-transporters.com
A useful guide for boat and yacht transport.
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Should I transport my boat?
Boat owners asking the question, "Should I transport my boat?" are met with a series of choices. Boat transport is tricky, so some hire boat transporters to take care of the details. Do-it-yourselfers who purchase the right trailer and equipment must still take into consideration a number of factors before taking to the road with a boat in tow.
Transport Yourself or Hire Movers?
Trying to decide if you should transport your own boat, or hire movers to do it for you is a tough decision. Consider the following when self-transporting:
Equipment: Purchasing or renting boat transportation equipment can save a boat owner a great deal of money in the long term. Carefully research and select a trailer that is the right size to accommodate the boat, meets all safety standards and complies with state and federal regulations on the road and in marinas.
Marina/dry dock rules and regulations: Reserve move-in and move-out dates at the marina or dry dock where the boat is stored. Each boat marina or dry dock boat storage facility has its own set of rules regarding moving dates, so check on these regulations and make your reservations well in advance.
Manpower: Those transporting a boat for the first time need to think carefully about the amount of help needed during the move. Talk with the marina, dry dock storage area or boat dealership to understand how much assistance will be required during a move.
Before, during and after the move: Make a plan for securing items on the boat prior to the move, and for transporting those items during the move.
"Those transporting a boat for the first time need to think carefully about the amount of help needed during the move."
Insurance: Always check your insurance policy prior to a move to make sure that you have appropriate coverage. If you have any doubts, contact your insurance agent for explanations and advice.
Those hiring boat transporters will want to think about these issues:
Find qualified boat transporters: Get recommendations from fellow boat-owners, or conduct diligent Internet research to find boat movers who are qualified, experienced and - above all - are insured, certified and bonded to handle boat transportation. Insuring your boat for transport
Make arrangements well in advance: Secure and confirm move dates with all parties involved - the mover, the marina/dry dock facility on either end of the move. Prepare the boat for transport.
Be available at all times during the move: Even when managing boat transportation remotely, be available by phone to the movers from the beginning to the end of their contracted time. Any hold-ups that require your attention or authorization will only incur more expenses.
Inspect the boat prior to the move and on delivery: Once the boat is ready for transport, inspect it closely for existing damage and make careful notes. Taking a full series of photographs of the boat prior to transporting is also an excellent idea. If you're not available to personally inspect the boat for damage when it arrives at its destination, hire someone you trust to be certain the boat suffered no damage during the move. Photograph any damage on arrival and carefully inspect the hull before it goes into the water.
Compare Costs Associated with Boat Transportation
A number of cost considerations factor into moving a boat. Pay attention to the following when planning for boat transportation, and create a checklist with the following items to use when interviewing boat transportation companies.
Size, shape, and type of boat: Get an accurate accounting of the boat's dimensions, the type of boat it is, and any additional information that may impact the way the boat is transported. For instance, a mover will want to know if he's dealing with a newly-constructed fiberglass boat or an antique wood schooner in order to make informed decisions about what he's handling.
Precise value of the boat: Know the precise value of the boat for insurance purposes.
Distance the boat will travel: Know the distance the boat will need to travel in real mileage to be able to factor fuel and mileage costs, as well as expenses that might be incurred along the way - if the boat is travelling a great distance, does your mover absorb the cost of hotels and meals, or will he bill you?
Insurance coverage: Be certain that your insurance policy covers transportation. When hiring a boat transporter, ask specific questions about the coverage the company and its employees carry, have a full understanding of how their coverage impacts your boat, and know how their coverage interacts with your own.
If purchasing equipment: Make sure the equipment is in working order, is compliant with state and federal transportation regulations, and that it is manufactured to handle a boat of your specifications. Be sure that the trailer has all licenses and insurance necessary. Also be sure that the equipment you purchase interacts correctly with the boat and other equipment you'll be using - for instance, if purchasing a trailer, be certain that it connects properly to the truck you plan to use for hauling, and that the truck is capable of handling the weight of the trailer and the boat.
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