It requires a good plan in advance when it comes to shipping boats. A successful move is when you deliver things in the same condition as you pick them. You need to take extra care of the preparation for that. The owner is responsible for safe transport. Let’s discuss some useful tips from the top rated boat shipping companies to keep in mind while transporting a boat.
Choose a Trustworthy Company
A professional boat transport company with a license and prior experience is a better choice. Go through the detailed information about the company. They are likely to accept payment through various methods. A professional organization usually does that. Avoid in-hand cash payments and make full payments after the service. Don’t merely go for low-cost service. In the moving industry, you get what you pay for. A company with quality service would take a standard charge.
Nonetheless, safe and secure transport is worth that. Compare the company you choose with other similar ones. It would be best if you pay attention to the people who previously experienced their service reviews. A veteran company with more experience seems more authentic to depend on.
Voyage Insurance
Talk to your boat transport company about the voyage insurance. If the shipping takes place during winter, don’t forget to winterize the exterior of the boat. Most boat enthusiasts do shrink wrapping. It’s an expensive but better option. It helps to provide added protection for the boat against dirt, dust, debris, etc. A boat that is clean and maintained up to code using hot water is a boat of a caring owner. The department of transport checks the conditions of the boat. They must find it up to code. Only then do they allow the boat for transportation.
Inspect and Empty Tanks
Before you hand over your asset to the boat transport company:
- Don’t forget to have a thorough inspection.
- Take several photos before shipment. If there was damage, you are to dismantle some parts to fit the boat transport to prevent damage.
- Tie the hatches once closed or secured.
- Cover it well.
- Keep the boat light.
- Empty all the water and fuel tanks to no more than one-quarter full.
- Remove water in the bilge and also remove drain plugs from the hull.
- Drain all the air conditioners, water systems, and pumps.
Remove Personal and Prohibited Items
Ask the transport company to give a list of prohibited items. Make sure things like those are removed from your boat. It will ensure your boat’s safety. Store the breakable items in a safe place. If there is any personal item left in the cabin, remove that too. Things like flagstaff, electronics, radio transmitters, outriggers, cushions, depth sounders, canvas covers, and other valuable materials must be removed from the boat before you hand it over to the shipping company.
Disconnect and Power Down
Power down all the electronic systems. Unplug batteries and store the cables in a way that contact is prevented. If you have a sailing yacht, you are required to prepare some additional safety measures. Keep a set of keys with you for hatches & doors. Tell the boat transport company about your specific requirements.
Some More Things to do
It is important to protect the outside of the yacht with a shrink wrap from salt and soot. Boats require to fit height requirements. If the vessel is large enough to cover completely, stick to the vulnerable areas such as teak, non-skid surfaces. Cover all stainless steel-made parts, chrome fittings and apply insulator wax to the exposed metal. Remove the windshields and store them somewhere else if possible.
On the other hand, if the boat is made of wood, use linseed oil to prevent drying out the wood. Bring your original registry and boat key on the day of the trip. Make sure to have all necessary papers and documents, especially it’s an international voyage.
Moving your boat by road can be cost-effective. Some companies offer long and short-distance moving. Nowadays road transport is used in a more creative way. According to a survey, movers are in personal touch with the service takers. Boat moving companies carry loads up to 16m long, 5m high, 4.5m wide, and 20 tons weight. In moving matters, height is the most rigid constraint as it passes under road bridges. This rule slightly varies in different countries. Documentation holds much importance in this regard. An experienced mover team is pretty capable of doing it following a practical, legal plan.
Final Thought
Lastly, mark keys with the boat’s name & phone numbers. Bring a spare set to offload. Now your boat is ready for transport. We hope there tips are informative and will offer you the desired information. We will be happy to serve you with more knowledge. Have a happy and safe move!
