Boat Transport Guide
Please make every effort to prepare the boat according to these guidelines, to ensure the best possible trip for your watercraft.
The legal height for transporting boats over the road is 13'6”. Please choose a marina or boatyard with at least 14' overhead clearance, free of trees branches and low hanging wires. The larger your boat, the higher the load, and more clearance may be required.
Preparation
1. Stow and secure all loose gear.
2. Drain fuel and water tanks. Remove any drain plugs from the hull. There should not be any water in the bilge while it is being transported. During winter months, water should be drained from water systems, pumps, air conditioners, etc.
3. Disconnect and secure batteries. Remove anchors from the deck.
Covers/Shrink-Wrap
For cross-country deliveries, we usually shrink-wrap the boat to protect it from road grime and stone chips. Consider having this done if your boat is traveling a significant distance.
Cradles/Trailers
If your boat has its own cradle please inspect it carefully for loose bolts or weakness of any kind. Inspect your trailer’s condition to determine if it is roadworthy. Make sure to inspect the tires as well.
Dinghies
If you are shipping a dinghy on board or if you have had to remove any superstructure, these items should be well padded. Please do not leave dinghy on davits.
External Accessories
All electronics, radar, hailers, horns, antennas, propellers, flag masts, lights, anchor lights, etc., must be removed, packed securely and securely stored below.
Hatches
Tie and/or tape hatches from the outside. If the hatches leak, seal them. A boat will not sit in the same position on the trailer as it does in the water and we don’t want rainwater entering through a leaky hatch or deck.
Windows/Windshields
Cabin windows should be latched and taped from the outside. All windshields and/or Plexiglas that protrude over the flying bridge should be removed, packed with a cargo blanket and should be well secured below.
Additional Instructions for Sailboats
All rigging, winches, wind indicators, and lights must be removed from the mast. Lifelines, stanchions, bow and stern pulpits should be removed if they render the boat over height, generally over 11' keel to highest point not on the trailer. On center board sailboats, make sure the board is secured and will stay up in transit.
Additional Instructions for Powerboats
Remove all propellers, flag masts, lights, outriggers, antennas, etc. If your power boat is low enough to ship with the flying bridge on, remove all lights, wheels, masts and windshields that protrude over the bridge. All Plexiglas should be removed and packed below with a cargo blanket. If your power boat is not low enough to ship with the flying bridge on, you will have to have a cradle built for the bridge to be shipped in on the forward deck or cockpit area. Every point touching the deck or rails must be sufficiently padded. Remove all electronics and valuable items from the bridge, pack securely, and store below.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
