Preparing Your Boat For Transport
Transporting your boat shouldn't be stressful. With a bit of planning and the right preparation, you can move your boat safely to its new home and get straight back to enjoying it. Here's what to check and prepare before the transporter arrives.
Before your boat is transported, confirm your transporter's specific requirements and insurance coverage, prepare the mast and rigging if you're moving a sailboat, take extra care with wooden hulls to prevent drying out, clarify whether you're providing the trailer or the transporter is, and document the boat's condition and precise dimensions before pickup.
Talk To Your Transporter Before Pickup Day
Check with your boat transporter ahead of time for any specific requirements they have. It's also worth going over exactly what is and isn't covered by their transport insurance, so you can arrange additional cover yourself if there are any gaps.
Preparing A Sailboat For Transport
When transporting a sailboat, the mast will need to be removed and secured to the trailer for the journey. It's advisable to fully blanket-wrap the mast to protect it from damage. Keep in mind that some paint scuffing is a normal result of road vibrations over a longer journey, even with careful preparation.
Preparing A Wooden Boat For Transport
Wooden boats need special care before transport to avoid drying out during the journey. A coat of linseed oil is recommended beforehand. It's also worth noting that a custom cradle may be advisable to properly distribute the boat's weight and avoid any splitting during transport.
Do You Need To Provide A Trailer?
It's important to clarify early on whether your boat will be transported on its own trailer, or whether the service provider needs to supply one. Transporting a boat on its own trailer is usually the most convenient option, and it opens up more provider options too, since many transporters can simply attach and tow an existing trailer rather than arranging their own equipment.
If you don't have a trailer, it's critical to give your transporter precise dimensions of your boat so they can confirm whether they can accommodate the load and transport it safely without damage. You'll also need a way to load and unload the boat at both ends of the journey.
Document Everything Before And After
Inspect and photograph your boat thoroughly before it's loaded, and again once it arrives at its destination. This documentation protects you if there's any dispute about damage that may have occurred during transport, and gives both you and the transporter a clear record to work from.
Find A Boat Transport Specialist
Working with an experienced boat transport specialist makes the whole process considerably smoother, since they'll already understand the requirements for different hull types and boat sizes.
A little preparation, clarifying insurance, protecting your mast or hull, and documenting your boat's condition, goes a long way toward a stress-free transport experience.
Ready to arrange transport? Find a trusted boat transport specialist near you through Boats Online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the mast before transporting a sailboat?
Yes. The mast needs to be removed and secured to the trailer for transport, and it should be fully blanket-wrapped to protect it from damage during the journey.
How do I prepare a wooden boat for transport?
A wooden boat should be treated with a coat of linseed oil before transport to prevent drying out, and a custom cradle may be advisable to distribute the boat's weight evenly and avoid splitting.
Do I need my own trailer to transport a boat?
Not necessarily, but you should clarify this with your transporter in advance. Transporting on your own trailer generally opens up more provider options, but if you don't have one, you'll need to give the transporter precise dimensions so they can arrange suitable equipment.
Is boat transport covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by transporter, so check with your provider ahead of time to understand exactly what is and isn't included in their transport insurance, and arrange any additional cover yourself if needed.
Should I expect any damage during boat transport?
Some minor paint scuffing on masts or fittings can occur from normal road vibration during a longer journey, even with careful preparation. Documenting your boat's condition before and after transport helps identify anything beyond this normal wear.
