Ask the Experts | How to Prepare Your Boat for Transport

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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]By uShip.com[/FONT] [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Every boat owner at some point has to transport their boat.[/FONT] [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]


[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Whether you are buying a new one, selling an old one, or on the water during peak season, it's important to make your boat as roadworthy as it is seaworthy. Following these steps will help ensure that your boat arrives at its destination in perfect condition.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Step 1:[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Secure everything within the boat and identify any pre-existing damage before a transporter loads your boat. This prepares you for the unlikely event that your boat is damaged in transit.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]* Note: If you cannot prepare the boat yourself, a qualified boat yard should be able to assist. It is also advised that you have the boat inspected by a licensed marine surveyor.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]You should have your boat prepped for pick-up before the transporter arrives. If possible, be prepped early just in case the transport company needs to come a day early for weather or any other reasons.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Step 2:[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Take photos so that you have something to reference when reassembling the boat after the transport. Make sure to do this before dismantling anything on your boat. Then, remove all personal items from your boat.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Step 3:[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Clean the exterior of your boat. Once you have done this, inspect for any damages. Make a list of any problems found and take date-stamped photos. The transporter you hire will also do a preliminary inspection with you for your Condition Report.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Things to remember when preparing to ship your boat:[/FONT]

• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Pick a marina or boatyard as a loading spot that has a 14' clearance, so that branches and wires will not interfere with your boat at the beginning of its trip.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Secure all loose gear both above and below deck.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Close and secure any hatches by tying or taping them. If they leak, seal them to avoid any possible water damage.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Cabin windows should also be latched and taped from the outside.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Drain all fuel and water tanks (some companies say to drain until 1/4 full, others want them completely empty), and remove any drain plugs from the hull.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]During the winter months, all water systems, pumps, and air conditioners, etc. should be drained of any water.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Disconnect batteries, and secure the cables away from it to prevent any contact.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Make accommodations for any special characteristics of your boat. Any external accessories and anything protruding past the hull must be removed, securely padded, packed and stored below. Use this checklist to verify that your boat is prepared:[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Remove any valuable electronics and anchors from the deck, pad and secure what you can in the cabin. This is the same for any windshield or plexiglas that protrudes over the flying bridge.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]With large items, such as a dinghy, secure them on board and make sure they are well-padded.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]If your boat has a radar arch or fly-bridge that causes it to load out higher than 13 Feet 6 Inches, it will need to be removed, padded and secured to the boat.[/FONT]
• [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Damage or loss of these external items does not fall under the transporte's responsibility.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Once everything is secured below, lock the cabin and keep the key during travel.[/FONT] [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Transporters will not be held responsible for any damages caused by your failure to properly prepare the boat, including damage caused by boat coverings or shrink wrap. Consult with your specific transporter for any questions about this. Professional boat transporters will be able to advise you on these matters before transport.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Remember, your boat will be experiencing stronger winds than it is used to, so expect it to arrive with normal travel wear and dirt from the roads.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]For a free quote on having uShip.com transport your boat to your home or to your boat?s new home, click here: http://www.uship.com/boats/.[/FONT]