Tranport Preparation

Everything you need to know.

The first step in planning to transport your vessel is the easiest - just call us. Our professional staff can explain the process and walk you through the quotation process. To get started call: 877-692-6281 -- we will give you our best price to transport your boat.

Take the time to plan for your boat move.
Proper preparation of your boat for transport requires careful planning and attention to detail on both the part of the owner and Boat and Yacht Transport. Please note: proper preparation of the boat for transport is the responsibility of the owner. Most boat transport companies do not typically prepare boats for transport, however our staff can make arrangements for almost every necessary service. Marinas and boat yard personnel prepare boats and yachts for transport and typically will only allow their employees to prepare boats while on their property.

If you need assistance with preparing/de/re-commissioning your vessel, our boat transport agents can help by working with you to select a full service marina, boatyard, captain, or marine surveyor to accommodate your needs.

Choose a Professional Boat and Yacht Transport Company experienced in moving your type of boat.
Boat and Yacht Transport has more than 30 years of experience working with DOT, permit agencies, marinas, boat yards, and ports to get the delivery done on time and on budget. Our experienced, dedicated drivers have the knowledge and driving skills to transport your boat safely and professionally. They are all highly trained and experienced at transporting wide load and over-height boats nationwide.

It is critical to the safety of your boat to be sure oversized yachts being moved use the required escorts and high poles when state regulations require them. Professional boat hauling and yacht transporting drivers know how the boat must be supported, balanced, stabilized and secured. They know how to properly distribute the weight on both the boat, and the trailer axels and how to correctly secure the boat to the trailer. The dispatcher must match the right boat trailer and driver for the proper transport of your boat. The driver will complete a thorough condition check of your boat prior to loading and again at offloading.

MEASURING YOUR BOAT FOR TRANSPORT: When requesting a quote to transport your boat, the dimensions are extremely important. Please follow these guidelines for measuring your boat accurately. In order to transport your boat for the lowest possible price, we try to carry more than one small boat going in the same general direction at the same time. That is why it is important for the Boat and Yacht Transport to know the full overall length of your vessel in order to know what boats will fit on our trailers.

LENGTH OVERALL:(LOA) Include bow pulpits, swim platforms, outboard motor brackets, outboard motors themselves (the length of the motors or out drives in the raised position). If on a trailer, include from the tip of the tongue to the end of the motor.

OVERALL HEIGHT: The maximum height of many overpasses is 13 feet 6 inches. Many oversized yachts require wide-belly low-boy trailers in order for the keel to set down low. Using these type trailers for tall yachts can sometimes be low enough to avoid using a pole car if the boat loaded is less than the state-by-state height restraint (the New England area has many low bridges and re-routes may be dictated by the Department of Transportation. Boats with an overall height greater than 13.6' loaded on the trailer require special handling and routing. It is critical to measure from the bottom of the keel to the highest non-removable part of the boat.

The draft (from the waterline to the bottom of the keel) + clearance (from the waterline to the highest part of the vessel) equal the total standing height. Pending on your model, if the fly or command bridge may need to be removed. It is important to measure the vessel without the bridge and also provide bridge dimensions to ensure appropriate transport space. Remember measure twice - cut once!!!

The bridge should be placed somewhere suitable on the boat and make certain it is safely secured. If it must be placed on the trailer, a frame should be prepared for it to rest upon. If your radar arch is removed, it should be secured against your boat. You might consider using carpet to protect areas where surfaces may "touch".

Electronics such as radios, GPS systems, chart plotters, etc., should be shipped separately or very securely stowed in your cabin, with all cabin doors, windows, and any other access, locked.

OVERALL BEAM (WIDTH): The beam of your boat is the measured as the widest point of the boat including anything attached to the boat. Boats wider than 8 feet 6 inches are regarded as oversize permitted loads and require state permits.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MARINA FOR YOUR BOAT TRANSPORT:
Here are some basic questions to ask when choosing a marina for your boat:

•Do they have a travel lift or fork lift to load or offload your boat?
•If necessary, can they shrink wrap or cradle your boat for international transport?
•Do they have a service bay for disassembly or reassembly of the radar arch or fly/command bridge?
•Can they assist with the preparation of the boat for transport or launch?
•Does the facility have enough overhead clearance, free from low-lying trees and branches?

HOW PAYMENT TYPICALLY WORKS: Once contracted, a deposit payable to Boat and Yacht Transport company is taken to secure booking, boat coordination fee, and in some cases permits and escorts. Prior to delivery, the full balance is due via wire transfer to Boat and Yacht Transport. Your paid receipt and final Bill of Lading will be emailed to you direct just after delivery.

The driver will prepare a Bill Of Lading condition report upon loading and again at offloading, noting any obvious damage which you or your designated agent will be asked to sign before the driver leaves.

Marinas and boatyards expect to be paid for their services before they will release your vessel. Please be sure to settle your bill with them before the transport is scheduled to arrive so there is no delay in loading and releasing your boat.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMOVE AND PROPERLY STORE THESE ITEMS: This includes valuables, all exterior electronics, anchors, antennas, propellers, flagstaffs, outriggers, any item that extends beyond the stated length, width or height of your vessel, all canvas, screens, cushions, and weatherboards, radar transmitters, hailers, and dinghies.

Check the drain plugs. There should not be any water in the bilge while your boat is being transported.

Drain fuel and water tanks as much as possible. Be sure the tank is no more than 1/4 full. During winter months, water should be drained from water systems, pumps, and air conditioners. The batteries should be disconnected and the cables tied off to prevent contact. If engine hatch covers are battery operated, they should be secured to prevent their opening while in transit. Check for any loose items or items that could become loose.

Additional Information:

INSIDE YOUR BOAT: All items in the interior cabin should be carefully inspected to make sure they are battened down securely, including hatches. All locker doors should be well secured and locked. All items on deck should be securely lashed down. Normally the driver won't have a key, so any loose items will cause damage. We recommend, you lock the cabin and YOU keep the key.

OUTSIDE YOUR BOAT: All electronics, radar, radar arches, hailers, horns, antennas, propellers, flag masts, lights, anchor lights, windshields, etc., must be removed, packed securely and securely stored below. The carrier will not be responsible if they are damaged or if they vibrate off.

HATCHES: Hatches should be tightly secured and sealed with tape to prevent damage from wind-driven water. The latches should also be taped securely to prevent the hatch from coming open while in transit and to prevent damage to the boat caused by rain water through a missing or leaking 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.

ZEBRA MUSSELS:If you are moving your boat from an infected State, thoroughly inspect your boat. Check engine intake strainers, and all other through-hull fittings. Check drain scuppers, out-drives and all possible areas of attachment. DOT officers are checking boats for Zebra mussels at weigh stations. If zebra mussels are found, your boat will be seized. You will have to arrange for hot water removal, and you may also be required to have your boat launched first in salt water if your intended destination was fresh water.

COVERS: Canvas covers, loose cushions, grills, deck chairs, hatch doors, etc., can be damaged, or do considerable damage, flapping or banging around loose in/with the forced winds and truck movements, which may be even more greatly magnified, if added to any naturally occurring winds, and/or other weather conditions encountered during transport. Canvas covers must be removed as they will tear or fly off during transport.

SHRINKWRAP: learn more about shrink wrap.

WOOD BOATS: It is highly recommended that wood boats be transported on their own custom cradle. This is suggested because there may be inherent structural weaknesses that are not readily visible or detectable. A well designed cradle will spread the weight of the boat over a much wider contact area. Wooden boats can be expected to dry out. A coat of linseed oil will help. Most boat transport companies will ask you to sign a release of liability for wood boats.

DINGHIES: Dinghies cannot be transported on its davits. The dinghy should be stored in the cabin or securely lashed and padded in the cockpit. If you are shipping a dinghy on board or if you have had to remove any superstructure, these items should be well padded. DO NOT leave dinghy on davits.

POWER BOAT TRANSPORTING ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:Make certain that your windshield is strong enough to withstand the rigors and wind of travel. Confirm the seal is tight and screws holding it in place are not corroded. In some cases, oversize yachts are hauled backwards creating an even greater force of wind pressure.

NOTE: If not removed, frameless Plexiglas windshields WILL BREAK! Take precautionary measures.

Any inboard/outboard or outboard motors should be raised and locked. It is sometimes prudent to place a 2 x 4 securely between your out-drive and bracket. Whenever possible, you should consider removing the props and safely storing them.

SAIL BOAT TRANSPORTING ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS: Make certain that all Mast Poles are un-stepped and de-rigged. All cables and spreaders should be bound to the pole. ALL rigging, winches, wind indicators, and lights must be removed from the mast. The strongest side of the mast should be left "clean" to rest on our trailer. Wrapping of poles is optional, but should be considered. Carpet should be provided for the mast at the points of tie down. Expect some chafing at these points. If the mast is painted, it is almost impossible to keep the paint from chafing. The carrier will not pay to repaint masts if chafing occurs. Do not secure the mast to the boat, as there is a space on the carrier's trailer for the mast. Should the mast be secured to the boat, the carrier will not be responsible for any resulting damage to the mast or the boat.

Life lines, stanchions, bow and stern pulpits should be removed if they render the boat over height. On center board sailboats, make sure the board is secured and will stay up in transit. Keel sailboats may expect some separation where the keel joins the hull. This is not structural damage, but rather is the paint or filler cracking at the joint. Light built or racing sailboats can expect some hull indentation from the support pads. These indentations generally disappear when the boat is returned to the water.
Rudders, sticks, ladders, outboards, and anything else that can turn or flap in the wind, should be removed and/or well secured.

INTERNATIONAL BOAT AND YACHT SHIPPING: There are options available for different types of overseas shipping. Learn more here.

CRADLES/TRAILERS: If you have a cradle for transporting your boat, please inspect it carefully for fit, loose bolts, strength and structural integrity. If your cradle breaks in transit causing damage to your boat, the carrier cannot accept responsibility. They will not assume liability for any damage that results from the failure of your boat's cradle. If you are shipping your boat overseas, it is critical to use a knowledgeable, experienced agent well versed in overseas and international requirements.

Learn more about custom boat cradles

HOW TO INSPECT YOUR TRAILER FOR ROADWORTHY TRANSPORT: Check tires for wear, dry rot and proper tire inflation pressure and be sure the tread is sufficient and that there are no cracks, bubbles or gouges in the rubber. If the tires are dry rotted, replace them. Old tires are tired, so replace them and avoid a costly and dangerous blowout. A spare tire is required.

Remove wheels and hubs; inspect hubs for wear and rough surfaces, turn drums if necessary.
Service or replace the wheel bearings. Many breakdowns occur due to neglect in this area. If the bearings have not been maintained on a strict schedule or it has been more than 6 months since they were last checked, please have this professionally done. Travel builds up tremendous heat in bearings that have not been properly maintained, easily causing their failure. Bearings exposed to salt water are especially vulnerable. Remove bearings and inspect for wear. If you replace bearings, also replace seals. If bearings are OK, repack and install new seals.

Trailers with surge breaks: inspect brakes and hubs for wear, replace brakes and turn hubs if necessary, also check brake fluid level. Check springs, shackles and bushings for wear and corrosion, replace as necessary. Remember, salt water will destroy trailer wheels, springs and axels if not properly rinsed after each use in salt water. Check all lights, plug must be in good condition, turn signals and brake lights must work properly, all marker lights must work properly, repair or replace as necessary. Check the lighting system for proper operation and make sure wires are in good condition. If repairs need to be made, have them done well in advance of the pickup date.

This work should be done by a professional or someone very knowledgeable on trailers. Please take the time to make your trailer TRULY ROADWORTHY. It is much more expensive if you break down on the Interstate.

Boat and Yacht Transport Company cannot be responsible for your trailer if it is not in excellent condition. Please do not ask them to transport a boat on a trailer that is not fit for travel. They cannot afford to jeopardize their safety or equipment, or your boat. You will be responsible for any repairs, damage or problems caused by your trailer. Unnecessary breakdowns are far more costly than routine maintenance.