How To Get Your Boat Moved From A To B
20th January 2012 by Boating Laws No CommentsWays to transport you boat
If you’re lucky enough to own a boat there may come a point when you want to move her to a new location. If this is the case, you will need to consider hiring aboat transport company. So make sure transport goes smooth sailing by following this simple guide! Before you know it, a boatcourier will be knocking at your door for your boat delivery service.
There are two main options to consider when transporting a boat:
Using a skipper who will navigate your bought themselves. In this scenario, your boat will use effectively transport itself, helmed by a professional skipper who will use existing waterways . Using a delivery skipper may be the most suitable option if retrieving your boat internationally, over a very long distance. However, this option is often the more costly of the two and will likely take longer than transporting the boat over land.
Boat transport service.Boat transport companies specialise in boat delivery, so are able to provide the necessary care and equipment that is paramount to a successful move. It is likely to be the case that a boat transporter will be your cheapest option.
How to find the best Boat transport company for you
Firstly, you will need to select a boat transport service . These businesses range from larger, commercial boat transporters to small family-run businesses, so prices vary significantly. Although you will want to get a good selection of quotes from boat transporters, you will need to think of experience and quality in addition to the price charged. This will require a little research on your part. Choosing a cheap courier is not always a smart choice, especially with expensive items like a boat.
Ensure your boat transport company has adequate experience and insurance to cover the cost of the boat and all eventualities. Always ask to see the insurance policy, and never accept “personal” insurance.
Remember to discuss all aspects of the transportation with the selected company. This includes pickup times, routes, drop-off times and whether cranes will be required at either end. You do not want your boat to be transported at night if you can help it, so organise transportation for during the day, where it can be inspected upon arrival.
Boat preparation
Obviously, you want the boat to be completely ready for when the boat transporter arrives. It will often take the best part of a day to fully prepare a boat for transport. If preparation of the boat involves any form of dismantlement, it may be useful to take photographs to make reassembly easier.
Take the following steps to prepare for transportation:
Remove all personal possessions and loose articles in or on the boat.
Lock all the doors, cupboards and hatches – if they cannot be locked, tie and tape them shut.
When the boat is being transported a relatively long distance, you should double check that exterior hatches are sealed if they are not waterproof.
Drain all fuel and water tanks, and disconnect batteries.
All water systems, such as air conditioning, pumps etc. should be drained during winter months to avoid damage.
Any external structures (including electronic equipment or radar units) should be removed if possible and padded.
Finally, make a written record of all damage/wear of the boat prior to transportation. Take photographs of the boat from all angles, so should any damage occur during transport, it can easily be proven that it occurred during transportation. Most boat companies make pre-transportation surveying standard procedure, but you will still want to have them sign your written record of the boat’s condition.
After boat moving service
Inspect the boat carefully, as soon as possible, in order to identify any damage. Should any damage have occurred, contact your boat transport company immediately to avoid any complications.
