Interstate Haulers Boat Transport Preparation Guide
When loading a Vessel for a Boat Transport, Interstate Haulers and its Boat Haulers realize the differences in hull designs and the particulars of properly loading all types of Powerboats. Cruisers, Trawlers, sport hulls etc. Each hull design has its own parameters for where to put the weight of the boat when loading on a boat transport trailer. It is very important to properly load a boat for safe transport as you can imagine.
Boat Transport and Hauling Information
When contemplating a Boat Transport project one of the first things to consider is the condition of the hull bottom. We Boat Transporters are finding individual states are implementing state laws and guidelines for the importation of marine organisms and plant life from one geographical area to another. This means that prior to transporting your powerboat the bottom should be cleaned leaving little to no residue on the hull. The marina that is responsible for loading your boat for transport is capable of performing this task for you at little or no charge.
Prior to loading your boat for hauling all the small items that are loose or likely to become damaged needs to be removed from the deck and cabin. If it is too labor intensive to remove them, properly securing them prior to transport will minimize damage. When a boat being transported is traveling down the highway the wind speeds can exceed 65MPH easily when factoring in a headwind. Antennas and venturi €™s are very likely to be damaged if they are not secured properly. Boat anchors have been known to become loose and cause damage while a boat is in transport. It is always best to remove the anchor rather than relying on securing it.
Before loading your boat for transport secure that below decks gear
When your boat is being transported things that are not nailed down below decks are very likely to move around, sometimes quite a bit. Anything that is sitting on shelves, counters or loosely stored in cabinets needs to be secured. Televisions and electronics need to be stowed securely. Anything that is hanging and that can swing needs to be taken down and stored properly. During a boat transport the boat rocks and rolls around quite a bit due to road conditions. Diligence in preparing your boat for transport will minimize the chances of interior contents becoming a mess, or worse damaged.
Water and Gasoline tanks should be considered when moving your Boat
In most cases the amount of gasoline, diesel and water in your tanks are not an issue. There are exceptions to this in some cases when a large boat is being transported. Weight can become an issue in large yachts and powerboats. Generally speaking when a boat starts to weigh in the area of 25,000 lbs the fluids should be removed prior to a boat transport. Sailboats generally do not carry that much fuel so it usually is not a issue.
Boat Transport weather considerations
When the weather is expected to freeze water in the tanks and the water lines needs to be drained or winterized. We at suggest that the water be drained from the water tanks, hot water tanks, and all the lines when a winter boat transport is being considered. Due diligence in this regards can be appreciated. Interstate Haulers accepts no responsibility for freeze damage that occurs during a boat transport. Do not forget to winterize your engines also. Most boat owners are aware of this but freeze damage happens more easily when out of the water than when in.
Interstate Haulers offers this article on Boat Transport as a general guide for owners contemplating a boat transport. Of coarse you should apply due diligence in preparing your boat for transport as it applies to your particular boat and how it is rigged and the contents and gear in it.
Detailed Boat Transport guides for Powerboat Transport, Sailboat Transport, Yacht Transport and Small Boat Transport can be found by following these links.
