● Having the boat ready to load when the truck arrives at its scheduled time.  Besides having to pay the driver for unnecessary delay, this also causes the boat transporting company to get behind on the other boats they have scheduled for transport.  Transport companies do their best to deliver the boat at the estimated time. However, this is an approximation only due to the many factors beyond their control such as weather, traffic, permitted re-routes, and availability of marina operations for loading and offloading schedules.

● Your participation and cooperation to prepare your boat for a safe transport as outlined in this document.

● Boat transport preparation done by an experienced boat yard.  We recommend for boats 30 feet and up, the preparation be supervised or inspected by a licensed marine surveyor (see below for How to Prepare for a Marine Survey).

● Your understanding that transporters will not be responsible for damage to or caused from improper preparation or loading by the shipper for faulty or defective cradles, trailers, chains, binders, or other equipment provided by the shipper to secure the cargo. This includes anything that shakes loose, becomes unattached, drops, falls or breaks.  Bear in mind these are not the result of driver negligence but are due to road vibration and high winds that are a normal part of boat transport and would happen no matter who was transporting your boat.

● Your consideration that if your boat is being moved at 60 miles per hour into a 14 mile per hour head wind, it is experiencing hurricane force conditions, as well as any inclement weather that may be encountered en-route. Please expect normal road dirt on the boat.

For more information about Boat Transport or how Yacht Shipping works, contact Yacht Exports or get a FREE Quote today!!

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; inspect bearings 7 races for wear. If you replace bearings, also replace races and 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.

The Boat Transport Company cannot be responsible for your trailer if it is not in excellent condition. Pease 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

For more information about Boat Transport or how Yacht Shipping works, contact Yacht Exports or get a FREE Quote today!!

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMOVE AND PROPERLY STORE THESE ITEMS – WHEN IN DOUBT…PULL IT OUT!!!

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 it is being transported.

Drain fuel and water tanks as much as possible. Be sure the tank is no more than ¼ 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.

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 thru a missing or leaking hatch or deck. A boat will not sit in the same position on the carrier’s trailer as it does in the water.

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, or loose cushion, grill, deck chair, or hatch door, 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

For more information about Boat Transport or how Yacht Shipping works, contact Yacht Exports or get a FREE Quote today!!