Lesson 2: Preparation

The first part of the guide covered the basic information on things you should know before you start shipping boats - primarily from a perspective who your customers might be and what are some of the basic licensing requirements in order to operate under the applicable law as a transporter. In this chapter, we will work towards giving you insights into how to ensure that the boat and the associated equipment are prepared for the transport.

_________________________________________________________________________

Things to look for when preparing a boat

Experts recommend that a person hired to transport a boat should be in charge of the process of hauling, nothing more. That means the responsibility for proper preparation lies in the hands of the boat seller/owner. It is sensible for each driver to make sure the customer understands the law before booking. After the booking, you can ask the customer a few questions to verify they know what preparing a boat means.

Below is a checklist of what you need to verify. It can be a great tool during negotiations because it shows you know your stuff, and the customer is more likely to accept a higher quote.

• All electronics, anchors, hailers, horns, antennas, propellers, flag masts, outriggers, canvas, screens, cushions, lights, windshields or any item that extends beyond the stated length, width or height of your vessel should be removed, packed and securely stowed away to prevent damage.
• Batteries and electronics must be disconnected and stowed away securely.
• Cabinets and cabin doors should be locked.
• The hull’s drain plugs should be removed and all fluids drained from water systems, air conditioners, pumps, etc. Pro tip: During winter months, RV antifreeze will prevent damage to those systems.
• All water tanks must be empty with only a minimum of fuel in the fuel tank (ideally less than a quarter full).
• If the boat is delicate, tarps may need to be applied. These form an extra layer of protection from road debris that can chip the paint of the boat.
• When transporting a powerboat, make sure that the windshield is strong enough to withstand a buffeting wind. Confirm the seal is tight and the screws have not corroded.

For boats longer than 30 feet, preparation might be supervised or inspected by a licensed marine surveyor, unless it has not come straight from a dealership.

Safety and security

After preparation, it’s time to focus on safety in transit:

• Smaller boats have less storage space available, so some bits and pieces may need to travel inside your vehicle. Keep them equally secure.
• Make sure that the trailer is structurally sound. That means no cracks, brakes in good condition (if the weight requires them) and lights are working. If you are using a customer’s trailer, ensure it has a spare tire and the date of its annual inspection is still within acceptable limits. The trailer should also be properly registered.
• Check trailer tires for wear, dry rot and air pressure. Be sure the tread is not worn down and there are no cracks, bubbles or gouges in the rubber.
• Secure the boat strongly to its trailer, front and rear. Heavy straps are absolutely necessary. Without them, the boat is likely to bounce against (or off) the trailer.
• Check the condition of the boat cover and how it is secured. Some new vessels are shrink-wrapped, so make sure there are no tears.
• Before you set off, be sure to take photos and document existing damage to avoid litigation for damage you were not responsible for.
• While traveling, check the straps and the bow eye whenever you stop. Re-tighten if necessary.
• Always use two safety cables or chains crisscrossed between the car and the trailer coupling. Crossing the chain prevents the coupler from detaching from the car. Leave enough slack in the cable to allow for proper turning, but not so much that it drags.

We sincerely hope that you're now even more confident in your ability to jump into a new adventure as a boat carrier, but if you feel that we missed to mention anything, or you have any additional questions or concerns, please let us know in the comments.

For a short video introduction on the basics of trailering a boat, check out the video below.

Powered by CitizenShipper - Car Shipping, Boat Shipping, Motorcycle Shipping and more