When it comes to shipping your boat, you want the safest transport so your boat is ready to cast off. No matter what size your yacht or boat is, it can be safely shipped to the location of your choice. There are a few factors to consider when shipping your boat. The time frame, the size of your vessel, where it’s being delivered, and preparing your boat should all be taken into consideration when choosing a boat transportation service.
Shipment Listing
First, figure out what your shipping needs are so you can create a listing. For example, calculating the time frame is necessary so your boat can be delivered at a time that works with your schedule. That information helps the boat transport service prepare your boat for a timely delivery. Communicate to the boat transportation service whether your boat will be on its own trailer or if a carrier’s trailer will be needed. Listing your shipment will indicate the measurements of your boat. Knowing the dimensions determines what method will be used when the boat is transported and the size of the trailer needed.
Preparing Your Boat for Shipment
Making the necessary preparations helps ensure a successful boat transport. This includes securing loose items so travel damage is avoided. Take photos before dismantling anything on your boat, so you have a reference when reassembling the boat after the transport. Also, remove all personal items from your boat and clean your boat’s exterior so it’s easy to inspect for damages. Here are some additional preparation tips to ensure your boat is ready for transport.
- Pick a loading spot that has a 14’ clearance
- Secure all loose gear below and above deck
- Close any hatches and seal them to avoid water damage
- Cabin windows need to be latched and taped from the outside
- Drain all fuel and water tanks and remove drain plugs from the hull
- Disconnect the battery and secure all cables away to prevent contact
Measuring Your Boat
To ensure your boat is transported safely, provide the correct measurements to the boat transportation service. It’s advised to manually measure your boat, even if you have the information from the owners manual. These are the type of measurements that a boat transportation service will need to transport your vessel.
- Measure the overall length from the tip of the bow to the center of the stern. Include the bow pulpits, swim platforms, motor brackets and the length of the motors
- To measure the overall height, start from the bottom of the keel to the highest non-removable part of the boat.
- The beam is measured from the widest point of the boat which includes the rub-rail
To transport your boat via interstate highways, the legal loaded height of your boat is required to be at or under 13’6″. If this is not possible, alternative choices are available, but keep in mind that the boat will take longer to transport. An oversize load permit will be needed if your boat is over 8’6″ wide. For boats that are over 12′ wide, they will require a certified escort which is added to your hauling charges.
Taking these factors into account will help you decide which transportation service to choose. For example, not all boat transportation services are equipped to handle vessels of larger sizes, which narrows down your choices. Also, some boat transportation services may not be able to deliver the boat where you need it. At Ship Your Boat Now, we are Florida’s premier boat transportation service. We are able to transport yachts and vessels of any size, and our support staff is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Contact us today for a free boat transportation quote today!