Sending your boat on a shipping voyage can be a stressful experience. You want to make sure that it arrives at its destination in the same condition as when it left, and that can take some preparation.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to prepare your boat for shipping and avoid any potential damage or problems.
Get a Quote
The first step is to get a quote from a shipping company. This will give you an idea of how much it will cost to ship your boat, and it will also help you choose the right company for the job. In the words of specialists from Cross Chartering and their website, you should pay attention to the company’s experience in shipping boats, the size and type of boat you have, the distance the boat will be traveling, and any special requirements you have, such as insurance or storage. These are all important factors that will affect the cost of shipping your boat.
Additionally, you should ask for quotes from multiple companies so that you can compare prices and services. This will help you find the best deal for your particular situation.
Clean Your Boat
Once you’ve chosen a shipping company, it’s time to start preparing your boat. The first step is to give it a good cleaning. This will remove any dirt, grime, or salt buildup that could potentially damage the boat during shipping. It’s important to clean both the inside and outside of the boat, including all surfaces, windows, and storage areas.
You should also make sure that any items onboard are securely stored and will not move around during shipping. Loose items can cause damage to the boat or injure someone during transit.
Remove All Personal Items
This includes anything that is not permanently attached to the boat, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics. These items can be damaged during shipping, so it’s best to remove them beforehand. Additionally, any food or drink onboard should be consumed or thrown away before shipping. The last thing you want is for your boat to arrive smelling like spoiled food!
On the other hand, there are some items that you’ll want to keep on the boat, such as life jackets, flares, and a fire extinguisher. Make sure these items are easily accessible in case of an emergency.
All batteries on the boat should be disconnected and/or disabled before shipping. This includes the main engine battery, as well as any batteries for appliances or electronics. If possible, they should be removed from the boat entirely. Batteries can leak during shipping and cause damage to the boat or injure someone.
Check Your Boat’s Fluid Levels
Before shipping your boat, you should check the levels of all fluids, including oil, fuel, and coolant. This will help prevent any problems during transit. You should also make sure that the bilge is clean and free of debris. If possible, you should also have the boat serviced before shipping. This will help ensure that everything is in good working order and may even identify potential problems that could occur during shipping.
It’s also important to remember that boats can’t be shipped with any fuel on board. You’ll need to drain the fuel tank and remove any gasoline cans from the boat before they can be shipped.
Pack Your Boat Properly
This is perhaps the most important step in preparing your boat for shipping. The boat must be properly secured for transport so that it doesn’t move around during shipping. This could damage the boat or injure someone onboard. You should start by removing any loose items from the boat, such as canvas covers, Biminis, and Dodgers. These items can be damaged during shipping. You should also remove any antennas, flags, or lines that are not needed for shipping.
Next, you’ll need to secure the boat to the trailer. You should use ratchet straps or tie-downs to do this. Make sure the straps are placed around the hull and not over any rails or other objects that could be damaged during shipping.
Finally, you’ll need to cover the boat for protection from the elements. You can use a tarp, shrink wrap, or a custom cover for this. Make sure the cover is securely fastened so that it doesn’t blow off during shipping.
On the other hand, shipping companies may have their requirements for packing and securing the boat. Be sure to ask about this before you ship your boat.
When preparing your boat for shipping, it’s important to take into account all of the guidelines provided. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your boat arrives safely and without any damage. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with a representative from your shipping company. They will be able to provide more specific instructions for your particular situation.