When you need to move your boat from one place to another, whether it’s within a country or across borders, it’s important to prepare it for the trip. If you don’t get the boat ready, there are some serious repercussions. You could end up with a lot of damage, particularly in the interior of the boat.
If you’re hiring a haulage company to manage the move, you should check and see if they have any requirements that you need to know about. Otherwise, follow these steps:
Stow Your Gear
Everything must be stowed securely below deck. This means putting everything away in its proper spot and securing doors. You should use tape to offer extra door security. Ensure that nothing is loose, as even a small item can wreak havoc.
Remove Anything from the Deck
Your deck should be as clear as possible. This includes removing things like lines, anchors, and chains, antennas, plexiglass parts or aluminium pieces, as well as seat cushions. Ensure everything is securely stored below. You should also remove sails or canvas, as these tend to fly off at high speeds.
Drain the Tanks
Your fuel and water tanks should be completely drained. Ensure that there is no water left in the bilge and drain pumps, air conditioners, and anything else that may involve liquids. These can freeze in cold weather and they also cause weight changes that could be dangerous while on the road.
Disconnect Your Batteries
Any batteries need to be disconnected and secured to ensure they will not move around at all. Double check that they are stable before transport.
Seal and Lock Hatches and Windows
You need to be sure that nothing will fly open while your boat is in transit, so be sure to close and latch all openings. You should lock them if possible and then tape them closed. You may wish to seal the hatches, as it is possible that rainwater may get in while the boat is being hauled.
Clean the Bottom of the Boat
Ensure that the hull of your boat is cleared of barnacles and mussels before transport. If your boat is wooden, you may wish to add a layer of linseed oil to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
Take Photos of Any Existing Damage
To ensure that your boat doesn’t arrive with further damage, you will need to take photos of the boat before it leaves your possession. These images can be compared to the boat once it arrives, to see if there are any issues that require fixing. Many boat haulage companies will not assume responsibility for certain damages on the road, so you may wish to invest in insurance.
Transporting a boat is a big job and one that is best outsourced. Whether you haul it yourself or hire someone, you need to prepare the boat correctly first.
Looking for a boat haulier? Contact SG Haulage today for a quote.
