Top 10 Tips for Preparing Your Boat For Transport

Preparing your boat for transport is not just an important step; it is a requirement to ensure safe and efficient transport. At Smitty’s Haulin’, we realize there are lots of options when it comes to moving a boat, so whether you have purchased your dream boat or just heading south for the winter please CONTACT US, and let us help guide you thru the choppy waters. This quick guide is designed to help you to prepare your vessel for a trip, whether it is across town or across the globe. If you want to lower the chances and secure your asset, follow these quick tips, keep in mind this is not an all inclusive list but it will get you off to the right start. Upon booking your transport with Smitty’s Haulin’, Inc, we will provide you with a comprehensive list along with the contract.


1. Documentation of inspection TO YOUR BOAT

First and foremost, inspect your boat well to record its condition. Take clear, close-up photos and video of every area on your boat including any areas with damage or wear. Although not necessary, this step is important for insurance reason as well being able to tell if any damage happened during the shipping. We take pictures upon pickup and delivery for this very reason.


2. Clean Your Boat Thoroughly

Ensure your boat is squeaky clean. Cleaning away marine growth and debris not only makes your inspection easier, but helps protect against the spread of aquatic invasive species. States such as TX, CA, WA, ID, MT, and OR require the hull and biildge to be thouroughy cleaned. 


3. Pack Up All Personal Items And Gear

Clear all personal items and secure unfastened objects in your boat. Any loose items can shift during transit and do interior damage or get lost by blowing off. Lock down all drawers, cupboards and storage compartments. No houshold items should be stored inside of the vessel during transport. As a gneral rule, if it is not bolted down, remove and stow it.


4. Remove any accesories

Remove any removable external components such as masts, antennas, radars, flags or outriggers that make the vessel too high for legal limits. If you can not remove them, make sure they are properly safeguarded.


5. Close the Gaps

Confirm all windows, hatches and doors are latched securely. Use strong, weather-resistant shrink tape to cover gaps and prevent openings from blowing open during the trip. Any accesories that have been removed should have any holes taped over to protect against rain.


6. Drain fluids, and turn batteries to the off position

Make sure all fuel and water tanks are emptied to the extent it is safe. Turn off all battery switches for transport, for longer transports disconnecting the batteries isn’t a bad idea to prevent dead batteries upon arrival. 


7. Examine the trailer or cradle

As for your trailer or cradle, have it well-prepped and ready to make the journey. Look for any structural weakness as in loose bolts or cracked welds. On trailers make sure tires are in good roadworthy condition, proper air pressures in each of the tires, brakes and lighting are functional. Make sure the vessel is well-supported, and secure tp the cradle or trailer.


8. There is no better time than the present to review and update your insurance coverage.

Secondly, you need to ensure that the transport in which your boat is being transported by will be insured. Understand your policy and ensure you have enough overland transport insurance, or any other applicable extensions.


9. Communication with the transport company

Tell Smitty’s Haulin’ all about your boat length, width, weight and type as well as any special loading instructions. The more we know about your situation and needs, the better equipped we are the smoother the transport process will be.


10. Read and adhere to contractual obligations

Know the terms indicated in your shipment contract. The most important thing is to know the responsibilities: making payments on time, going over your boat before and after every transport, being there at the pick up or delivery place whenever possible. Having all paper work signed and returned to Smitty’s Haulin’ as needed, helps this process run more seamless.


Conclusion

When preparing your boat for transport will keep it in good condition and reduce the risk of any damages. Following these suggestions to the is an important aspect of making a transport successful for everyone. If your boat is well-prepared then the transport process will be smooth and easy. At Smitty’s Haulin’ we take care of your boat and give you as much notice as possible when picking up or delivering, so please make sure it is ready ahead of time to save all involved from coming back another day.


For more inforatmation on how to prep your boat or to book your boat transport, contact Smitty’s Haulin’ Inc. Your journey is important, and we want to help you in every way.

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Smitty
James "Smitty" Smith, founder of Smitty's Haulin', is a U.S. Army Combat Engineer Veteran, retired Maritime SWAT Officer, and Deputy Sheriff from Calvert County, Maryland. His maritime roots run deep, having grown up in Solomons Island, Maryland, where he learned the art of fishing and crabbing from his grandfather, Capt. Henry Batchelor, beginning at the age of five. Smitty's passion for the water persisted through his teenage years and was further honed by his early work at a local marina. Following his military and law enforcement careers, which included roles in patrol and maritime SWAT, he turned his lifelong love for boats into a business. After Superstorm Sandy, Smitty's Haulin' Marine Specialized Transport was born, transforming from a hobby into a thriving company. Known for his commitment to excellence and a "no quit" attitude, Smitty has become a recognized leader in the marine transport industry, dedicated to making every client's dream a reality.
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