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Transporting a small boat is not a tough task, but your boat requires a few preparations before getting transported. Yes, you read it right, if you avoid the boat preparation, then it can lead to damage, delays, and extra expenses.
If you are planning to transport your boat for a water adventure or want to sell it, then it’s your responsibility to make sure that your boat gets transported safely on time. This blog shares a few tips that you can consider while preparing your small boat for shipping, whether you are hiring cost-effective small boat hauling services or doing it yourself.
Make sure your boat is clean before loading. Many people think that this step is not very important, but cleaning before transportation helps you spot the dings, dents, and scratches. Cleaning your boat also removes the salt and dust that can damage delicate parts and the paint of the boat.
During cleaning, also focus on the interior of the boat and remove personal belongings, trash, and equipment to avoid costly repairs and loss. This not only helps your boat weigh less overall, but it also lets the shipping company know you're ready for small boat shipping.
If your boat is not properly covered, its surface may be prone to damage while being transported. You need to protect it from dust, dirt, rain, and even road filth with a high-quality cover. Invest in shrink wrapping if your boat does not have a fitted cover.
During small boat shipping, this tight wrap minimizes wind drag while protecting the structure. When your boat reaches its destination, because of covering, it gets unloaded quickly and easily, and you do not need to clean it again after delivery.
This is one of the best tips to avoid damage and ensure cost-effective small boat hauling from beginning to end. A professional small boat transport company like ours offers wrapping services, so you can consider us for wrapping assistance.
Remove anything that is not properly attached to the boat. During transportation, objects such as deck chairs, cushions, antennas, and fishing poles may move and become the reason for internal damage or scratches.
These things can be misplaced or damaged during small boat shipping, particularly when transporting over long distances. Sometimes, people forget to take things out of lockers, under seats, or side compartments, so always check these areas twice for your boat's safety.
Other than the risk of damage, loose parts of your boat can cause road accidents if they fly off. Our small boat transport company can deliver your boat safely and more efficiently if you remove loose and fragile parts of your boat.
It is important to make sure that the trailer is road-ready, whether you are using your own trailer or a company-provided trailer. A suitable trailer is one of the most important things you need for safe and secure boat transportation.
During examination, check the tires first for cracks and air pressure. Then, check the brake system and trailer lights. Verify the condition of the safety chains and winch strap. For safe, balanced transportation, your trailer has to be the same size and weight as your boat.
Ask about trailer checks if you are using a small boat transport and trailer service. A trailer failure while transporting can be expensive and inconvenient because of damage and delays.
An important step that many owners overlook is emptying the fuel, water, and waste tanks. A boat with its tanks drained is safer to transport, particularly over long distances.
Less liquid weight minimizes the chance of spills or leaks and cuts transportation expenses. The battery needs to be taken out or unplugged and stored securely. By taking these precautions, you reduce the risk of fire, electrical problems, or fluid leaks during small boat shipping. We offer cost-effective small boat hauling services for dry, safe, and lighter boats.
When the boats are not secured properly on a trailer, they can tilt or shift while being transported, which can lead to major problems. Use adjustable straps or strong tie-downs to secure your boat. Pay attention to the center, stern, and bow. When on the trailer, the hull of the boat has to be level and not bounce. Proper strapping technique is required because loose straps are risky, and tight straps can damage the structure of your boat.
While collaborating with a boat transportation company, find out whether the company that is providing small boat transport and trailer services to you uses marine-grade straps and the right tie-down techniques.
Along with protection, proper strapping makes sure your small boat stays within the permitted width and height ranges. This tip is very beneficial for cost-effective small boat hauling.
Your boat is an investment rather than just a vehicle, and being well-prepared can make all the difference when it comes to transporting it. You can consider the above-mentioned tips for safe, cost-effective, and stress-free transportation of your boat.
For cost-effective small boat hauling, you can consider Set Sail Boat Transport because we provide professional assistance from small boat transport to trailer services. We can take care of the whole transportation process from loading to unloading.