Are you worried about transporting your boat lift safely? It's true that every boat owner would want to make sure that their boat remains safe and in good condition throughout the journey. Seems like an overwhelming task, right? Believe us, it's not that difficult with the right planning. When you take careful steps, you can make the process smooth and stress-free.
It doesn't matter if you're planning a short trip to a neighboring state or preparing your boat for a longer move across the world. Having the right approach can help you make sure that your boat remains smooth and safe.
This step-wise guide can help you learn everything about how to transport a boat lift for a safe and successful move.
Keep in mind that preparation is necessary for a perfect journey. So, it’s advisable to thoroughly inspect your boat lift and check if there are any signs of damage. It's important to understand that these issues can become major problems during your transit. It saves you from unexpected headaches in the future.
Disassembly and Documentation
It’s essential to handle the disassembly process carefully if your boat requires disassembling for transport. Don’t forget to make a short list of all the parts you remove. You can also take photos at each stage of the disassembly.
If you haven’t moved a boat lift before, this will help you during reassembly at your destination. Always remember to store all the removed components in clearly labeled bags or containers. This way, it would be easy to find all the small parts.
Using a Wheel Kit
If your boat lift has a wheel kit, you should make sure that it’s properly attached and is working properly before you begin loading. A wheel kit can help you move your lift across uneven or narrow routes.
The next step after disassembly is organizing all the parts carefully. You can store the smaller items to prevent them from mishaps. It's better to protect the larger sections with padding or shrink wrap to prevent scratches during transport.
Even with careful preparation, your boat lift can get dirty because of road debris or bad weather conditions. Therefore, you should schedule cleaning at the receiving marina once your lift has been delivered. Keep in mind that almost all boat transportation companies do not include boat cleaning in their boat transport services.
You can consider loading as one of the most important stages of how to transport a boat lift correctly. Keep in mind that you may require specialized equipment, including cranes or forklifts. But these will depend on the size and weight of your boat. Make sure that everything is secured using heavy-duty straps.
Other than that, you may require additional safety measures for oversized lifts. These mainly include pilot cars or police escorts. All this equipment is necessary to keep your lift safe and help you rest assured that your boat lift will be transported in compliance with all standard regulations.
The cost of boat transport services varies based on these requirements. For example, the price per mile can range from $5.00 to $16.00. But it may fluctuate depending on the distance and size of the lift. You may have to pay extra if you need escorts or additional equipment.
Oversized loads such as large boat lifts often require state-issued permits before transport can begin. Never forget that standard regulations vary from state to state. So, it’s better to stay in touch with your transport provider to apply for permits in advance.
Route planning is equally important as other steps. You’ll need to avoid roads with low bridges, tight turns, or construction zones. Yes, transport companies map out the best available route.
However, you should still be prepared for the delays if sudden closures or weather can have an impact on how long your nationwide boat transportation journey or other transits will take. It can help you set realistic expectations for delivery time.
You can take the boat lift on the road once you secure everything and gather your permits. When you choose Set Sail Boat Transport, our professional drivers will begin the journey and check the load from time to time to ensure it remains stable.
When you're learning about how to transport a boat lift, keep in mind that road conditions and weather can affect the arrival time of your lift, especially during long-distance travel. It’s normal for equipment to gather dirt along the way, which is why we advise arranging a cleaning at your destination marina.
The experts unload the lift with the same care as the time of loading, and carry out the process with proper planning and handling. So, you can stay relaxed knowing that your boat lift is in good condition and ready for reassembly.
Are you unable to find an expert transporter to relocate your boat lift? At Set Sail Boat Transport, we specialize in boat transportation with expert care. It does not matter if you want to move your boat within neighboring states or different parts of the world.
You can learn how to transport a boat lift and protect your investment with our expert guidance. Our team will follow every step with extra care so that your lift returns in good condition. Contact us today and let our team keep your lift safe during the journey.