Boat Towing Carrier or Broker
There are many boat towing companies whose main business is the smaller loads, or even large power boats, but if you have big boat, it requires special loading and handling. First, ask if they are the ones who are going to transport your boat, or if they are just a broker. Second, ask if the driver they intend to load your boat has experience with your type of load. Ask as many specific questions as you can: how they intend to load your boat, will it require any special equipment, will the load require any special permits. If they cannot answer these questions easily and professionally, chances are they are either a broker or unfamiliar with your type of load.
Pick Reputable Boat Towing Company
Professional boat towing companies are expensive because they do their job right. They require the proper equipment; they hire experienced drivers and loaders, which command a premium price. Don't gamble with your boat just because a boat towing company has insurance either, anyone who has been around boats long enough knows that repairing damage is not quite the same thing with a boat as with other vehicles.
Tips to Prepare Your Boat for Towing
* Stow all loose gear and secure. Make certain that all loose items in your vessel such as plates, galley utensils, personal items or any other non-secured have been secured or removed from the vessel.
* Drain fuel and water tanks. There should not be any water in the bilge while it is being transported. During winter months, water should be drained from water systems, pumps, air conditioners, etc.
* Disconnect all battery cables. Remove any device or fixture that extends beyond the hull of the boat such as antennas, radar, compasses or depth sounders. These devices should be secured inside the boat for towing.
* Remove anchors from the deck.
* Dry out wooden boats. A coat of linseed oil will help.
* Remove canvas covers. Covers must be removed as they will tear or fly off during transit.
* Inspect cradles. If your boat has its own cradle, inspect it carefully for loose bolts or weakness of any kind.
* Dinghies. Do not leave dinghy on davits, these items should be well padded.
* External accessories. All electronics, radar, hailers, horns, antennas, propellers, flag masts, lights, anchor lights, etc. must be removed and securely stored below.
* Hatches. Tie and/or tape hatches from the outside. If the hatches leak, seal them. A boat will not sit in the same position on the carrier's trailer as it does in the water and the carrier cannot be responsible for rain water entering through a leaky hatch or deck.
* Windows / windshields. Cabin windows should be latched and taped from the outside. All windshields and/or Plexiglas that protrude over the flying bridge should be removed, packed with a cargo blanket and should be well secured below.
* Winterization. If you are towing your boat during the winter months, then you need to winterize the engine, toilets, the water systems or any other weather sensitive device on the vessel.
* Shrink wrap is an excellent way to protect your boat during towing. However, a poor shrink wrap may tear due to the high winds generated by road travel. If this happens, the vessel could suffer damage from the shrink wrap beating, chaffing and scratching the vessel. Boat movers will not accept responsibility for damages caused by shrink wrap.
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