What should I ask boat transporters?

[Tetra]

I'm looking at a boat purchase that would involve the trucking of a boat from there to here. (No, it can't be sailed here.) I'm reaching out to a handful of transporters that have been recommended by my local boat yard.

Other than estimated cost (and where unplanned costs might surface), what should I ask them to explain up front? I've not seen one of these contracts before, but it seems like there should be a defined statement of work that details what they will and will not do and what a supporting boat yard would need to do (both loading and unloading). I'll ask about insurance, but what else should I bring up with potential movers? Everyone I'm contacting has performed well enough for my boat yard to earn a recommendation, but there may be things that I need to know/ask up front and I'm blazing a new trail here.

Thoughts?

[a64pilot]

There may be work you want to get done while the mast is down too.
I came close to having a boat trucked and you seem to be asking the right questions

[Tayana42]

I'm assuming you've worked out who will pull the rigging sails etc. and who will set the rig up on your end. Here are some thoughts to consider.

How will the mast and boom be supported?

Will the boat and spars be shrink wrapped?

What liability coverage does the shipper have and what limits or exclusions are there?

What route will they take and does that require a lead car or special fees?




S/V B'Shert

[tbodine88]

Be sure and tie down as well as dog down any hatches opening in the direction of travel. My forward hatch was broken in transit from Florida to California when this wasn't done

[onestepcsy37]

And get a gps tracker, like the one made by Spot, to keep track of where your boat is. Dont tell the trucker about the tracker.

[msponer]

While we are listing tips for prepping a boat for trucking:

• Tie or blue tape doors and cabinet doors open or closed, so they don't slam open and shut over and over again
• Carefully look for anything that could swing and rub into wood. I've heard of a hanging pendant wearing an arc into a bulkhead
• Blue tape down (or remove) instrument and compass covers, lest they blow off
• Remove dorades (if they are the kind that pop out)

There's a whole lot more, but they are all common sense once you imagine your boat rocking from side to side at 55 mph for days.


Photo of from my previous boat, inside, prepped for a road trip from Florida to California.

[Tetra]

Great feedback, folks. Thanks.

[Joyful Noise]

I have no answers but several questions. I may need to move a boat from Long Island NY to the pacific Northwest. How and from whom do I obtain a quote to have that done.

Thank you

[msponer]

These references are only marginally useful, since I moved my boat nine years ago. It's of course best to find someone with more recent experience.

• Joule Yacht Transport moved my 40' boat from Ft Lauderdale to San Diego.
• Dudley Boats, based in the PNW, was recommended to me
• Associated Boat Transport was also recommended to me

[bretto55]

You can ask the carriers for some references and check 'em out. Ask around at Marina's etc.

[Cheechako]

Ask how they protect the mast. I've had a hole rubbed thru the mast during shipment. it was wrapped in carpet etc but rubbed all the way thru, and it seems they don't care to even look along the way.


Also, ask if they are insured and bonded and tell them you need the documents before they load.
it seems transporters of goods have a scheme now days where they leave and then hold your stuff hostage for more $ along the way.
For that reason I would only use the biggest best known companies specializing in boat transport.... not some middle man brokering it.


Associated was a good company years ago. Don't know now.