5 Yacht Transportation Tips

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5 Yacht Transportation Tips
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5 Yacht Transportation Tips

Yachts are not only large boats. They are an investment and a home away from home. You probably put a lot of thought into your yacht purchase. You picked the perfect style and the necessary features. You care for it and want it taken care of when it needs to be moved from place to place. Yachts have evolved over the years and now they are showpieces and conversation starters. They represent status and an opportunity to earn bragging rights within your circles.

We have found that as one of the premier yacht transporting companies in the United States, all of our clients pretty much have the same view when it comes to transporting their yacht…they all say, yacht transportation can be difficult and stressful. This is not just basic transport; yacht transport has so many moving pieces.

The transport company has to work with the marina to make sure that the lift is available to load the boat. This is just a single example of logistical planning that goes on behind the scenes. However, if one follows these yacht transportation tips, planning and carrying out your yacht transportation should be easier and less stressful.

Collecting Measurements
Like with any transport, certain measurements are needed to calculate shipping price and method. The length, beam, height, width, and weight of your yacht need to be carefully measured. Approximations that turn out incorrect could result in some serious problems. If the yacht is bigger or heavier than expected, it may not be able to be lifted by the crane available, it may be too large to fit through the hatch cover, or, for overland transport, the carrier booked could be insufficient for the job.
Also, if the yacht is heavier than recorded, it could present an unexpected risk to those working with or around it. Most yachts will require some type of permitting for transport. When you are transporting yachts, drivers are required to go through weight stations are subject to random inspections by the Department of Transportation. If the transport paperwork is not in order and is not accurate for the yacht that is being transported, then this can start an array of issues that can result in fines and even impounding of your yacht until the paperwork can be corrected.
Collecting Paperwork
Most of the paperwork necessary for shipping is handled by the transport company. However, the client needs to have these documents for customs clearance: certificate of registry, copy of passport, and copy of the commercial invoice. By having the previous documents ready, and planning shipping in advance, the whole process will go much smoother. This is mostly involved in international shipping. However, it is a good practice to make sure that you always have all of your yacht documents readily available and up to date. For transports that will be completed by land, the documents mentioned above will need to remain with you as the customer unless there is a requirement by your transportation company.
Insurance policies should also be examined. Your yacht will need to be adequately insured in order for it to be shipped. There is nothing wrong with you asking to see a copy of the insurance policy for your driver to make sure that everything is in order. If you have questions do not be afraid to ask them. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
Pictures
Damages happen from time to time. Even the best transportation companies can make mistakes and add a scratch or a ding to an otherwise perfect vessel. The best way to protect yourself from potential damage is to photograph your vessel before transportation. Take pictures of the outside and the inside. If any damages occur, it will be easier for your and the transportation company to settle.
You are going to also want to make sure that when the vessel is being picked up that you and the driver do a walk-around inspection of the boat and that if there are any issues with the boat that they are recorded on the pre-inspection paperwork. The same is true at delivery, make sure you and the driver once again walk around and inspect the boat before the driver leaves and before you sign off on the paperwork to receive the boat.
Preparing The Yacht For Transport
When preparing a yacht for transport, it is important to pay attention to the following points:
- Secure all loose items inside the yacht including everything located in the galley.
- All windows, ports, and hatches should be locked shut and the locking device should be taped over.
- Curtains located at the top and side of the yacht should be removed to prevent water damage.
- Electrical circuits should be closed and all batteries should be disconnected.
- All personal equipment and belongings should be verified and itemized before shipment.
- If the yacht is being shipped in a cradle, it needs to fit the exact contour of the hull and be in proper condition for the sea voyage.
- All fuel and water must be removed from the holding tanks.
- All lockers, drawers, and cabinet doors located inside the boat should be secured shut.
- Plastic or Plexiglas flybridge windshields should be removed and stored inside the vessel.
Choosing The Correct Transport Company
Just because the price looks right, doesn’t mean the transportation company is the best to meet the needs of your yacht transport. It is important to find a company that will meet your needs and gets your yacht from pickup to drop off safely. Being in this industry for as long as we have, we have seen and heard all types of stories from customers who went with a bargain yacht shipping company rather than selecting an experienced company such as ours.
There is no price discount that is worth you trusting an inexperienced company with transporting your yacht. Headaches tend to pile up real quick once they start happening when it comes to yacht transportation. The couple of bucks you saved will not be worth the headache. We Will Transport It can ship your yacht anywhere in the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, Virgin Islands, and Costa Rica. They are also able to transport internationally. Contact them online today or call them toll-free at 877-880-5991.