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Reparing Your Boat For Transport

It is your responsibility to ensure your boat is prepared for transport. Russell Marine Transport does not do boat prep; the boat should be prepped and ready to load onto our trailer when we arrive.

Russell Marine Transport
Russell Marine Transport
  • Remove any loose items in the cockpit area. Stow and secure all loose gear. Remove anchors from the deck. Remove seat cushions. Remove all canvas and clear marine vinyl (isinglass), as it will likely tear or fly off in transit. Store all loose items in a secured locker or below deck. Consider removing all electronics and other valuable items from your flybridge/cockpit.
  • Any objects that can alter the measurements provided, such as radar, antennas, other electronics, arches, horns, propellers, flag masts, outriggers, screens, captain’s chairs, steering wheels, cushions, lights, windshields, or any other items that can affect boat dimensions need to be removed and securely stored. • Inboard/outboard or outboard motors should be raised and locked. We may request propellers and/or rudders be removed and stored securely. Ladders should be up and secured.
  • Canvas boat covers should be removed and stored for transport as they will tear or fly off during transport. • Tape hatches closed for transport and make sure they are securely sealed. Also tape latches to ensure they don’t open during transport.
  • Water tanks should be emptied and fuel should be kept to a minimum as liquids on board can add a great deal of weight, as well as a hazard. For winter transports you should winterize your boat. Also ensure there is no water in the bilge.
  • Disconnect your batteries and tie off the cables so that batteries don’t die in transit.
  • Latch all windows and tape them from inside the boat. If a windshield extends above the flybridge it should be removed and securely packed.
  • Many states require inspections for Zebra Mussels. Be sure your hull is clean and the through the hull fittings are all clean and dry in the event the boat is inspected. If you know your boat is going to a state where Zebra Mussels are an issue you may need to have a professional decontamination done of your boat before transport with a certificate provided to ensure no issues.
  • Shrink wrap is only useful if it’s done correctly. If it’s not, the wrap can tear and flap and potentially damage the boat. In our experience, we are hesitant to recommend shrink wrapping due to the risks and the time our drivers have to take to remove it if it does tear (not to mention their safety). A good detail of a boat when it arrives will remove any road buildup.
  • If your boat is oversized, it may need to be loaded onto our trailer backwards which will add compounded wind pressure on your windshield. If there is any question about your windshield being able to withstand the wind pressure, it’s a good idea to remove the windshield and secure it underneath.
  • If you are planning to transport a wood boat by road, be sure to get a full and thorough inspection of the entire boat by someone highly qualified. As an extra precaution, you may consider having a cradle built for your wood boat that allows for ideal weight distribution. We could load the boat onto our trailer secured in the cradle. Please always consult with us first so we can discuss the best option together.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about any part of your boat’s prep please just give us a call!
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