Monday, May 26, 2014

Boat Transport

We offer boat transport and logistics for transportation of yachts, sailboats and powerboats. We specialise in transporting boats regardless of their size or type.

Boat Shipping Services

Boat Shipping Options

Shipping Boats

  • Boat Transport
  • Insurance
  • Packaging, Dismantling
  • Shrink-wrapping
  • Cradle Supply
  • Customs
  • Container Shipping
  • Roll-on - Roll-off
  • Semi-submersible
  • Lift-on - Lift-off
  • Road, Rail & Ship
  • Sail
  • Trailerable Boats
  • From Dinghys to Trimarans.
  • Jetski - Personal Watercraft
  • Powerboats
  • From skiffs to 50ft cruisers
How well you prepare your boat for travel is going to determine the condition it will be in when it arrives at its destination. Securing everything will protect your boat during the transportation process, and identifying any preexisting damage will save you from having to answer to complaints on the other end when the boat arrives.
As service providers will not be held responsible for damages incurred from improper travel and loading preparations, it is important that you prepare the boat yourself, or have a qualified boat yard do so. It is also advised that you have it inspected by a licensed marine surveyor. You need to have your boat prepped for pick-up before the transporter arrives. Give yourself plenty of time for this, it may take more than a day. If possible, be prepped early just in case the transport company needs to come a day early for weather or any other reasons.
Pick a marina or boatyard as a loading spot that has a 14' clearance, so that branches and wires will not interfere with your boat at the beginning of its trip. If you or your agent have not already chosen a marina or boatyard for your drop-off point, you can ask your service provider if they can refer you to one in the destination area. Again, make sure it has a 14' clearance.
Before dismantling anything on your boat, take photos so that you have something to reference when reassembling the boat after the transport. Then, you can remove all personal items from your boat. Clean and inspect your boat's exterior for any damages. Make a list of any problems found and take photos and date these if possible. The driver you hire will run another assessment with you for your Condition Report, but its good to have an idea of what to point out to him when he arrives.
  • Secure all loose gear above and below deck.
  • Close and secure any hatches by tying or taping them. If they leak, seal them to avoid any possible water damage.
  • Cabin windows also need to be latched and taped from the outside.
  • Drain all fuel and water tanks (some companies say to drain until 1/4 full, others want them completely empty), and remove any drain plugs from the hull.
  • To avoid damage during the winter months, all water systems, pumps, and air conditioners, etc. should be drained of any water.
  • Disconnect batteries, and secure the cables away from it to prevent any contact.
Any external accessories and anything protruding past the hull must be removed, securely padded, packed and stored below.
  • Remove any valuable electronics and anchors from the deck, pad and secure what you can in the cabin. The same goes for any windshield or Plexiglas that protrudes over the flying bridge.
  • In the case of something large, such as a dinghy or any superstructure, secure it on board and make sure it is well-padded.
  • If your boat has a radar arch or fly-bridge which causes it to load out higher than 13 Feet 6 Inches, they will need to be removed, padded and secured to the boat.
  • Damage or loss of these external items do not fall under the service provider's responsibility. Once everything is secured below, lock the cabin and keep the key during travel.
Remove any boat covers. Shrink wrap is not always advised, because it easily rips during travel and can cause damage to your boat. If you do choose to have your boat shrink wrapped, transporters will attempt to fix any tears during travel, however they cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by shrink wrap, or any other coverings.

To avoid having a wooden boat dry out during transport, coat it with linseed oil.

Remember, your boat will be experiencing stronger winds than it is used to, so expect it to arrive with normal travel wear and dirt from the roads.

Ashley Bulluck
Sales Manager
Gulf Express International LLC
1810 Garfield Street
Hollywood FL, 33020
Ph: 954-589-0170
Fax: 954-589-2855
abulluck@gulfexpressintl.com

www.gulfexpressintl.com