PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Here are a few tips to getting your boat ready for its trip:
Basic Boat Prep
- All loose items in your vessel such as plates, books, galley utensils, and personal items should be removed or secured.
- Store and secure or remove soft furnishings such as tops, seat cushions as well as windshields.
- All above deck electronics, anchors, winch handles, lines and equipment must be stowed safely below or in a lockable compartment.
- Empty all water and holding tanks.
- Turn off battery switch or disconnect battery cables.
- Empty fuel in tanks, do not top off.
- Remove the plug from the boat.
- If applicable, remove devices and fixture that extend beyond the hull of the vessel such as antennas and radars. These devices should be secured inside the vessel for shipping.
- Items should be removed if they render the boat over an acceptable height, generally over 11' (keel to highest point).
- Raise the motor/s all the way up.
- If you are moving the boat during the winter months, it is recommended that you winterize the engine, toilets, water systems and any other weather sensitive device on the vessel.
- Check your boat for general wear and tear. Tidal Marine Transport cannot take responsibility for damage due to weakness or inherent dry rot. The boat must be strong enough to withstand overland shipment.
Trailer Prep
If you are shipping the boat on your own trailer Tidal Marine Transport cannot be responsible for damage caused by the trailer. Also, any damage that occurs to the trailer is your responsibility.
- Bunks should be properly adjusted and not rotted.
- Check tires for signs of wear and dry-rot, and replace if necessary.
- The trailer should have a spare tire.
- Check bearings and grease if necessary.
- Check trailer lights. Replace bulbs and/or lights if necessary.
- Check trailer brakes if applicable.
- The trailer must have a current registration.
- Keep in mind that breakdowns do sometimes happen. You are responsible for all costs for any breakdowns and repairs to your equipment, including additional expenses associated thereof such as lodging will be added and collected at time of delivery.