If you're a boat owner preparing for a big move, you may be considering whether to haul it yourself or hire a vehicle transporter. To help you decide, here is a guide on how to prepare your boat for transport and streamline the moving process. 

What Are the Options?

How you transport your vessel will depend on the size and type of boat in addition to its final destination. Smaller boats, like fishing or sailboats, can be transported on land using a trailer or cradle. 

Larger vessels, like oversized powerboats and yachts, may require a professional vehicle transporter to ensure compliance with city and state regulations, such as permitting, height restrictions, and police escorts, when required by city ordinances. 

How to Prepare for Personal Transport

Measure your boat's overall height, length, and width to ensure you're within legal transportation limits. If your boat exceeds legal load heights, consider alternatives such as taking non-interstate routes or acquiring oversized load permits.

Before transport, secure loose equipment above and below deck and remove items that could become damaged. Close and lock all hatches and cabin windows to prevent them from falling open in transit. Disconnect your boat's battery, empty the fuel and water tanks, and remove the drain plug from the hull. 

How to Prepare for Professional Transport

As with personal transport, the measurement of your boat is equally important when using a professional vehicle transporter. The size of the boat will determine the cost and its unique needs during transit, so your measurements must be as accurate as possible.

Prepare your boat as you would for personal transport. Take extra care to inspect for pre-existing defects, and snap time-stamped photos for insurance purposes if your boat becomes damaged in transit. 

Contact the transport service well in advance to ensure they can find the most effective route for your timeline and determine the correct carrier size needed to accommodate your vessel. Discuss any required permits as well as transportation insurance, if necessary. 

Ship your boat with confidence when you choose Wrightway Auto Carriers in Anchorage. With over 60 years of experience transporting boats in and out of Alaska, their experienced staff will work with you to safely prepare and ship your vessel. Contact them today at (907) 277-4549 to request a quote, or visit them online to learn more about their services.