Ask the Experts | Quick Tips: Get Your Boat Ship Shape Before Shipping It Out

toneeees

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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Boating season is upon us. Whether you're getting the boat you just sold ready for shipping or sending your boat cross country for an extended period, keep these five, last minute quick tips in mind.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Take Photos Before Shipping
In the unlikely event your boat gets damaged in transit, you'll need to be aware of any issues the boat had before shipping it. Taking and keeping photos will help with any potential claims that come up. This also helps for reassembling the boat post-transport if necessary. Be sure to clean the boat first.
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Secure all loose gear above and below deck
Stuff moves around during a move. Be sure to 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. In the case of something large, like a dinghy or any superstructure, secure it on board and make sure it's well padded. Finally, disconnect the battery and secure the cables away from it to prevent any contact. Damage or loss of external items does not fall under the service provider's responsibility.
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Drain all fluids
All fuel and water tanks (don't forget the head) will need to be emptied before transport, and all drain plugs removed from the hull. When shipping during the winter, all water systems, pumps, and air conditioners should be drained of any water to avoid freezing and damage to the entire system.
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Don't forget the big stuff
If your boat has a radar arch or fly-bridge which causes it to load out higher than 13 feet 6 inches, it will need to be removed, padded and secured to the boat.
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Expect wear and tear
Your boat will be experience stronger winds than it is used to, so expect it to arrive with normal travel wear and dirt from the roads. If covered, secure the cover very tight. Chafing of the cover (rubbing or flapping in the wind) can cause damage to fiberglass, wood and the plexiglass of any windows. If you're going to lend your service provider your boat trailer, be sure it's in good working order too.
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Remember, any damage caused by failure to properly prepare the boat, including coverings or shrink wrap, will not be covered by the shipper. It's important to prep your boat for transport and clarify your service provider's coverage before making shipping arrangements.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]For additional shipping tips for your boat or any other vehicle, click to https://www.uship.com/.[/FONT]
 
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