List of items the boat owner is responsible for prior to the transport of the boat:
- Make certain that all loose items in your vessel such as plates, galley utensils, personal items or any other non secured items have been secured or removed from the vessel.
- Disconnect all Battery Cables.
- Remove any device or fixture that extends beyond the hull of the vessel such as antennas, radar, compasses or depth sounders. These devices should be secured inside the vessel for shipping.
- All items inside your boat should be stowed and properly secured. Drawers and cup boards should be taped shut. We do not assume any responsibility for damages that occur due to items shifting inside the cabin.
- All ports, hatches, windows, ETC should be locked and tightly shut. Check all fittings for weakness or rotting. Tape over hatches and locks. We are not responsible for the hatches that blow open or windows that break due to wind damage.
- We also are not responsible for any household items left inside the boat. Stereos, televisions, VCR’s and such should be secured. The cabin should be locked and the key taken with you. Please do not give the key to the driver for he might forget to leave it in the boat.
- Lifelines, stanchions, and bow/ stern pulpits should be removed if they cause the boat to be over height. The legal limit is 13′ 6″ in most states. This means that the total height of your boat should not exceed 12′. If you boat does exceed 12′ please notify of this.
- Remove the drain plug from the hull.
- You will need to store and secure Plastic and Plexiglas windshields below.
- If you are moving the boat during the winter months, then you need to winterize the engine, toilets, the water systems- or any other weather sensitive device on the vessel.
- All canvases with the exception of tight snap on cockpit covers must be removed and secured below.
- Shrink wrap is an excellent way to protect your boat during transport. However, a poor shrink wrap may tear due to the high winds generated by road travel. If this happens, the vessel could suffer damage from the shrink wrap beating, chaffing and scratching the vessel. Our driver will make every effort to minimize damage by using shrink wrap tape, but if shrink wrap starts tearing too much he will simply have to completely remove it. Great Lakes Boat Haulers cannot accept responsibility for damages caused by shrink wrap.
- When moving a sail boat remove all standing rigging, lights, spreaders, wind indicators and all other types of mast rigging prior to transport. We can handle masts up to 43′ in most cradles on a trailer. Masts over 43′ should have an X cradle built and mounted on sailboat deck. Great Lakes Boat Haulers cannot assume liability for damage such as scratches or abrasions that may occur on the mast or damaged rigging or lights left on the mast during transport.
- We are responsible for securing boat to trailer and safe transport. You are responsible for prepping boat for transport. Preparation by our driver is available for additional cost.