Using A Boat Transport Service To Move Your Yacht

By Leticia Jensen


People who own yachts will usually have a permanent position for them in a nearby harbor or marina. The boats are easy to access every weekend for a short sail, or even overnight trips. Sometimes, however, boats or yachts need to be moved to further locations, and for this, the owner may require some form of boat transport service.

If you would like to have your yacht transported on land to a different location, you may need to hire a reputable company. Try to get some recommendations of good companies, as you don't want such an expensive asset to be mishandled. The company should have adequate experience with moving large and heavy items, and should have the right equipment to do so. The job will be costly, but it may be your only option.

Boats are heavy, and therefore need a strong truck to pull them. Sometimes large items like boats need certain permits to be able to move on roadways. These permits are referred to as DOT permits, or Department of Transportation permits. The measurements of your yacht will determine the requirements. The length and height of the yacht should be determined, and the measurements should be from the bottom of the keel to the top piece that cannot be dismantled.

The price from the company that moves your yacht may depend on where they will need to go and which trailer will be adequate for the size and weight of the yacht. You can go with the cheapest offer provided that the company is experienced. Insurance costs are usually included.

Once an adequate company has been chosen, you can start to make preparations for the trip. Besides the dismantling of some of the parts of the yacht, there could be extra precautions necessary. Boats sometimes travel in shrink-wrap to remain in good condition, and no journey should be taken with gas tanks that are full. Take out all the loose items in the yacht as well.

Another way for your yacht to travel is over the sea, just as it was meant to do. This is provided that your yacht is capable of traveling the distance required, and that it is adequately licensed for seaworthiness, night sails, long distances etc. Just like you can hire people to tow your yacht, you can hire people to sail it to a different location.

If you have some time to spare, you might even decide to sail your own yacht to its new harbor. Good and enthusiastic sailors often do this, although they usually gather up a skilled crew to go with them. The crew can be friends or hired persons, but they must be good sailors with some experience. The yacht will need to be stocked with food, water and all other necessary supplies.

Ferry services for boats are available from certain cities. This could be a slightly cheaper option than by road, and one that you may find preferable. The ferry ships are made so that they can load boats easily, without a crane or other heavy lifting device.




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