Yacht transportation is way more difficult than the usual towing of a car or shipping of cargo. It requires expertise and resources. Yachts are usually expensive, and people spend a lot on buying and maintaining them. People make mistakes by ignoring a few important things during transportation.
For efficient transportation of your yacht, you need to put in extra effort instead of just hiring professional nationwide yacht movers. If you are planning to arrange yacht transport by road, then understand the following common mistakes to avoid them, because these mistakes can damage your yacht and cost you a lot.
1. Not Going for Thorough Inspection of the Boat
A lot of boat owners are in a hurry and skip the pre-transport inspection of the boat. It’s a very big mistake, so to avoid it, always keep a record of your yacht’s condition before it gets transported.
Take pictures from every angle thoroughly, paying particular attention to the antennas, propellers, hulls, and any other delicate areas. If there are already any cracks, scratches, or problems, note them down. Although your personal record ensures transparency, chosen professional nationwide yacht movers may also perform their own inspection.
You may need this record later to submit an insurance claim if your boat gets damaged during transportation. Although people may not give much attention to the pre-inspection task, it is very important to protect your yacht.
2. Not Verifying the Credentials of the Chosen Company
A common misconception is that all boat transporters are the same. Not every company that provides US-based yacht transport services complies with safety standards or has the necessary licenses to operate. The safety of your yacht can be seriously compromised if you choose the wrong service provider.
Before hiring any company for yacht transport by road, get its DOT (Department of Transportation) and MC (Motor Carrier) numbers and proof of insurance. With the help of these numbers, you can verify whether your chosen transporter has the right to operate in your state or not. It is important to know that the company’s operations comply with transportation laws for safe transportation.
To verify the background of the company, spend some time reading reviews. You can check out consumer reviews on different websites. Always choose the company that has solid credentials and a solid track record for transportation.
3. Ignoring Permits and Route Planning
Large yachts require special licenses to get transported by road, particularly ones that are wider than 8.5 feet or taller than 13.5 feet once loaded. Many states have applied different limitations on transport. In different states of the US, transporting large loads on weekends or in bad weather is not allowed.
Professional nationwide yacht movers typically take care of planning and permissions, but you have to share precise information about your yacht, such as height, width, and length or any additional equipment that can increase the width or height of the transportation load.
If you do not share the information precisely, the transportation gets delayed when the transporter finds out that the given dimensions are incorrect. For efficient route planning and taking permission, always share the right dimensions of your yacht with service providers.
4. No Preparation of the Yacht Before It’s Transported
Poor pre-transport preparation of your yacht may lead to expensive damage and unexpected delays. If you do not prepare your yacht, it will not only cause damage but also mean you cannot claim the insurance later.
Consider the following things to prepare the yacht for transportation. To minimize total weight, you must empty the gasoline and water tanks, remove all valuables, electronics, and personal items from the cabin, and secure or remove any loose components such as radar arches, antennae, and canvas covers.
It is important to lock hatches, fasten doors, and cover delicate parts with protective materials. A properly equipped and prepared yacht can be transported safely and efficiently by US-based yacht transport service providers.
5. Not Reading the Contract Carefully
One of the most common mistakes people make while using US-based yacht shipping services is not reading the contract carefully. A contract defines what is included in the service and what to expect in the uncertain situation, so it is more than simply a formality.
The important information, such as insurance coverage, payment terms, cancellation policies, and what happens in the event of delays, can be overlooked by you if you do not pay attention to the paperwork.
Ask questions instead of making assumptions if there is anything that is not clearly defined in the agreement. To safeguard your investment and avoid future disputes, read the contract thoroughly.
In the End
Clear communication, strategic planning, and expert handling are required for the safe transport of a yacht. You may ensure that your boat arrives safely on time by avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes, such as not checking credentials, skipping inspections, not preparing the yacht, ignoring route planning, and not reading the contract.
When it comes to yacht transport by road, every detail matters. You can take services from Set Sail Boat Transport to transport your yacht because it has a solid background and track record in US-based yacht transport services.