Transporting a Boat by Road: Getting Started

Following a customer’s initial enquiry, either via our contact form, or by telephone, we begin the meticulous planning  process that ensures a trouble free move for the boat, the owner and ourselves.

Initially a verbal contact will be made to establish a maximum and minimum price range for the move. This has to take into account the probable time and  distance involved, the boat dimensions, any special escort requirements, and of course the potential to be matched with other traffic etc.

With those parameters established, we then set about planning the safest, most economical and efficient movement procedures for the boat.

At any one time we may have up to fifty “live” enquiries. And although they will not all be delivered by us [unfortunately], they provide a matrix or draft timetable, allowing  journeys to be linked and expensive “empty running” eliminated or at least reduced to a minimum.

We are constantly contacting customers to outline prospects for matched traffic and may be able to offer an advantageous median price – subject to the potential links being confirmed. At this point the customer may accept, refuse or defer the movement.

The objective is to fit all the various factors into a working combination – creating an opportunity for everyone to benefit from a cost effective, safe and efficient boat move

Each week, plans are carefully drawn up for the following week, enabling bookings to be made with all parties. (With some busy boatyards bookings may have to be made much sooner)

Police will be notified of “Abnormal Load Movements” where appropriate, escort vehicles booked if required and boatyards and marinas advised of arrival times.

We do ask that customers help us by preparing the boat for transport with a number of basic tasks.

Making your boat safe for transport by road

  • All ornaments and unsecured items inside the boat should be placed on the floor or beds and covered with cushions. (The boat will get a comfortable ride on our air suspended trailers but delicate items should be protected or removed)
  • Gas bottles and batteries should be turned off and isolated.
  • Hazardous materials must be removed
  • Radar arches, radio aerials and lighting gantries should be lowered or removed.
  • Splash screens should be removed or protected unless they are very strong and permanently fixed.
  • In almost all circumstances canopies should be removed. Many owners baulk at this but, apart from the obvious damage implications, torn or loose canvas could become detached and blow onto a following motor-cyclist.
  • Yacht masts should be placed on top of the boat wherever possible, carefully wrapped and insulated from vibration and chafing.
  • Ropes and fenders should be stowed safely.
  • These tasks should normally be carried out by the owner and / or boatyard staff but our drivers and attendants will help with safe stowage.
  • Any keys or paperwork requirements should be agreed in advance.

Loading procedures prior to boat transport

Boatyards and Marinas with cranes or hoists will have a crew of qualified operatives to load the boat onto our trailer.

We work together to ensure that the craft is safely placed on the vehicle, the keel lowered onto padded blocks on the the chassis, and the hull supported with adjustable padded arms. Ensuring that  the boat is safely “cradled” for transport by road.

The boat is then inspected for damage and if the owner is absent, pointed out to the loading team. The owner may be called and the damage photographed.

The travelling height of the load is carefully measured, ensuring that the vehicle will pass safely along the selected route (We can check the height against known bridge limits and ensure that the chosen route is safe.

More risky is the potential damage caused by low branches of trees especially after periods of rain. Hence our insistence on the removal of canopies and other vulnerable items.

Having stowed any ropes and fenders safely within the boat, the load is then strapped to the trailer.

As the journey progresses – especially in the early stages – frequent stops are made to check the security and safe condition of the boat.