| Boat Towing Carrier or Broker | | | | * Dry out wooden boats. A coat of linseed oil will |
| There are many boat towing companies whose main | | | | help. |
| business is the smaller loads, or even large power | | | | * Remove canvas covers. Covers must be removed |
| boats, but if you have big boat, it requires special | | | | as they will tear or fly off during transit. |
| loading and handling. First, ask if they are the ones | | | | * Inspect cradles. If your boat has its own cradle, |
| who are going to transport your boat, or if they are | | | | inspect it carefully for loose bolts or weakness of |
| just a broker. Second, ask if the driver they intend | | | | any kind. |
| to load your boat has experience with your type of | | | | * Dinghies. Do not leave dinghy on davits, these |
| load. Ask as many specific questions as you can: how | | | | items should be well padded. |
| they intend to load your boat, will it require any | | | | * External accessories. All electronics, radar, hailers, |
| special equipment, will the load require any special | | | | horns, antennas, propellers, flag masts, lights, anchor |
| permits. If they cannot answer these questions easily | | | | lights, etc. must be removed and securely stored |
| and professionally, chances are they are either a | | | | below. |
| broker or unfamiliar with your type of load. | | | | * Hatches. Tie and/or tape hatches from the outside. |
| Pick Reputable Boat Towing Company | | | | If the hatches leak, seal them. A boat will not sit in |
| Professional boat towing companies are expensive | | | | the same position on the carrier's trailer as it does in |
| because they do their job right. They require the | | | | the water and the carrier cannot be responsible for |
| proper equipment; they hire experienced drivers and | | | | rain water entering through a leaky hatch or deck. |
| loaders, which command a premium price. Don't | | | | * Windows / windshields. Cabin windows should be |
| gamble with your boat just because a boat towing | | | | latched and taped from the outside. All windshields |
| company has insurance either, anyone who has been | | | | and/or Plexiglas that protrude over the flying bridge |
| around boats long enough knows that repairing | | | | should be removed, packed with a cargo blanket and |
| damage is not quite the same thing with a boat as | | | | should be well secured below. |
| with other vehicles. | | | | * Winterization. If you are towing your boat during |
| Tips to Prepare Your Boat for Towing | | | | the winter months, then you need to winterize the |
| * Stow all loose gear and secure. Make certain that all | | | | engine, toilets, the water systems or any other |
| loose items in your vessel such as plates, galley | | | | weather sensitive device on the vessel. |
| utensils, personal items or any other non-secured | | | | * Shrink wrap is an excellent way to protect your |
| have been secured or removed from the vessel. | | | | boat during towing. However, a poor shrink wrap |
| * Drain fuel and water tanks. There should not be | | | | may tear due to the high winds generated by road |
| any water in the bilge while it is being transported. | | | | travel. If this happens, the vessel could suffer |
| During winter months, water should be drained from | | | | damage from the shrink wrap beating, chaffing and |
| water systems, pumps, air conditioners, etc. | | | | scratching the vessel. Boat movers will not accept |
| * Disconnect all battery cables. Remove any device | | | | responsibility for damages caused by shrink wrap. |
| or fixture that extends beyond the hull of the boat | | | | Towing portal helps people to save money and get |
| such as antennas, radar, compasses or depth | | | | much faster service, no matter that kind of transport |
| sounders. These devices should be secured inside the | | | | they need. Service is completely free for members |
| boat for towing. | | | | to post their loads. Visit and find more boat transport |
| * Remove anchors from the deck. | | | | tips. |