Are you getting ready to have your boat transported soon? Transporting a boat of any size can be a hassle and it can even be dangerous if you don't know how to properly do it. This article reveals the best tips and suggestions for safely transporting your boat. Follow these basic procedures to ensure your boat is well taken care of and transported without any issues occurring.

The first thing you need to do is decide where you want to take your boat. If you are transporting your boat to a marina or boatyard you need to make sure there is at least a 14 foot high clearance. This is to make sure your boat can be easily and safely put into position. Also be sure to view the area prior to transportation to check for any low hanging branches or debris that could cause damage to your boat. If there are, ask if they can be removed or if there is a better area to take your boat that is free of these things.

Next you will need to find a reliable boat transportation service. Browse through the Yellow Pages of your local phone book or head online and perform a Google search for "boat transportation" followed by your city and state. These will turn up several companies that provide transportation services. Call each one and ask for a quote. Also be sure to ask for at least three references of past customers that you can contact. You will want to contact each reference and ask about the company's performance. Ask the past customers if they were happy with the boat transportation service, if it was reasonably priced and if any damage was done to their boat. If all things check out well you can proceed to prepare your boat for transportation.

Most transportation services do not provide any insurance for any of the gear within your boat. That being said, you will need to make sure that any loose equipment is stored away and that everything is secured well. If your boat has a cabin you will want to lock it and keep the key on you. If your boat has any gas or water in the tanks you will need to empty them. Transportation companies do not allow these things to be on board during transportation for safety reasons.

If you haven't done so already you will also need to disconnect your batteries and take any of your anchors off deck. If you have any external lights, a radar or any other electronics or extra gear it would be wise to remove these items as well. Again, boat transportation companies do not insure any of these things.

In conclusion, make sure you choose a reliable boat transportation company, remove any items that are not insured by the transporter, secure all on board gear and remove any gas in your boat's tanks. If you follow the steps listed above you will be well prepared for a safe boat transportation experience.

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