Summer is approaching, which means it’s almost time to get your boat out of storage and ready for the water. Whether you’re moving your boat to a new location or storing it for the season, you need to know the basics of boat transportation to ensure you get from point A to point B safely. In this guide, we’ll review why boat towing is valuable and each step you need to complete before the boat is ready for transport.
Why would you need to tow a boat?
Towing is a necessity for many people that enjoy spending time on the water to go fishing, soak in the sun, or travel with their boat. These are several reasons you might need to tow your boat. If you’re moving to a new location, you’ll need to transport it yourself; if you’re taking your boat to a repair shop, you’ll need to tow it there, too. Additionally, if you’re storing your boat for the winter or for an extended period, you’ll have to get it to a storage facility. Sometimes, you might need to tow your boat to a launch site if the water levels are too low to launch from a dock or ramp. Whatever the reason, the entire towing process requires careful planning and execution to ensure that it arrives at its destination safely and in good condition.
Because transporting a boat can be complex and stressful, you need to plan ahead. Boats come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, each requiring a unique approach to transport safely. Also, boats are often heavy, making them difficult to tow. The size and weight of the boat can also make it challenging to find the right type of trailer, tie-downs, and other equipment needed for the job. Boat transportation also requires complying with local and federal regulations and laws, including weight limits, permit requirements, and road restrictions.
Determine the best mode of transport for your boat
Regardless of what type of boat you have, you need to find the right method to transport it. Trailering, which involves using a trailer to haul the boat on land, is the most common method for smaller boats easily towed behind a vehicle. Usually, a boat must be smaller than 8.5 feet to be trailered on any road or highway.
If a boat is too large to fit on a trailer, you can ship it by sea or land. This requires heavier equipment and larger vehicles. For extremely large boats, crane transport may be necessary. This method involves using a crane to lift a boat onto a flatbed trailer.
Prepare the boat for transport
As you prepare your boat for transport, you’ll need to do more than just check it for damage. Here are a few things to put on your to-do list:
- Drain all the water from the boat. Water adds extra weight, which could cause damage during transport. Inspect all the water tanks and areas where water could collect, draining any excess.
- Remove any loose items. You don’t want your fishing gear, bench and chair cushions or electronics to fly off the boat during transport. Remove these items to protect them from damage.
- Secure the boat. Use high-quality tie-downs to secure the boat to the trailer or shipping container. You can use ratchet straps for additional support.
- Check the condition of your trailer. Be sure to check for a flat tire, that all tail lights are in working order, and if all the parts are there.
- Check the condition of your boat. Inspect the hull, engine, and any accessories for damage. Any noticeable flaws should be fixed before going out on the water.
- Review your insurance policy. If it’s your first time taking your boat out for the season, you’ll want to review all your insurance policies to ensure they’re still current. It’s also good to see if your policy reflects your state regulations.
- Put the appropriate level of fuel in the boat. Depending on whether you’re trailering the boat yourself or hiring a towing company, the amount of gas you put in the boat will differ. Most towing companies recommend you have no more than ¼ of a tank during transport.
Transport the boat with a professional heavy towing company
Although it’s an investment, hiring a towing service for boat transportation can eliminate the stress and hassle of doing it yourself. Transporting a boat requires a lot of expertise, and it’s best to leave it to the professionals. If you don’t have the means to transport a boat or you’re looking for a boat transporter you can count on, call Massey Towing and Truck Service. When it comes to finding heavy towing in Dallas, we’re here for all your towing needs and have professionals trained to handle large equipment like boats, cars, or other large vehicles properly. We can help you determine the best mode of transport for your boat and provide you with all the necessary equipment, including trailers, cranes, and shipping containers.
Our drivers and mechanics specialize in heavy towing in Dallas and have years of experience transporting all kinds of boats, from small fishing boats to large yachts. We understand the importance of handling your boat with care, and our team of professionals is committed to ensuring that your boat arrives at its destination safely and on time. With no hidden fees and 24/7 service, you’ll know exactly how much you invest every time you tow with us. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
