TRITON YACHT TRANSPORTERS       

The following guidelines should be considered in the preparation of a sailboat for transportation.  Initially the sails need to be removed, folded, bagged (if available) and stowed in the cabin.  It is preferable that the bottom be clean prior to transport, pressure washed as necessary.

    Mast/Rigging - The unrigged mast needs to be derigged.  The spreaders should be removed, preferably wrapped in bubble wrap and
    stowed in the boat cabin.  All cables, shrouds and lines should be preferably removed from the mast, labeled, coiled and bound so that
    they will not unroll.  All wind indicators and  antennae on top of the mast should be removed and carefully stowed in the boat cabin.  Carpet
    should be provided for the mast for use at the points of securing the mast to the carrier's trailer.  Ideally to prevent the mast, attached
    winches, etc. from being covered with road dirt during transit, the mast can be wrapped with bubble wrap.  (If this is done you should secure
    the wrap with tape such that it does not comes loose, e.g. tape in a candy cane fashion.)  There is potential that thre will be some chafing of
    mast during transit and therefore the better it is wrapped and carpeted the less chance for chafe.  The boom and spinnaker pole should be
    prepared similarly to the mast and can be stowed in the cabin or on the deck ensuring no movement during transit.  Do not secure the mast
    to the boat.  The roller furling system should be attached to the mast in a manner to support the drum.

    Anchor - Anchors should be secured so they can withstand the rigors of travel and do not cause damage during transit.  This can be on the
    anchor roller on the bow of the boat when feasible.

    Canvas and Covers - Dodger, bimini and any connector canvas need to be removed and stowed in the cabin.  The frames should be tied
    and secured such that there is no movement and no scratching of the metal.  Any other canvas on deck such as wheel cover, grab rail
    covers, winch covers, hatch covers should be removed and stowed.  All instrument covers need to be removed and stowed.

    Tankage - Preferably the water tanks should be drained and ideally the holding tank pumped out prior to the trip.  The fuel tank can be left
    with fuel in it.

    Centerboard - Any centerboard boats should be prepped such that the centerboard is secured in the up position during the trip.

    Cabin Interior - Secure everything in the cabin so there would not be any damage during transit.  All hatches should be dogged down and
    locked so they do not open during the trip.

    Miscellaneous - Lock the companionway on exiting the boat so that the slide stays closed during transit.  Remove the outboard and the
    dinghy from the boat.  If inflated, the dinghy can be stored on the trailer under the boat as space permits or if deflated and rolled up it could
    be stored inside the boat if secured properly.  Shut the propane tank off at the tank.  The bilge should be pumped dry.  If the boat is being
    transported during the winter the engine and the air conditioning systems need to be winterized.  If the boat has any towers or attachments
    that will exceed the height restrictions relative to the permit guidelines they will need to be removed and stowed appropriately.  This can be
    determined through consultation with the hauler.

The thing to remember is that during transit the exterior of your boat will be exposed to high winds and she needs to be prepared so that everything is secured and tied down for a safe and uneventful trip.  We hope that the above is helpful in knowing what is involved in decommissioning your boat and please contact us at 252.249.2001 if you have any questions and we will be happy to assist you.