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.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be of service.