Vessel Preparation for Transport – Sailboat

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.