So your boat transport cost much more than you thought…here are some things that can reduce that cost. During this hopefully very short fuel crisis in the South this past week, cost of fuel has become a concern for us all with a southern drawl and those headed in that direction.
One way you can reduce some of those costs and potential surprise charges is to drain water and sewage from the boat. Admit it, there is already enough crap moving along the highways. Let’s not add to it.
It is not a good idea to transport your personal belongings in your boat. This not only adds weight but puts stress on your boat. Your boat is meant to float not be jarred along the highway loaded down with “stuff”. If you have a cabin with kitchen facilities you may want to box up dishes, pans, glasses, etc. and carry them by car if possible. (Don’t ask your driver to carry them in his truck this does not decrease the weight of the rig and space in a truck is already limited.) Don’t load the boat down with furniture and clothing or worse.
A boat loaded down with fuel can cost you money. If you are buying a new boat tell your broker to not fill it full of fuel, only enough to get you to a marina or where you can fill her up yourself at your dock or home. This adds to the weight which is costly to the driver in his/her fuel costs and can cause problems at weigh stations for the driver if the permits call for one weight and the rig and cargo is heavier than it should be. Excessive fuel can also be dangerous and could require a hazmat permit. But more important, safety first, not a good idea for anyone on the highway for the fuel tanks to be full.
Unnecessary weight can get the driver a ticket which is passed on to you or fuel surcharges by some transport companies.
Another safety issue is the truck/trailer sent to load your vessel is usually determined by the max the boat should weigh. One rig may not be adequate to accommodate your vessel and all the extras which can cause delays, extra charges and/or safety issues along the road.
Weight can be estimated by the published “dry weight” of your vessel and then adding the weight of equipment, attachments, fuel and personal belongings and a few extra hundred pounds for good luck. If you are not certain of the weight, if we have the year, make, and exact model we can help you determine the boats weight. If there are major concerns regarding the weight a weight ticket can be obtained along the road at the nearest facility, which is not the best situation but can avoid weight tickets and delays.
Height – another issue that increases the cost of boat transport. If a boat can be reduced that is being hauled on a transport trailer it is best to keep the height if possible to 12’ or less. Not only is it cost effective but legal height is 13.5’ in height including the transport trailer. If you can reduce the height of the boat you must and this will save you money on transport cost. So often we are told by boat owners that they do not want to reduce the height, well it not only in your best interest monetarily but is required to 13.5’ in height if at all possible. If the railing or arch or bridge or the radar dome can dome down then it must. “But that cost me to do that “, well it is going to cost you if you don’t by either the transport company, the states your boat passes through or both. These expenses vary greatly state to state, but they usually are quite expensive.
If your small boat transport is being towed on its own trailer – service it before your boat hauler arrives. Make sure the lights and brakes work (if brakes are required). Make sure you have a spare tire. One expensive repair and/or tow along the highway could have paid for new tires and service to your trailer. Also there is the delay that will cost your driver time and that will cost you money.
If Flagship Specialized Shippers – Boat Transport, may assist you with your questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at 252-445-1480