Do not weigh your Boat down while it’s is being moved on the highway.
Boat transport can be costly if you have ever requested a quote, you know. One way you can reduce some of those costs and potential surprise charges is to drain water from the boat. This means water as well as sewage. Yuck. Let’s admit it, there is already enough crap on the highway, no pun intended.
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 extra 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, obviously and space in a truck is already limited.)
Fuel is a big issue to transport on the highways for more than one reason. If you are buying a new boat don’t let them “fuel her up” for you…please. 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. Fuel tanks should only contain enough fuel to reasonably get you to a fuel dock once the boat is in the water. Less than 25% max is typically acceptable. Excessive fuel can also be dangerous and could require a hazmat permit. If you are just moving your boat, you do not want to even remotely be faced with that issue. More importantly consider safety first. In case of an accident you don’t want your family or others on the highway with a boat full of fuel.
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. An important thing to remember is this…just about any rig can tow your boat down the highway but can it quickly stop it safely? That is the main issue.
The last time we move a boat that was loaded down with “extra possessions”, and was deemed overweight by Florida Department of Transportation, it ended up costing the owner, yes, the owner, over $1,000 and the driver was delayed more than 2 hours sitting waiting for the ticket to figured and written.
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 dry weight. If there are major concerns regarding the weight a weight ticket can be obtained along the road at the nearest facility.
As always if you have questions or comments feel free to contact us.