How to prep your boat

We are fully licensed, insured, and have over 20 years experience in the business. Our drivers will give the utmost care to deliver your boat in true condition. Keep in mind that the boat has to be strong enough to withstand shipment over land. We cannot be liable for damage due to structure flaws or weakness, or inherent dry rot. This information has been compiled to assist the boat owner in properly preparing and securing the boat for safe transportation. * Please supervise the preparation or have a responsible party do so to insure these guidelines are met. We cannot be liable for damage due to improper preparation or loading, faulty or defective cradles, trailers, chains, binders, or any equipment provided by the shipper.

The driver will fill out a cargo condition report prior to departing, whoever is supervising the load will be asked to sign it, noting any apparent faults. Another inspection will be conducted at delivery and again will be signed by accepting party, noting same or different faults.

* NOTE: IF BOAT IS NOT PROPERLY PREPARED FOR SHIPMENT, THE BOAT WILL BE SHIPPED “AS IS” AND WE WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY RESULTING DAMAGES.

All freight charges are in accordance with the current operating tariffs and  are due upon delivery in the form of cashiers, certified check, cash, or money order made payable to All Aboard Marine Transport llc. A two hour window is given for loading or off  loading. If there are any delays, a charge of $ 95 per hour will be assessed to the owner.

Legal height, as specified by the DOT, is 13’6”. Try to look for a marina or yard with a 14’ overhead clearance. Look for low branches, lamp posts, awnings, and wires…… these are not good. All Aboard Marine Transport cannot be held liable for damage due to low branches, wires, etc. unless we have previously been made aware of and discussed prior to delivery.

1. Radar arch must be completely cleared, I.e. Radar, GPS, antennas, etc.

2. Remove propellers, and occasionally rudders.

3. Secure and stow all loose gear below, including anchors, canvas covers, and tops. All items inside your boat such as galley utensils, plates, cups, lamps, and any decorations need to be safely secured and stored. We will not accept responsibility for lost items or damage caused by loose gear.

4.Some of the larger boats cannot be shipped with fuel or water in tanks, they must be drained ( including bilge).Remove drain plugs from hull.

5. Tie down and secure all hatches and windows. We cannot be liable for damage they may cause if they blow off in transit or damage caused by rain due to the loss. If there are leaks, they must be sealed, for we will not assume responsibility for any water damage due to leaky hatches, windows, or decks.

6. Latch all windows and tape the outside. Any windshield or plexiglass protruding over the fly bridge should be removed and packed with a cargo blanket, then secured below. We cannot be responsible for any damage that occurs if they are not removed and properly packed and secured.

7. If the boat has it’s own cradle, make sure there are no loose bolts or weaknesses of any kind. We cannot accept responsibility for damage to the boat caused by your cradle. 

8. If you are shipping the boat on your trailer, we cannot accept responsibility for any damage caused by rollers, frame, old tires, or if the trailer breaks apart.

9. Sailboats have a few additional requirements. All rigging, winches, wind indicators, and lights must be removed from the mast. Carpet should be provided for the mast at the points of tie down. Expect some chafing at these points. If the mast is painted, it is almost impossible to keep the mast from chafing. We will not pay to repaint the mast should chafing occur. Life lines, stanchions, bow, and stern pulpits should be removed if they render the boat over height. Generally over 11’ keel to highest point not on our trailer. Center board sailboats need to make the board secure as not to move and stay up in transit. Expect some separation where the keel joins the hull. This is not considered structural damage, but rather the paint or filler cracking at the joint. Light built or racing sailboats can expect some hull indentation from support pads. These indentations generally disappear when the boat is returned to the water.

 10. We do not recommend shrink wrapping, it almost never survives the trip !!!! However, if it is shrink wrapped and starts to come apart, our driver will try to remove it in order to try to avoid the damage caused by torn / damaged shrink wrap. We are not liable for any damage from the shrink wrap