TRANSPORT
Just as with any other aspect of yacht ownership, proper preparation is key when it comes to transporting your yacht. Whether you’re relocating to a new cruising ground, participating in a regatta in a distant international location, or simply need to move your yacht for maintenance or storage, taking the time to ensure your boat is ready for transport can make all the difference.
Yacht transport companies like Legend Yacht Transport understand the importance of thorough preparation and provide comprehensive checklists to their clients ahead of scheduled sailings. These checklists serve as invaluable guides, detailing essential steps to take before loading your yacht onto a transport vessel. To give you a head start, here are five essential tips for pre-loading preparations at the marina:
Lighten your Load
Ensure there is a minimum of fuel on board and that water tanks are empty.
Before transporting your yacht, it’s crucial to lighten its load to ensure safety and efficiency during transit. Start by checking the fuel levels and aim to have the tanks as close to empty as possible. Excess fuel adds unnecessary weight and can increase the risk of spills or leaks during transport. Additionally, emptying the water tanks reduces overall weight and minimizes the strain on the vessel’s structure.
Ensure that all water systems are drained properly to prevent any residual water from sloshing around and causing imbalance. This includes freshwater tanks, water heaters, and any other water-containing systems onboard. By reducing the weight of the vessel, you not only improve fuel efficiency but also decrease the stress on the yacht’s hull and support structures, ensuring a smoother transport experience overall.
Batten Down Below Decks
Make sure everything is stowed away. Lock cabinet doors and consider taping them shut to prevent items from falling out on the passage.
Preparing the interior of your yacht for transport is just as important as securing its exterior. Stow away loose items, securing them in cabinets, drawers, or other storage compartments. Lock cabinet doors securely to prevent them from swinging open during transit. Consider using tape to further reinforce closures and prevent any accidental openings.
Take extra care to secure fragile or valuable items to prevent damage or loss during transport. This includes electronics, glassware, and personal belongings. Utilize padding or cushioning material to protect delicate items from shifting or impacts. By ensuring everything is properly stowed and secured below deck, you minimize the risk of damage and create a safer environment for both your yacht and its contents during transport.
Remove Your Backstay
Monohull sailing yachts need their backstays removed upon loading, otherwise, the spreader of the crane can get to the boat’s center of gravity, which is behind the mast. After loading, re-install the backstay.
For owners of monohull sailing yachts, removing the backstay is a critical step in preparing for transport. The backstay plays a crucial role in supporting the mast, but during loading onto a transport vessel, it can interfere with the crane’s ability to lift the yacht safely. By removing the backstay before loading, you allow the crane’s spreader to reach the boat’s center of gravity without obstruction.
After the yacht has been securely loaded onto the transport vessel, it’s important to reinstall the backstay promptly. This ensures that the mast maintains proper support and stability throughout the remainder of the journey. Failure to reinstall the backstay could result in unnecessary stress on the mast and rigging, increasing the risk of damage during transport. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and consult with experienced professionals to ensure proper handling of rigging components during transport preparations.
Tie Down the Dinghy
Secure the dinghy tightly upside-down on the deck, or better yet deflate it, fold it, and stow it down below with the outboard engine.
When preparing your yacht for transport, don’t overlook the importance of securing any auxiliary watercraft, such as dinghies. These smaller vessels can pose a significant risk if not properly secured during transit. One option is to secure the dinghy tightly upside-down on the deck of the yacht. This helps prevent it from shifting or sliding during transport, reducing the risk of damage to both the dinghy and the yacht.
Alternatively, consider deflating the dinghy and folding it for stowage below deck. This option is particularly useful for yachts with limited deck space or when transporting multiple vessels simultaneously. Stowing the dinghy below deck also provides added protection from the elements, reducing the risk of damage from wind, waves, or inclement weather.
Regardless of the method chosen, always ensure that the dinghy is securely tied down and properly protected from potential damage during transport. This includes securing any loose parts or accessories and taking measures to prevent abrasion or impact damage during loading, unloading, and transit.
Protect Deck Hardware
Cover winches and furling systems, for example, and tape them off or protect them with wax or Vaseline against salt spray and dust.
Deck hardware, such as winches and furling systems, are exposed to the elements during transport and can be susceptible to damage from salt spray, dust, and other environmental factors. To protect these essential components, it’s essential to take proactive measures before and during transport.
Start by covering exposed hardware with protective materials such as canvas, plastic, or specialized covers designed for marine use. These covers help shield the hardware from direct exposure to salt spray, moisture, and airborne debris, reducing the risk of corrosion, abrasion, and other forms of damage.
In addition to covering deck hardware, consider applying a layer of wax or Vaseline to further protect metal surfaces from corrosion and deterioration. These products create a barrier that helps repel moisture and prevent the accumulation of salt and grime, prolonging the lifespan of critical components and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Finally, secure covers and protective measures with tape or straps to ensure they remain in place during transport. Regularly inspect covers and hardware throughout the journey to identify and address any signs of wear, damage, or shifting. By taking proactive steps to protect deck hardware, you can minimize the risk of damage and ensure that your yacht arrives at its destination in optimal condition.
