boat towing

Here are some tips for boat towing

Boat Towing Carrier or Broker?

Most boat towing companies specialize in smaller or large power boats. However, if you have a big boat, it requires extra handling and loading. Ensure they will transport your boat versus just acting as a broker. Second, find out if the driver they intend to load your boat has experience with your load type. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions:

  • How do they intend to load your boat?

  • If special equipment is required.

  • If any special permits are needed.

They may be either a broker or inexperienced with your type of load if they cannot answer these questions quickly and professionally.

Choose a Reputable Boat Towing Company

It is expensive to hire a professional boat towing company because they do a good job. Generally, they hire experienced drivers and loaders, which command a higher price; they require the proper equipment. If you've been around boats long enough, you know that repairing damage isn't the same with boats as with other vehicles. You shouldn't gamble with your boat boat towing Tampa bay Prcause the towing company is insured. Our Experienced ovides Boat Towing Service

Towing your boat? Here are some tips to help you

  • Make sure all loose gear is stowed and secured. You must secure or remove all loose items in your vessel, such as plates, galley utensils, personal items, etc.

  • Fuel and water tanks should be drained. The bilge should not contain any water when the boat is being transported. The water systems, pumps, air conditioners, etc., should be drained during winter.

  • All battery cables should be disconnected. A device or fixture that extends beyond the boat's hull, such as antennas, radars, compasses, or depth sounders, should be removed. To tow the boat, it is necessary to secure these devices inside.

  • Remove anchors from the deck.

  • Boats made of wood should be dried out. It is helpful to apply a coat of linseed oil.

  • Canvas covers should be removed. To avoid tearing or flying off during transit, remove the covers.

  • Cradles should be inspected. If your boat has its cradle, check it carefully for loose bolts or weaknesses.

  • The dinghies. The dinghy should not be left on davits; they should be well padded.

  • Accessories external to the body. Electronics, radar, hailers, horns, antennas, propellers, flag masts, lights, anchor lights, etc., must be removed and stored securely below.

  • The hatches. From the outside, tie and/or tape hatches. Make sure the hatches are sealed if they are leaking. Rainwater entering through a leaky hatch or deck will not be the carrier's responsibility since the boat is not positioned in the same way on the trailer as in the water.

  • The windows and windshields. From the outside, cabin windows should be latched and taped. You should remove all windshields and/or Plexiglas that protrude above the flying bridge and pack them with a cargo blanket.

  • The winterization process. Winterizing all weather-sensitive devices on your boat during the winter months is essential.

  • Towing your boat with shrink wrap is an excellent way to protect it. Due to high winds generated by road travel, a poor shrink wrap may tear. As a result, the vessel could be damaged by shrink wrap beating, chafing, and scratching it. Shrink wrap damages caused by boat towing will not be covered by the company.

The process of towing a boat can be dangerous and potentially deadly. It can be dangerous, but following proper practices and techniques will ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and other road users. Take a look at these 6 safety tips before towing your boat next time.

1) Boats are both heavy and oversized. It is important to drive slowly when towing and to break softly when braking. Keeping the boat on the rollers means taking corners slowly.

2) Secure your boat with snatch straps if you travel long distances. Using the straps, your boat will not bounce up and down, causing damage to its hull.

3) Secure your outboard motor during transport, so it doesn't get damaged. Place a wooden block underneath the engine mount to prevent the outboard from bouncing.

4) Be sure to check the wheel hubs on long trips. If you feel a high temperature in the middle of your wheel (on the inside of the wheel nuts), you may need to replace your hubs. You should consider replacing your bearings if they become hot.

5) Tighten the straps and the winch after a few miles if you drive a long distance. Once the boat has found its place on the trailer, it should be re-tightened once it has bounced around.

6) Tie down any loose items inside the boat. It is most likely that anything could blow off the back wall, so make sure everything is secured.

To maintain boating safety, it is essential to begin before the boat is in the water. Boating safety should always be practiced and encouraged.