Most damage to boats in transit doesn’t happen on the motorway — it happens because something was loose, full or unsupported before the trailer moved. This checklist covers what we ask owners to do before a collection, whether the boat is a RIB, a sports boat, a sailing dinghy or a small cruiser on its own trailer. Ten minutes of preparation saves a lot of grief at the other end.
1. Empty what can be emptied
Take out anything loose: fenders, lines, cushions, fishing gear, electronics that unclip, fuel cans, gas bottles. Loose gear becomes a projectile in the cockpit and adds weight the trailer wasn’t rated for. Pull the drain bung so rainwater can’t collect during the journey, and store it somewhere you’ll find it again. Portable fuel tanks should be removed; built-in tanks are best at a quarter full or less — enough to run the engine at the other end without carrying an unnecessary hundred kilos.
2. Deal with the canopy, aerials and covers
Bimini tops and canopies act like sails at 60 mph. Fold them down and strap them, or remove them entirely. Fold or unscrew VHF aerials, navigation lights on poles and anything else that projects above the windscreen. If the boat has a fitted travel cover, use it; a loose winter cover will shred in the wind and can lift the bow.
3. Engine and outdrive
Trim the outboard or outdrive fully up and fit a transom saver or support bar if you have one — it takes the load off the tilt mechanism over bumps. Fit the outboard’s travel clip or lock. Disconnect the battery isolator so nothing drains or shorts during the trip.
4. If the boat is on its own trailer
We’re happy to tow your trailer rather than transferring the boat, but it has to be roadworthy: tyres inflated to the sidewall pressure with no cracking, wheel bearings that spin freely without noise, working brakes and a breakaway cable, and lights that actually light. Check the coupling head and jockey wheel. If any of that is doubtful, tell us — we’ll bring our bunked trailer and lift or slip the boat across, which is often quicker anyway.
5. Access and timing
If the boat is afloat, book the hoist or crane slot with the marina and let them know who’s collecting. If it’s on a drying mooring or a slipway, work out the tide time when there’s enough water to float on or off. At home, make sure the drive or gate is wide enough for a Touareg plus a boat trailer — roughly 2.5 m clear — and that cars are moved out of the way. Send us a photo of the approach if you’re not sure.
6. Paperwork and photos
Have the keys, any marina release paperwork and the buyer’s or seller’s contact details ready. We photograph the boat all round at collection and again at delivery, and we’ll send you both sets. If there’s existing damage you want noted, point it out before we load.
What we do on the day
We set the bunks or rollers to your hull before it goes on, winch it on with the bow snubber engaged, fit transom tie-downs and a bow strap, pad every strap that touches gelcoat, and check the lot again after the first few miles. You get an ETA as we set off and photos when it’s delivered.
Need a boat moved? See our boat transport service, check the areas we cover, or get a quote — all-in pricing, one driver, door to door.