Transporting a yacht is a responsible task, and in the case of large vessels it is still and belongs to the category of transportation of oversized cargo, which entails the need to comply with special transportation rules. Due to the specifics of yachting, there are not so many companies specializing in the transportation of yachts. Often, the transportation of yachts has a seasonal appearance, when it becomes necessary to transport from a place where the yacht is rented or operated by the owner himself , to the wintering area, and is often required in the case of purchasing a yacht in an area significantly remote from the place of its use.
The carriage of yachts requires compliance with the rules to ensure the safety and security of the vessel. Most often in our country, it is required and has the greatest flexibility in terms of preparation for the transportation of ships by land by road (80% of all yachts are transported in this way). Usually low-loader trawls are used (when the vessel falls under oversized cargo) equipped with a keel block, but in the case of short vessels, transportation by a car with a trailer can be performed. You can transport the ship on your own or by resorting to the services of a specialized company. When organizing an independent organization of this operation, it is necessary to take into account the need to obtain a permit for the transportation of water transport, prescribed by the law, as well as the need to carefully develop the route of movement and its approval.
The option of transporting the vessel by air, rail or sea can also be considered. The first two methods are not very convenient and involve significant restrictions, and sea transportation is usually used abroad, for example, the transportation of a ship during the cold season from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean.
The hulls of most yachts are relatively fragile, as they are designed for operation in the aquatic environment and it is necessary to be very careful about ensuring the safety of transportation. Transportation of oversized cargo provides for compliance with traffic rules, which provide for obtaining in this case permission from the traffic police, the use of appropriate transport, taking into account the height of the bridges under which it is planned to pass, as well as planning the delivery route taking into account the opinion of the state authorities that control track.
In preparation, all protruding objects are removed from the vessel, furniture and equipment are removed, technical fluids, water and fuel are drained from the tank, doors, portholes and hatches are battened down, and in the case of a sailing yacht, masts with sails are also dismantled. All movable elements are also fixed: cabinet doors, hatches, drawers, etc. - in this way it will be possible to avoid damage to interior elements during transportation.
When loading on a trawl, special equipment is used, a system of soft lines and traverses, which excludes damage to the vessel. The vessel is fastened to the platform with belts and other mechanisms, the reliability of its fixation is carefully controlled. If a small yacht is to be placed on a trailer, it is also securely fixed with the correct weight distribution. To preserve the appearance of the yacht, a special cover is put on the hull.
During transportation, a sign "Oversized cargo" is installed on the trailer, warning about the transportation of oversized, a signaling beacon is installed on the trawl. In the case of a road train with a width exceeding 3.5 meters and a length of more than 24 meters, according to the rules, participation in the transportation of cover vehicles is required. The road train must stop every 4 hours to check that the load is securely fastened to the platform.
After the road train has arrived at its destination, the condition of the appearance and integrity of the yacht's elements is checked. The most common types of boat damage are scratches on the hull from tree branches and other obstacles. As during loading, special equipment is used during unloading, which excludes the breakdown of the cargo and its damage. Before unloading, the territory must be free of obstacles that can complicate the process - branches, wires, etc., restricting access to the pier.
As noted by the specialists 2yachts, when choosing a carrier company, you should make sure that the chosen company has experience sufficient to organize safe transportation, study reviews, etc. The contract must indicate the responsibility of the parties and that the carrier undertakes to guarantee the safety of the cargo, which must be transported strictly within the agreed time frame. Also, do not forget about insurance (a yacht is an expensive cargo!) And pay due attention to this point.
On land, the yacht is very vulnerable, and mishandling can lead to critical breakdowns. Transportation must be carried out taking into account the provisions of the law and in compliance with generally accepted standards for oversized transportation. We wish you successful delivery of the vessel to the place and a bright opening of the yachting season!