Transporting Your Boats
Transporting your boats - Do's and Don'ts!
It's starting to get warmer and we're all itching to get out on the water, so let's make sure we get our boats to the put-in safely!
Remember - You are responsible for safely securing any loads on your vehicle!
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Do: Check your roof rack mounting points (they can get loose!)
Do: Check your straps for wear (sunlight wrecks nylon over time!)
Do: Properly pad your bars or carriers as needed
Do: Safely lift your boats (find a friend to help) and be mindful of the wind
Do: Properly and tightly strap your boat to your roof racks and/or boat carriers using cam straps (not ratchet straps)
Do: Use bow/stern lines for longer boats
Do: Secure any loose ends from flapping in the breeze
Do: Stop and check your straps after driving a short distance
Do: Stop and check your straps at each stop if driving long distance
Do: Use caution when transporting multiple boats - make sure that each is firmly secured
Do: Firmly pat your boat and utter the magic incantation "Well, that's not going anywhere." After strapping it down.
Do: Check all trailer connections and lights
Do: Trailer safety chains at all times
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Do Not: Use ratchet straps! Ratchet straps can quickly and easily apply too much force and crack your boat!
Do Not: Assume that your boat is secure - always check before getting in the car, every time!
Do Not: Use overly-complicated systems to tie your boats down. Lines should be as short and direct as possible to reduce play and wobble.
Do Not: Assume that tossing your boat in a truck bed is good enough, always tie it down!
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What other Do's, Don'ts, or Questions for boat transportation do you have?
Written by Michael Carney
Photo by Michael Carney
