The following information is presented so that you may have a better understanding of what is involved when packing and shipping a yacht over long distances.

It is important to understand that once loaded on the truck, the yacht will be moving at highway speeds of 80km to 100km, and the truck may encounter head or cross winds in excess of 30 to 50 Kph resulting in winds over the deck which may exceed 130 to 150Kph.The boat itself is OK for such conditions, but accessories such as canvas, mast rigging, electronics and the like are not able to with stand the effects of the elements.

Before you start Step1 arm yourself with 4 to 6 rolls of grey duct tape. you will find this to be your best investment.

With the foregoing in mind, we recommend the following steps when packing your boat for transporting.

MAST
1. Preferably remove all shrouds, stays, spreaders and external halyards. Mark them and pack them inside the boat. Remember to duct tape all turnbuckles etc, they will not come undone.
2. Remove antennas, wind instruments, mast headlights and the like. These are not designed to withstand the wind or any vibration in a horizontal position.
3. Coil wire rigging singly and mark and store in boat.
4. External halyards should be removed. If they are left on they should be well wrapped and taped to the mast.
5. Masts loaded on top - timber supports will be needed to stop bending of pulpits and rear support in cockpit area.
6.Masts loaded under boat require spreaders, Stays etc to be removed.
7. Winches are normally ok to leave on. Larger boats may need them removed due to height.
8. If stays, halyards, wire etc is left on close attention to stop chaffing is required, It will need packing (carpet etc), secured with duct tape every 500mm or so along the Mast Length.

PAINTED MASTS
These need special attention as they are very susceptible to chaffing damage.

1. Wrap them well with at least two layers of bubble wrap or rug or carpet with the nap towards the mast. Do not use regular plastics, it only holds out water and is to thin to prevent chaffing.
2. Be careful not to allow any objects between the wrapping and the mast (i.e. shrouds, wires, etc.). Vibration can cause chaffing damage even through the padding.
EXCEPTION: ROLLER FURLING SYSTEMS
These are best kept on the mast to avoid kinking. Pad the mast first, then lay the foil on the padding. If the mast is deck stepped it will probably be shorter then the furling system. If so, insert a 2x4 or like piece of wood in the butt end of the mast long enough to extend the mast past the drum so as to support the furling and drum. Tape this all together padding the drum well. Tape every 500mm or so down the mast to hold the foil firmly to the mast. Pad extra well where any winches, cleats or other items are on the mast. With a keel stepped mast, the furling system will generally be shorter then the mast, the extension as just described is not necessary. Where the drum hits the mast use extra padding between drum and mast.

HELPFUL HINT:
When using duct tape, make the first wrap tight with the sticky side up away from the mast. Then make a couple of wraps with the sticky sides towards one another. This will help prevent the adhesive from pulling varnish or paint off of the mast and avoid the need to clean adhesive off the mast.

DODGERS AND CANVAS
Remove dodger bows and canvas as well as any other exterior canvas and store below.

OUTBOARD MOTORS, DINGHY'S & RIBS
1. Remove the outboard motors and store inside.
2. Dinghy's should be removed from the cabin tops or davits. They can be carried on the top deck of the trailer. RIBS should be deflated and stored inside.

PERSONAL EFFECTS
Be aware you are shipping a boat and its contents ride along as extra baggage. Anything inside such as personal effects, electronic instruments, or other equipment is unknown to the carrier and such items are not insured.

CRADLES WHEN SUPPLIED, EXTRA CAUTION IS NEEDED
1. The cradle must fit in the exact contour of the hull and be in good condition.
2. The boat must be well secured to the cradle.
3. Damaged caused by the cradle is not the responsibility of the carrier. We will however do everything possible to avoid or prevent damage from occurring.

MISCELANIOUS
1. Stow the interior of the boat well. If drawers have a habit of opening, tape them shut. DO NOT leave anything loose inside. The boat will get a better ride on our air-ride trailers then in a storm, but if secured/packed as if in a storm, everything will ride well.
2. Secure and lock all hatches, ports, windows, and the companionway.

3. Lock the cabin but keys should travel with the truck. There are times when crossing state boarders quarantine inspections will take place.
4. Cover all open screw holes with tape.
5. Disconnect the batteries.

DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES
The batteries should be disconnected and the cables tied off to prevent contact.

OVERALL HEIGHT
A general rule is to reduce the height to about the cabin top. If the yacht is fitted with rear Targa or Arch it will more than likely have to be removed. Any Solar panels fitted to stainless Targa or Arch will have to be removed, Their weight will break the stainless frame.

FUEL - WATER - BILGES
Make sure bilges are dry. Try to get fuel down to a minimum and pump out fresh water and holding tanks. For larger vessels where weight is a concern this is a MUST.

HULL CLEANING
Due to Bio-Security Hulls should be clean. Have the Marina at the time of lift or loading wash the bottom and make sure all marine life is removed from through hull fittings, shaft and prop areas. Be responsible about the movement of marine organisms from one region to another.

TRAILERS
1. If the boat is on a trailer it must fit well and be well tied to the trailer.
2. All attaching devices (winches, ropes, straps etc.) must be in good condition and able to secure the boat. Their failure is not the responsibility of the carrier. We will however watch these things and do everything possible to avoid and minimize any damage they may cause.

INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
If there is a loss, you are only entitled to the cost of repair or the boats actual value. Ask the carrier for specific coverage and policy exclusions. This can be very different.

To get maximum coverage it is advisable to talk with your yachts insurer about your yacht policy and if you require any further policy amendments for transit.

The shipper needs to be aware that the carrier does not warrant the condition, integrity, craftsmanship, or packing of any part of the boat. Damage attributed to the above items as well as wind and weather damage is not covered by the carrier.

If you have any other questions, we will be happy to try and answer them. Please call 08 8242 4000.