transporting on a flat bed trailor

[roncynthiaboomer]

Has anyone had their fiberglass sailboat on its trailor transported on a flat bed trailor with shrink wrap placed on it (the boat) for protection against road debris? Is this doable or will the shrink wrap shred and pose a hazard? Would a tied down tarp be a stronger alternative or is the shred danger still an issue? I am hiring a transport service for this movement. Thanks for your thoughts, experiences, and/or input in advance.

 

[KD3PC]

shrink will beat the finish to death in pretty short order. Same with canvas, unless it is 100% secure.

I have moved a couple of smaller boats, under 25' on their trailers, but I did take the wheels and tires off and screwed 2x lumber into shoes to lock the trailer down, then tie downs on the trailer and then tied the boat to the trailer. Stop and check every 100-150miles or as needed.

In my experience you are better to leave the boat exposed than the repairs from stuff beating and chafing it.

 

[shemandr]

I do see boats here on LI which are being delivered and they are often covered. I can't say if it's shrink wrap or not.
I had a boat delivered by a professional boat mover. It was on a wooden cradle sitting on a flatbed truck. I wasn't there, thank God, to see how they took it off but I guess it was the hydraulic fork lift.

 

[rpell1@msn.com]

[QUOTI had my cat 30 transported by a boat carrier tractor trailor from Savanah Georgia to Brooklyn in mid-December during a freeze. It was un-covered for the entire trip and showed absolutely no signs of ANY kind of damage. This was a pro and knew all the little tricks of the trade for properly securing the boat and the mast. Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish. Go with a pro. ...my opinion a d experience. Good luck whichever way.
I had a boat delivered by a professional boat mover. It was on a wooden cradle sitting on a flatbed truck. I wasn't there, thank God, to see how they took it off but I guess it was the hydraulic fork lift.[/QUOTE]

 

[kito]

Why can't they just pull your trailer....or better yet, why don't you? Rent a Ryder and save some money. Anyway, ain't most new boats shrink wrapped when delivered to the dealer? No way it's going to harm your boat. A loose fitting boat cover will do damage but you are talking shrink wrap. I assume they will wrap just the boat and not the trailer too

 

[KD3PC]

...shrink wrapped when delivered to the dealer? No way it's going to harm your boat. A loose fitting boat cover will do damage but you are talking shrink wrap. I assume they will wrap just the boat and not the trailer too

You might want to do some research on improperly shrink wrapped boats and highway transportation. And if your paint is Awlgrip, it will blister in short order when wrapped, check out their website for warnings about using shrink.

Flapping shrink will take the finish off anything, and eat up stainless and anodized parts. Even the best wraps are not placed for 70mph winds of the highway.

Check other sites for images and descriptions.

YMMV, just my experience for your question.

 

[gettinthere]

I've seen plenty of brand new boats from the major power and sail makers trucked with shrinkwrap.

If done poorly it could come loose and damage the surfaces. So dont do it poorly.

As for damage to imron, that is from prolonged covering which, with heat and humidity will swell the paint.

Many trucks will coat your boat with diesel soot and oil which will be very hard to remove...I know from experience. Had to wetsand the hull, NOTHING else would get the stains off. Tried them all.

 

[Flyboy69]

shrink will beat the finish to death in pretty short order. Same with canvas, unless it is 100% secure.

I have moved a couple of smaller boats, under 25' on their trailers, but I did take the wheels and tires off and screwed 2x lumber into shoes to lock the trailer down, then tie downs on the trailer and then tied the boat to the trailer. Stop and check every 100-150miles or as needed.

In my experience you are better to leave the boat exposed than the repairs from stuff beating and chafing it.

+1^^

 

[caguy]

I thought this was overkill, but I guess not.

 

[roncynthiaboomer]

As usual the responses were varied but I am glad for the opinions offered. I will hire a professional mover and let them do the movement. Thanks to all for your replies.

 

[Robin E]

Who did transported that boat for you?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

The replies were good but as the former but retired top dealer of this boat, I had one shrinkwrapped come from Florida to North Carolina and there was damage. However, that is not the only issue. The biggest is the height of the boat off a standard flatbed which is very high. You will need to insure that it does not exceed the highest point of
13' 6" but there are low bridges and overhangs once you are off the interstates. Therefore, you will probably have to lower the mast and even take off the trailer tires.

In fact the boat trailer will have to be positioned in an angle to insure the tires if left on will not overlap the trailer bed. I would chock the tires and make sure there are straps keeping the entire unit from moving forward as well as backwards plus sideways too.

Most of those tractor trailer drivers do not have the experience of moving sailboats. Thus keep a close eye. Two come up which are prevalent. The overuse of tightening the straps on the boat causing damage and wind slap against the hull if the straps are not twisted . In addition, insure they have insurance as most drivers are not professional.

 

[Scallywagger]

Hello Dave, it was suggested by a member that I contact you and ask your advise. Could you please have a look in Forums, Ask a Hunter Owner Question Rigging Hunter Passage 42. I posted it only 5-6 days ago.

Regards to you & thank you, Bill S (Scallywagger)

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Scallywager, \\\

go back to that original post and look at contact information for suggested help. I am well versed with the smaller trailerable boats vs. the larger although I did sell a couple of the 42 sailboats but now retired dealer

dave condon davecondon@mindspring.com

ps. I will be back home this weekend.