Whether you're sending the vessel to a buyer or sending the boat to your new home, you want the boat to arrive at its destination without damage. While the transport company plays a considerable role in the process, their commitment does not mean you don't have any obligations. Particularly when it comes to the boat's interior, there are several things you need to do before you send the vessel off for transport; here are some of them.

Thoroughly Clean

If the boat has been used recently, you want to clean the inside of the boat before transport, thoroughly. For example, even tiny food particles can attract pests. While pests might not be a problem during the actual transport phase, if your boat will sit in a storage facility for some time after it arrives at the destination, the pest can become a major concern — really fast. 

It's always a good idea to do a once-over on the boat to clean down all the surfaces. During the cleaning process, you might even find important documents or information that you need to keep on you while the boat is being transported.  

Dry Every Surface

You should also ensure that all the interior surfaces are completely dry before the day of transport. Boats are designed to be in the water, but this factor does not mean that some of its structures are free the risk of water damage. For example, the fabric surfaces could develop mold or mildew, and the metal fixtures could start to rust. 

During transport, many people opt to have their boat shrink-wrapped. If the boat has wet areas before the wrap is installed, moisture-related problems are usually all but guaranteed. Take a few days to ensure all the surfaces are completely dry.  

Secure Moving Parts

All moving parts of the boats' interior should also be secured. Professional transport is a smooth process, but there could be dips and bumps along the way. The more secure the parts, the better. Consider a cabin door, for example. If the door is left open, it could continuously rock back and forth during transport. 

While this problem might not look like its caused any immediate damage, the constant moving back and forth likely put extra wear and tear on the doors' hinges, which also means that they can fail faster. Secure any parts that can move before you send off the boat for transport.

Make certain you do your part to protect your boat during transport. The attention you pay to the boats' interior will pay off when the boat arrives damage free. For more information, contact your local boat transport service.