Boat Transporter - Christine Transport

Sailboat Transport from Key Largo, Florida to Ingleside, Texas

2011-07-26T19:28:00.003-04:00

Christine Transport - Sailboat Transportation in Key Largo, FL

Yeehaw! Load ‘em up n’ ship ‘em out! Christine Transport had to shift gears from sandals and bathing suits in The Florida Keys to boots and cowboy hats in the Corpus Christi area in Texas. We picked up a 31’ Elizabethan Sloop Sailboat in Key Largo, FL for transport and delivered it to Ingleside, TX.

Sailboat Safe & Secure in Transit from Florida to Texas.

Arriving in Key Largo, we secured the sailboat on our custom sailboat transport trailer – designed specifically for safe, secure trailer with custom padded boat supports and tied down with ratcheting tie-down straps (with carpet pieces placed under the straps to protect the boat to prevent chaffing during transport). This particular mast was secured at the side of the trailer – but they normally ride on top of the boat during transportation (the marina we picked up at did not have a safe way to place the mast on the top of the boat, so we transported it on the side).

Christine Transport With Another Happy Delivery in Texas!

We transported this big beautiful sailboat all the way up Florida, a little bit through Alabama, a splash through Mississippi, then through Louisiana, hit some rain and then delivered the sailboat in Texas. Great trip! No problems at all. We stopped along the way and checked the load several times during the transportation process, checking on straps, tightening any loose ends and making sure the ride was as smooth as possible.

Christine Transport Removing The Transport Straps For The Delivery Boat Lift.

Traveling through Texas (we are from Florida and even thought it was extra hot!), we made our boat delivery in Ingleside (just outside of Corpus Christi). We really loved the scenery and surrounding areas, and were happy to bring another boat home safe and sound to another happy boat owner!

Another Successful Sailboat Delivery!

Here at Christine Transport, it is important to us that your boat arrive home safe and sound, no matter whom you chose to deliver your boat. You may pay a little more for a professional transporter, but your boat will be insured and you will have legal recourse if any accidents happen. If you would like to check up on your transporter, and research their legal transport status (you can request this legal transport information from any reputable boat transporter). Two things you will need to know to make sure your boat transporter is a legal transporter, you can request their Certificate of Insurance (which protects your boat) and you can request the transporter's DOT Authority. Christine Transport provides a copy of our commercial transport insurance with every boat transportation quote we provide and you can also find it on our boat transporter website's legal information page.

We have fresh new transport equipment that is safe, reliable and ready to haul your boat! For more information about our new ride, feel free to visit our previous article: Retiring The Boat Transporter Work Horse.

If you need a free boat transportation quote – just drop us a line! Christine Transport would be honored to have the opportunity to provide you with professional, reliable boat transport service. We are fully licensed and insured to keep your boat protected. Want to know what our previous boat transport customers think about us? Check out our boat transportation reviews from our happy customers at our Boat Transporter Review page!

Boat Transporter Homepage

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoatTransporter

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristineTransport

Retiring The Boat Transporter Work Horse

2011-07-06T08:49:00.001-04:00

It is true as the old saying goes “All good things must come to an end.” We are happy to have put in enough service to hang another transport truck on the wall for duty served. That is a total of 312,000 miles under the belt in successful transportation!

It is also true the old saying “He who rejects change is the architect of decay.” So along with this turn-around, Christine Transport has a nice brand new shiny truck that it is just itching to get broken in! We like to keep everything in tip-top shape here for when you need to transport your boat across country, across state lines or across the county – having dependable equipment is just another reassurance we offer so that your vessel will get there safe and sound. If parts, pieces, or entire sets of equipment need to be replaced, we’re on top of it. The best thing a transporter can offer is safe travel (hey, isn’t that what we do?), and you can’t have that with faulty or broken-down equipment. We work hard to keep all of our company parts running smoothly like a well-oiled machine.

Christine Transport New Truck - Loaded with boat and customer trailer.

Be sure that your baby gets there safe and sound, check up on your transporter (no matter whom you choose) and research their legal transport status (you can request this information from any reputable boat transporter). Two major things to make sure your transporter is a legal transporter, you can request their Certificate of Insurance (which protects your boat) and you can request their DOT Authority. Protect yourself and your boat – when you go with illegitimate transporters, you can end up with a damaged or even stolen boat on your hands with little legal power to do anything about it (for not choosing/researching a legitimate transporter). For more information on how to select the best boat transporter for you and protect your investment, check out our previous article: Avoid Being Victim of Illegal Boat Transporters, complete with full instructions and links on how to go about checking a transporter's DOT Authority.

Want to know where in the heck is Christine Transport? Check out our boat transport trip in New York! (Yes – sailboat transport pictures included – and was this one a doozy!)

If you need a free boat transportation quote – feel free to drop us a line! Christine Transport would love to have the opportunity to provide you with professional, reliable boat transport service. We are fully licensed and insured to keep your boat protected. Want to know what our previous boat transport customers think about us? Check out our boat transporter reviews from our happy customers at our Boat Transporter Review page!

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoatTransporter
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristineTransport
Follow us on Twitter: http://http//www.twitter.com/BoatShipper

The Godfather of Boat Transportation

2011-05-03T13:25:00.003-04:00

Hey! Whatsa Matta You? Christine Transport is in New York – that’s what! Just coming back from our boat transport trip from Lake Tahoe, California and Seattle Washington, we are shooting across the United States for some more boat hauls.

Sailboat transportation under way!

Going back to New York always brings back great memories for me since I grew up there, it is always nice to go back and visit.

On this trip we picked up a Pearson 302 Sailboat in Ithica and transported it to West Haverstraw.

West Haverstraw boat yard.

Although it was still cold this time of year, it was nice to be able to walk the marinas and get a good look at all of the boats – they seemed like they were just wanting to get out on the water again!

If you need a free boat transportation quote – hey, Fuggedaboutit! Christine Transport will take care of your sailboat or powerboat transportation with no problem! That’s because we treat you like old school family and want to get your boat there safe and sound. We are fully licensed and insured to keep your boat protected – and feel free to check out our boat transporter reviews from our happy customers.

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoatTransporter
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristineTransport
Follow us on Twitter: http://http//www.twitter.com/BoatShipper

Christine Transport - On the road again!

2011-04-19T10:44:00.021-04:00

Sierra Mountains Boat Transportation, California

It is good to see the countryside again, and what is even better is knowing that the boating industry is really getting a wake-up call. we know that the marine industry was hit hard with the slumping economy, and followed in suit with the plummeting housing industry. (If people cannot pay their mortgage, they certainly were not making payments on luxury items like boats.)

The good news? That's the past.

Icy Stream, Sierra Mountain Range, California

Seeing a large influx of boat transportation requests due to boats changing hands in a wonderful change - and it allows us to keep doing what we love: Boat Transport.

Snow Drifts at Lake Tahoe

We were lucky enough to transport three gorgeous tenders (small ship to shore boats for mega yachts) to the port of Jacksonville, FL for wealthy overseas yacht owners. Two of these beautiful tenders were 23 feet in length and cost $158,000. The third tender was 27 foot and was at a market price of $177,000. Boat transporting is our specialty (of course) and we were happy to take these three into port and through customs to send them out on their way.

Mega Yacht Nova Spirit in the back is receiving the upscale tender

We also delivered a 23 foot tender made by Novurania, owner Robert Collada, to Seattle, Washington for Nova Spirit, a 40 meter (131 foot) mega yacht. Come rain or shine, we can deliver your boat in the fastest, and most importantly, safest manner possible. Snow? Ice? Still not enough to stop a boat delivery with Christine Transport. Sunny skies or snowy ground, we can still transport your boat to where it needs to be. We make sure to only transport in safe conditions and do not threaten the safety of the delivery - if conditions are too severe or extreme for safe delivery, we can work around it so that your boat arrives safe, sound and secure.

Tender delivery in Seattle, Washington

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoatTransporter
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristineTransport
Follow us on Twitter: http://http//www.twitter.com/BoatShipper

The Marine Industry Gets A Wake-Up

2011-02-25T18:01:00.006-05:00

Let's face it: People are getting tired of the recession – and time isn’t getting any longer because of it.

The news would like to have us think that we were all bunkered down in our homes with a hardhats and MRI’s in both hands… But the truth of it is that Americans have to keep on living.

The clock stops for no one, and this includes those who have set aside the money for something they enjoy. One popular item on many folks’ waiting list is a boat. Why wait five years? Ten? More? How long will it be for that time to turn around, for one to feel “comfortable” making a large purchase on a luxury item? Sometimes never.

I always keep a saying handy and that is “What if I get hit by a bus tomorrow?” In otherwords – will I have any regrets with my current decisions? No one can say how long it will take the economy to fully recover – ask anyone who lived through The Great Depression, it was hard for people to get over that. Some of them never spent anything on themselves that they could enjoy ever again. Although today’s views are very different, we are all still very wary of spending money that we may need in hard times. People (in general) are also very aware that our time here is not infinite – that we have a very small stamp left here and for those who keep on waiting, you may find yourself short-changed in the end.

We came to a serious decision recently – and that was “Do we get a boat right now and enjoy it, or do we keep the funds on-hand for a rainy day?” Now every rational person would say to stow that money away, or what if something terrible happens. What would be more terrible is that we may never have the chance to enjoy ourselves out on the water before we had to go – that’s what would be truly terrible. So we took the plunge and picked up a boat from Mt. Dora Boating Center (which is one of the finest and cleanest facilities we have ever visited and is family-owned) and are happily on our way.

Now I can honestly say that if I got hit by a bus tomorrow I would have no regrets (how is that for a hardcore water-lover?).

Making Tracks... Florida style!

All joking aside, it is very nice to see the turn-around in the marine industry and the great turnouts of all the boat shows that have been happening as of recent. We are looking forward to steer the ship around and head in the other direction – and it looks like a lot of other people are ready, too! If you are looking to transport your boat, feel free to call us for a FREE boat transport quote, or visit our boat transportation website for more valuable information (including legal information for boat transporters, how to prepare your boat for transport and pictures of our custom boat hauling equipment). Today's post was a far cry from our previous post on how the bubble burst on the boating industry, it is so nice to see the turn-around and people back on the water who love it as much as we do!

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoatTransporter
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristineTransport
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BoatShipper

Boating Industry Bankruptcy – Is it really that surprising?

2009-06-03T19:45:00.009-04:00

I am writing today in inspiration to an article a fellow Twitter writer sent my way. It was in regards to the recent Genmar boat builder (one of the world’s largest manufacturers of recreational boats) filing Chapter 11 earlier this week. It seems that a boat manufacturer (or perhaps such a large one) filing bankruptcy has completely shocked the marine industry. I did not have such a shocking take to this considering the economic collapse of the lending industry, the current housing industry and the more recent auto industry – luxury items were not too far to follow. The current state of today's boating industry has been the product of a logical series of economical outcomes.

Perhaps it is my insight into the housing market from my real estate experience (and no, I am no real estate expert – I am sure there are far better foreclosure and short sale agents out there that could school me on the topics), but it seems a lot of folks have ignored the writing on the wall.

What is happening to the boating industry now with a flurry of repos and bank seizures is exactly what has corrupted the housing market.

Allow me to explain…

Boating Professionals

In 2005 to early 2007 when the economy was booming and income soaring, people everywhere were cashing in. Everyone qualified for loans, lots of people were pulling equity out of their home to buy toys and treating their houses like ATM machines and last but not least… no one went without. (Okay hardly anyone.) With the surge of income, labor being at a premium and companies paying lots of money to make hay while the sun shined to keep their employees in house, most people did not want for anything. The gluttony of the hot market, the soaring economy and sub-prime lending gave people a veil over their faces that it would always be like that, they would always have a secured high-paying job and the proverbial bubble was not going to burst.

If you didn’t get a direct loan for a boat you did the next best thing – took out an equity loan on your home and purchased one against your house (and your house's value was way over-estimated due to the housing inflation in the current economy). So either way, you’re still making payments on that boat. The demand for such luxury items sky rocketed as no one had ever seen before… Showroom stock was getting depleted, dealers were screaming into the phones to manufacturers to build them more inventory, times were good – times were very good for many. This sudden surge in demand caused boat manufacturers to max out their warehouses and staff. Many new employees were hired to keep up with the growing list of new boat sales and needs of the dealers. It was, after all, what the public wanted, right? The manufacturers began cranking out boats as fast as they could. The more people wanted, the more they hired to deliver. The boats were flying off the shelves as soon as they were in.

Then… suddenly… everything stopped. Like an eerie calm washing over troubled waters, the stillness in the economy was palpable. No more 30 customers walking the lot daily, no more Johnny Come Lately’s swaggering down payment checks about, no more lay-down deals, nothing. I bet some can pinpoint the month this occurred for them. What happened? You guessed it. The bubble burst. Thanks sub-prime loans for all you’ve done…

First the lending institutions started to call on their notes, those adjustable rate mortgages started to become more than anyone could possibly afford for the income and the economy in their areas (here in Central FL we have seen that terribly). If people can’t afford to pay for their homes, they most certainly cannot afford to pay for their luxury items such as their boats, cars, recreational vehicles, etc… And guess what further complicated this? Yup, you got it, the lending industry. Most of these items were purchased on the home equity lines of credit on properties. Do you know what that means? They are second high-rate mortgages on a home. All of these foreclosures and short sales happening – they get next to nothing. Joe Blow buys a $60,000 boat on his home equity line, defaults on both mortgages and if he can actually sell at a short sale the second mortgage holder only gets no more than $3,000… or nothing if it foreclosures and is taken into possession by the first mortgage holder. A lot of these items are getting repossessed on the out-right boat loans. When times are hard you trim the fat – so you are going to be worried about paying your mortgage and your rent “and let the boat go back.”

Dealers are getting struck hard with the economy right now. Boats being luxury items are in very low demand. Faltering dealer businesses are causing liquidation of those companies. All of that stock must be liquidated and is hitting the open market below market value to pay off creditors.

What am I rambling on about? Well, all of these repossessed, liquidated boats are now flooding the market… Who in the world is buying new boats right now with all these deals floating about?? I am sure there are some well-to-do folks that are above being affected by the economy – but for the most part, this is big. Really big. Now, boat owners who legitimately own their boats or are current on their payments cannot sell them because they are being undercut by repos and liquidation assets. Sound familiar? Take a look at the housing market – the same thing is happening. Short sales and foreclosures are inundating the market with undervalued brand new or slightly used homes, home owners cannot compete with these prices and builders are certainly feeling the horrible pinch.

So now, you have a flood on the market of distressed assets (repos and liquidations), the new boats can’t compete with those prices. Even less boats are being made. Now all of those high-volume, high-paying employees are sitting around with nothing to do – manufacturing plants are quiet with lack of work needed. Lay-offs and plant shut downs are eminent. We’ve already seen the tip of the iceberg with dealerships being affected. It is no surprise really the news on Genmar – the boating industry was not going to be a far cry from other leading industries showing signs of pressure in the deteriorating economy. It will take a while for the market to flush out the distressed sales and consumers to feel comfortable enough to take advantage of those opportunities. The over-all market is still correcting itself. If the big guys can hold out, times will turn around and stabilize again. Until then – we might be in for a bumpy ride as far as the boating industry goes.

For those of you getting ready to enjoy the water this spring, check out our last post on Dewinterizing - Spring Fling Cleaning For Your Boat. Christine Transport offers professional and courteous service of your investments - for a free transportation quote, feel free to visit our our transport homepage or call us direct at 352-553-8637.

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoatTransporter
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristineTransport
Follow us on Twitter: http://http//www.twitter.com/BoatShipper

Spring Is In The Air - Dewinterizing Your Boat

2009-05-20T09:26:00.015-04:00

Dewinterizing - Spring Fling Cleaning For Your Boat

• Legal
o Make sure that your registration is current.
o Check that your state numbers are legible and not suffering from wear.

• Equipment and Safety Materials
o Check ropes for rot and wear, replace if necessary, always keep an extra on board stowed away.
o Inspect bumpers are properly functioning and are free of cracking and punctures.
o Go over your flare kit, check expiration date (flare kits typically have a four-year expiry date) replace if necessary.
o Check life jackets over and do a count so you know how many you have that year (often times they may get lost or taken home on accident and you could find yourself short).
o Keep foul weather clothing (rain jackets, windbreakers, sweatshirts, etc) handy.
o Test electronics (GPS, Radio, Radar, Trolling Motor, AC, Generator, etc) for functionality.

• Stocking The Boat
o Keep a supply of towels on board of all sizes (from washcloth to beach/picnic size depending on available stowage), store in waterproof bag or container for added protection.
o For larger boats with sleep-over capabilities, spare hygiene products (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, mini soaps, Q-tips, cotton balls, etc) are a great idea.
o Keep zip lock bags (all sizes), Tupperware or waterproof storage containers, even if it is just a small box of sandwich bags.
o For boats with kitchens, it is good to check the stock of cups, plates, bowls, tableware, glassware, etc for breakage and/or restocking.
o Throw in a waterproof disposable camera in case of “fun emergencies.”
o Pack a deck of cards if fishing gets slow.
o Restock tackle boxes.
o Check all rods and reels to be in proper working order.

• Pre-Launch Touch-ups
o Wash and wax the hull, scrub the decks, clean canvas, etc – make sure your baby sparkles when it hits the water.
o Interior cleaning, wash linens, curtains, scrub kitchens, service bathrooms.
o Give an extra shot of bathroom tank deodorizer.
o Clean out the livewell.
o Check spark plugs, brush up if necessary (it is a good idea to keep tools on board for this as corrosion can be an on-going problem, especially for saltwater boats).
o After winterization it is always a good idea to do test run your boat on dry land with a bonnet before going on your water run (nothing worse than packing up the crowd and having to come back home because of engine trouble, it’s a real bummer).
o Top off the gas tank, keep in mind water displacement.
o Check and change engine oil.

• Trailer Maintenance
o Lather up some fresh grease on the bearings.
o Check tire pressure for appropriate levels.
o Check hub seals.
o Tighten lug nuts.
o Electronics check (lights, brakes, etc).

• Water Bound
o Put on your life jackets and enjoy!

Stay safe out there on the water and practice responsible boating! Boating is a great opportunity to spend time with the family and is becoming a more affordable form of entertainment. You can even view our article about boating with pets on board and how to make the day an enjoyable one - Happy boating!

Christine Transport offers an easy-to-follow checklist for preparing your boat for travel and can be found at any time on our boat transport homepage. Also, check out our article especially for our lady boater enthusiasts! This is just another service we provide to help keep you informed to protect you and your valuables - every transport experience should be an enjoyable one!

- Mark Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoatTransporter
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristineTransport
Follow us on Twitter: http://http//www.twitter.com/BoatShipper

Women Boaters – Ladies Being Passionate About Water Is No Longer Taboo

2009-04-23T09:04:00.013-04:00

Ahoy! I find today that I am running into more and more women who are forsaking their male counterparts to escape to the tranquility of the water. Women are no longer stern adornments and sun goddesses (although I don’t think we would complain too much if you accused us of this). I remember the days of my grandmother boating – you know, the Tupperware toting mommas that took to a day of boating as if you were going to camp for a month – they packed more food, clothing, towels and safety items that if you ever happened to get stranded on the trip, the crews could take a few weeks and you wouldn’t be without. Don’t get me wrong, folks – my grandmother loved boating with her husband just as much as the next lady, but it wasn’t something she particularly found enjoyable. She was more worried about scurrying around making sandwiches all day on a wobbly fold-out table grandpa fixed out of bailing twine, duct tape and Liquid Nail than actually enjoying herself. (I am really surprised she didn’t pack an apron and the kitchen sink… maybe she should have if we had a bigger boat.) You would also never catch her on the boat, near the boat or thinking about the boat if my grandfather hadn’t been the one to go out on it. Lord knows when he sadly passed away, she no longer went boating.

Growing up we didn’t live on the water – so when we were able to go, it was a real treat. Since I was young I have always had an affinity for the home away from home that happened to be any body of water big enough for me to put my butt and feet in (at the same time). I always figured it was a primal instinct to desire to be near water. Perhaps when we were cave women we sought to find viable sources of drinkable water, food resources and perhaps beat out a few pelts on the rocks every month or so. I digress! Ahhh yes, women boaters. Are we really as rare as we once were 30 – 20 – 10 years ago? I am as passionate about boating and water activities as I am about graphic and web design (yes, that is pretty well right up there at the top of the list, folks… just above dark chocolate). In my teenage years it was more than just fun in the sun and working on a tan for prom – I really enjoyed myself. I found myself wanting to do more than plop down on a lawn chair reading the latest magazine and munching on bon bons and letting the men do all the work of the trip… not that there’s anything wrong with that. I love everything about the water, I love to boat, fish, swim, snorkel, heck you name it I’ll be first in line.

Gathering a fine group of cohorts, I decided to bring the subject up about women boating – am I as freakish as I thought I might be in my teens? Were women who actually liked to bait hooks, go crabbing and the first on board the boat a reality? Women everywhere – you no longer have to fear female stigmatisms about boating! You can honestly enjoy yourselves – and in different ways than men! Shaking the old gossip tree, I hit up some fabulous ladies that let me know what they like about boating, and here is what we have come up with:

My lovely daughter and her two girlfriends - we had fun that day!

· Peacefulness – you don’t even have to boat alone to achieve this.

· Relaxation – there’s just something about the water that entices you to slow down, unwind and take in its beauty.

· Out of touch – it’s not that you don’t love your phone and email and children calling you 23478942034265 times a day… really it’s not that, but lets all be honest – it is nice to get away… even if it’s around the riverbend. It is such a great excuse to disconnect - not that you shouldn't take your phone with you for safety, but it is a great excuse for you to turn it off (or at least the ringer) and become disconnected from the world and more connected with nature, with your vessel or with your sweetheart.

· Aqua travel – for those travelers out there, you can view the same town over and over again, but you have never seen it from the water? Taking a trip by land and a trip by sea can be two totally different experiences, don't miss out on your water travels!

· Freedom – to run off in wild abandonment… c’mon, who doesn’t like that? Seriously? No rules, just do what makes you happy! Want to crash on a remote island all day? Do it! Want to just creep along the shoreline and see all the homes or wildlife? Go for it! There are no rules for the day on the water.

· Speed – whipping around corners, fish tailing and spin outs…they’re not just for the guys anymore. And we don’t mind taking you to the finish line either. I have never to this day met more of a speed demon than my very own mother - she loves gunning it and hot dogging just as much as the next college frat boy. So go on, get out there and have fun!

· Sunshine – anything in excess is not good for you (yes, even chocolate - please don't tell my thighs that, though), but a healthy dose of sunshine’s vitamin D and appropriate use of sunscreen will keep you feeling invigorated. Too many of us sit in office jobs all day behind the desk... being outdoors is a healthy retreat from business life and keeps your mind and body well balanced. After all, this is where we were meant to be... If your lifestyle is prone to be inside all day, feel free to enjoy yourself out on the boat away from computers, the internet, clients, and perhaps most of all... the boss! After a day of boating you will feel like a new woman.

· Fishing – nothing more exciting than hooking a monster on the other end of your line. Plus, women like to be able to provide just as much as men, it is really nice to be able to bring home dinner for the family. Or at least awesome boating pictures you can share on Facebook.

· De-glamour – you don’t have to do the make-up routine, you don’t have to wear pantyhose and you most certainly don’t have to worry about chipped manicures. Getting out on the water with the ladies can actually be very de-stressing for your 9-5 gal. Just sit back, have a cold one, and enjoy being with your female friends for some male detox time.

· Girl stuff – boating is no longer the man hang-out and women are starting to stake claim to the water. Book clubs, brunches, morning coffee, great weather get-togethers, holidays, regattas, birthdays… women are finding more ways to share their passion with other sea-faring ladies.

So next time you want to hit the water, grab your gal pals and go out for a spin. Whether you are into trolling shorelines, fishing hot spots, social networking or taking a dip – take solace in knowing that we’re a growing group… and we love it!

Our boat transportation business here at Christine Transport has seen approximately 30-35% of women who are coordinating transporting their boats without the aid of their male counterparts (if there is one). It is exciting that women who love boating are going out and doing what they do best! If you would like more tips about choosing the right boat transporter for you, feel free to view our previous post about the dangers of illegal boat transporters. You can also view our boat safety tips page about preparing your boat for transport. If you have any questions about boat transporting - feel free to drop us a line or receive a complimentary boat transportation quote, we are more than happy to be of service to you!

If you don't take along your man, but would still like to include man's best friend on your sea vessel - here are some great boating tips for taking your pet aboard.

See you on the water my fellow sirens!

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoatTransporter
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristineTransport
Follow us on Twitter: http://http//www.twitter.com/BoatShipper

Safety - Pet Boating Tips

2009-04-13T15:23:00.017-04:00

What is an all-day boating trip without man’s best friend?

We know how much we love having our dog with us – so we thought we would share some safety “pet boating tips” with all of the animal-friendly sea lovers out there.

Introduction

• Introduce your pet slowly to water experiences. The less people or pets around the better so the pet will not have too much going on at once and feel overwhelmed (which causes bolting behavior). You can even introduce your pet to your boat while it is on land and stable - no rocking and lots of reassurance make for great positive experiences!

• Make early trips short trips. Instead of embarking on a 3-day water excursion, take your pet along on short trips (a few hours and work your way up to half a day, a full day, etc). This will allow your pet to acclimate to the boating environment instead of being overwhelmed by it. Treat often and well, they will soon see the boat as a great experience and look forward to all of the positive reinforcement that you provide as their pack leader. We suggest either dry treats to avoid stomach upsets until they get their sea legs or the one thing a dog cannot resist: warm hotdog.

• Get them used to the sounds and smells of boating. Start up the engines several times and run them at different RPMs to get the pet used to the loud noise. They will soon desensitize to the boat noises. Bring them around when you clean the boat at home with a pocket-full of treats handy. This helps them associate the boat with good things.

• Pet boat and dock ramps. These handy devices allow animals to return to dock level from the water without human aid. Not only are they great for play times, but they are also a safety precaution for waterfront homes and vacation rentals. These docks allow the pet to return to dry land if the owner has not noticed them falling into the water or cannot get to them in time. Train your pet to use the pet dock and its location, so that when something bad happens – they will not panic and know just what to do. This is especially helpful if you have a long dock away from land, or a bulkhead where land is not easily accessible from the water. Some great ones we have seen are: The Skamper Ramp Dock and Pool Safety Exit and the Paws Aboard Dock and Boat Ramp - both have great product info and videos available!

• Keep treats in a sealed container. Either a zip-lock bag or a large-mouthed bottle to keep them dry during water travels. This helps to keep the food or treats from becoming soggy and unappetizing.

• Using the bathroom on-board. On-board potty training can start early, as at times there is no place to stop or you are out on the open water for long periods of time. It is good to prepare for this by teaching your dog to eliminate in a certain area of the boat that you have prepared. Some dogs have a lot of issues with going to the bathroom on board because they think they are eliminating "in their home" so to speak. Be sure to keep newspapers or a piece of indoor/outdoor carpeting (green preferably to mimic grass for them) in a tray to keep it contained. (One suggestion we have for this is the Potty Patch for use on your boat.) You may even use “pet potty sprays” that encourage elimination in a particular area. Be sure NOT to dump any waste overboard and pollute the waterways. We have even heard of training your cat to use the head - so no need for litter boxes, the mess goes right into the toilet! Although we hear training them to use flush handles is a little bit more difficult...

On the Dock

• Do a quick sweep of the dock for hooks, nails, broken glass, fishing line, wire, bait and other dangerous objects that your pet could possibly walk on or consume while waiting to board the boat. Even if it is something you cannot remove, you will at least be aware of it. A good tip to know also is that bird droppings can cause serious upset stomach if ingested... including your new rug or new boat. So keep an eye out for that, too!

• Cool the dock with a water hose if it is a particularly hot day, pets can burn the pads of their feet on hot surfaces. Remember, especially with dogs, their drive to be with you is often stronger than their heat sensitivity, so they will follow you regardless. Be aware of your dog's feet by "feeling" the dock with your feet or hands - if it is hot to your touch, it will be hot for them to stand and put their entire weight on. Also be aware of signs of the "doggy hot dance" where they move their feet rapidly on hot surfaces. This can apply to anywhere from docks, to marina gravel to asphalt to boat surfaces. Something as simple as a damp towel can make a nice spot for them to rest.

• Pet ramps revisited. Again, these are a great precaution for waterfront homes or vacation rentals. These are docks that let the dog transit from water to dock without the help of human assistance. This is perfect for homeowners who allow their dogs to free-roam on the property. If your pet decides to chase an animal or become distracted exploring, they can easily find themselves in the water and panicking. Training them to use the pet dock and where it is located - this will save lives. Some great ones we have seen are: The Skamper Ramp Dock and Pool Safety Exit and the Paws Aboard Dock and Boat Ramp - both have great product info and videos available!

Boat Preparation

• Keep fishing gear contained. Make sure if there is gear on deck that it is safely tucked away in a locking container (not just a closed container). Animals are curious, and if it smells interesting enough, they’ll pry to get into it. They are just like - if not worse - than children when it comes to safety precautions. Imagine how good all of that bait, lure oil and salt smell to that nose? A locking container is a lot cheaper than a vet bill!

• Keep mechanical gear contained. Be sure to tie up gas cans, starter spray, tools (especially rubberized handled tools that are wonderful for a pet to chew on) and small pieces that may be easily consumed.

• Potty train on-board revisited. Again, sometimes there is no place to stop or you are out on the open water for an extended period of time. It is good to prepare for this by teaching your dog to eliminate in a certain area of the boat that you have prepared. Some dogs have a lot of issues with going to the bathroom on board because they think they are eliminating in their home. Be sure to keep newspapers or a piece of indoor/outdoor carpeting (it will mimic grass for them) in a tray to keep it contained or our recommendation of the Potty Patch for boat elimination emergencies. You may even use “pet potty sprays” that encourage elimination in a particular area to encourage your dog to use the bathroom where you want them to.

On-Board

• Cool the boat deck periodically, again, the pads of pet’s feet can easily become burnt on hot fiberglass (we usually do not notice because we are wearing protective footwear – please keep the heat in mind). Feel your deck and seat surfaces often - so you can either cool down or be aware of where your pet can sit or stand. If the shady portions of your boat are only on hot surfaces, your pet can easily overheat. Be sure to keep a cool, shaded area for them to relax in if they get too hot. Also, a damp towel on the ground can not only provide a cool surface to stand on, it will help keep them cool as well.

• Keep fresh water aboard your boat. Be sure to keep a gallon jug of water (at least) depending on your pet’s size. Summer water excursions can be quite hot and natural waterways may carry bacteria that will make your pet sick. Marinas and public boat docks may also have heavy chemicals and run-off in the area from gasoline and oil, it is best to bring water from home to keep sickness at bay. If your pet needs an immediate cool down, water outside of your boat should not be a problem - be sure to coat their chest and underbelly for the fastest cool-down, but you can put water no the top of their water to keep heat at bay. A great technique we use is the ice run-off at the bottom of your cooler - it is usually safe and has an extra oomph of being cool.

• Encourage drinking. Some pets may become stressed while on a boat. Owners may have to encourage them to drink before they become dehydrated or worse – heat stroke (which can be deadly when you are not readily available to bring them inland to a vet). Until they get their sea legs, be sure to keep pointing to their water, or even drop a few ice cubes from the cooler in it to make it more appealing. Dabbling your hands in the water while they drink also promotes thirst (as they think you are drinking, too) with lots of praise and scratches. They will catch on shortly.

• Place the water bowl in the shade. This forces the pet to take some time out of the sun. If your pet is excitable, they may not take the time to relax in the shade, this will at least afford them a few minutes out of the sun and allow them to cool down.

• Pet First Aid Kit. It is more sanitary to keep a separate one from the human first aid kit. You can keep ace bandages, tweezers (for removing pesky ticks or splinters), ice packs, animal-safe disinfectant sprays/creams/sunblock, etc.

• Sunscreen protection. It is suggested to have SPF 15 or higher for your pets. If you have a thin-coated or short-haired companion, a light pet shirt may offer more protection. Keep an eye on the tips of noses – they blister easily. We have noticed that our dog (who has a mostly black coat) stays cooler if we use sunscreen on his entire coat. This keeps the sun from penetrating the fur down to his skin - affording him more heat protection.

• Heat Protection. You can also purchase items designed to cool your pet down like chiller vests and bandannas. You can refrigerate them ahead of time, have several to rotate in and out of coolers and some activate with just water.

• Never tie your pet up. If the boat capsizes your pet will not be able to escape and go down with the ship. If possible, take along a pet carrier if you cannot attend to your pet (stopping to buy lunch or for a shore pit-stop) or if you are having difficulty controlling it. Do not tie down the container to the boat for the same reason.

• Dog life jackets. The increasing popularity of these have grown into a wide variety of fits and sizes for all breeds of dogs. Be sure that the jacket fits securely, you do not want your pet to wriggle out or become trapped in an ill-fitting vest. It is highly suggested to go directly to the store with your pet to best-fit them. Lifting handles are equally important for over-board pets – it is safer for both pet and owner to bring them back on-board. Be sure the vest fits comfortable for the pet and does not rub or block the legs from their full range of motion. Choose a bright color that is easily spotted in dark or murky waters. If your boat capsizes or the dog becomes lost, it will be easier for you or rescue crews to find it with a brightly-colored vest.

• Extended swimming periods or swimming in deep waters. The pet life vests are not only a safety precaution for pets, but they can be a simple swimming aid as well. Dogs in particular will enjoy themselves in the water so much they will completely exhaust themselves. Keep the good times rolling by keeping them in their life vests during play time which helps keep their buoyancy during swimming and helps them to retain body heat in cooler waters such as springs.

• Provide shade and comfort. If possible, provide a carpeted area under the shade for your pet to rest in and feel secure without having the slipping and sliding action of claws on fiberglass. If your boat is roomy enough, bring aboard a water-resistant pet bed or a designated pet towel for them to curl up on. This also gives an added sense of security that the pet knows “their own spot” on the boat where it is ok for them to be at all times.

Just For Cats

• Put the litter box on board as low as possible, this will create less shake when the boat rocks and offer more security to your feline friend to do their business.

• Although through an extensive online search we could not find a lot of marketed “cat life preservers” – seafarers on several websites suggest (if your options are slim), to try fitting them with a small canine preserver. Keep in mind that cats are not particularly fond of wearing clothing and if left with them will wriggle out or shred them to be free. It is also a hazard to leave them in one if you are not tending to them as they can easily get caught trying to free themselves and strangle. It is a good safeguard if your cat spends a lot of time topside, but they will generally not wear them for long periods of time unless you acclimate them at a young age.

• Potty Training. You can also train your cat to actually use the head - no litter box, no mess, no smell and a super clean boat! Of course this is usually for live-aboard cats where owners have the time to properly train them to do this.

Shore Excursions

• Bring along doggy bags. You never know what time of day your pet has a need, be sure you have the ability to clean up after them no matter where they make a pit-stop.

• Be sure your pets are up-to-date on their shots and bring plenty of insect repellents. Dogs especially can come across wild animals on the shore line that could possibly carry rabies. Ticks carrying lyme disease are also another concern. Not to mention the possibility of getting in a tussle with another dog on shore who may not be up-to-date on their vaccines.

• Beach debris. Again, do a quick sweep of the shore dock for hooks, nails, broken glass, fishing line, wire, bait and other dangerous objects that your pet could possibly walk on or consume while off the safety of the boat. Even if it is something you cannot remove, you will at least be aware of it and take caution to keep your pet from that area.

Overall

• Up-to-date shots and vaccines. We cannot stress this enough, if you are going to be taking your pet into public areas, please be sure they are properly vaccinated. This is not only for your pet’s protection – but if they fall overboard and are found by another boater and/or homeowner who attempts to rescue them, they could be bitten out of fear. Be a responsible pet owner and keep everyone on the water safe.

• Stay diligent and watch your pet at all times. Pets are not to be left unattended while on an open boat or dock. Pet carriers are a safe option if you must leave them behind for short periods of time. Again, do not tie the pet container down in case the boat capsizes and do not leave pets in areas where they will be susceptible to heat exposure. You may also ask the store or restaurant you are stopping at if it is okay to tie your dog up in a shady out-of-the-way spot on their property while you are there.

• Enforcing discipline is highly important on dock, on board and on shore. Your pet should remain in your control at all times and only be allowed in the water with your permission. Just because they are on the water, does not mean they are in charge. Pack leader is all the time. Other boaters will appreciate your well-behaved pet and you will find yourself being invited to more boat outings because of it.

• Keep excessive barking to a minimum. Not only will this make your pooch less annoying to others (other boaters will be more receptive to your dog if it is well-behaved), this will keep other dogs in the area calm. If your dog is seen as a threat, it could not only be dangerous to your dog but others acting aggressively as well. Be sure to stay courteous to other boaters – with and without pets. The rules at home should apply on the water as well.

• Stop aggression immediately. If your dog lashes out or acts aggressive to other vehicles, boaters or pets, place them on their side immediately until they calm down (and if possible, with the dog they attacked to stand over them to show your dog they are not dominant). This does two things, asserts your dominance and teaches your dog he is not above any other dog on the water. Do not allow dogs to escalate into a frenzied state that they are no longer controllable in – correct these signs immediately (licking lips, a focused stare and being in a tense state are all warning signs before an explosion). Your pet will soon learn what is appropriate behavior and what you expect of it while out on the water.

• Check with others before bringing your pet. Sure, we all love our pets – but that doesn’t mean everyone else does. Pet owners also seem to be more tolerant to a pet’s misbehavior while on-board but this might be irritating to others. Be sure to get a consensus from everyone (not just a majority) that having the pet on the boat will not be a problem, especially if children are involved. If there will be young children, it might be a good idea to keep Fido home so there is no stress on the trip - for both the children, the mothers and the dog.

• Pet debris disposal. Be sure to properly dispose of your pet’s waste. Responsible boaters must not only adhere to the rules of marinas and boat ramps, but also to environmental laws. Just because your pet goes to the bathroom on an abandoned island doesn’t mean it is ok to leave their waste there. Animal waste contains the same bacterial problems for waterways that human waste does, and run-off has become a serious issue in our waterways. The cleaner you keep your boating spots, the more enjoyable they will be to come to time and time again.

• Treat Recap. Our personal suggestion for treats for our dog is dry cookies for being on-board (causes less stomach upset for those pets who do not have their sea legs yet). During the early training periods we used warm hot dog – which is like Heaven to a pet! Once your pet figures out that good things happen when they are on the boat (like delicious treats and praise), they will be more and more eager to join you on your expeditions.

This is our Sea Dog - Hunter - Ready for another boat transport!

For more boating safety tips for transport, check out our homepage on preparing your boat for travel. If you would like a free powerboat transport quote or a free sailboat transport quote you can visit our quick boat quote page, email us or call us direct. Happy boating and we hope you have a dog-gone good time!

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

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Toronto, Canada Boat Delivery - Brrr was it cold!

2009-04-08T22:18:00.013-04:00

I just delivered a Sailboat - a Catalina 320 from Riverside, New Jersey. Riverside is a small village suburb of Philadelphia. The Catalina is headed up to Toronto, Canada to one excited family. Their boy, Cameron, was such a great guy; we had to post a picture of him and his family on the boat transport blog. Pictured below is Cameron, his mom, Tara and her parents and that is her husband topside.

Safe and securely delivering a sailboat to Toronto, Canada

Thanks for the business - it is very much appreciated! Its nice to work with great people. Below I managed to get Cameron to pause long enough to pose in front of his new family boat.

Thanks, Cameron!

If you would like a free boat transport quote for your special baby, feel free to drop us a line (no pun intended), we are more than happy to answer any and all questions you may have! No matter whom you decide to use for transport, please feel free to view our information page on how to prepare your boat for travel - keep your investment safe when on the road!

Feel free to check out our previous article on transport brokers and if they are right for you.

Find out more about Christine Transport or peruse over our testimonials from past and repeat transport customers.

- Mark Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

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Transport Brokers – In Your Best Interest?

2009-03-23T12:13:00.010-04:00

Selecting The Right Boat Transporter

Seeing an increase of complaints about bad experiences with transport brokers, we wanted to do a write-up on “what you should know” about transport brokers - especially when dealing with your boat transport. As anyone knows about brokers, they work on commission. So when you contact a broker to give you a bid on your boat shipment, understand that they can sometimes add their commission fees on top of the transporter’s quoted price - this is simply more cost added onto the consumer for using a middle-man.

Now, not to say that ALL transport brokers do this, we have had great relationships with brokers in the past who ran a good, clean, and honest business - and we paid the commission out of our fees to transport for the customer.

What some people may not realize is their legal stand-point when it comes to a transport broker. Will the broker hire a “legal transporter” for you? What happens if your load receives damage? Who is liable? Who’s insurance will pay for the damages? Who do you deal with if you made the contract with the broker, but the transporter was the one who damaged the boat? It is important to not just inquire on your transport broker the also the boat transporter themselves and get in writing who is liable for your boat in the unfortunately event of an accident.

One can find themselves in a quandary when things may go awry. Technically, you pay the broker for the service – yet the transporter is the one who is actually doing the work. If your load is damaged, you may feel you have recourse with the transporter. In actuality, you never paid the transporter for the load, you technically paid the broker who paid the transporter to ship your boat on your behalf. What a lot of consumers do not realize is the “good faith deposit” is what covers the broker’s commission fees. So, right up front they have gotten paid for the job, regardless of customer satisfaction - and at times can lose interest for the consumer once this has happened (especially if something has gone wrong with the transport).

In the event there is something wrong such as the transporter not delivering in the agreed upon time frame, the shipment has become damaged in transport, or the transporter will not release the boat until their share of the payment is due (even with damage) – what can you do? Did you also know that if a transporter (even a legal one) carries your over-sized boat load without proper permitting and it is damaged in an accident – your own insurance will not cover it?

We wanted to point out how important it is for consumers to research their boat transporter and/or broker to find perhaps not the “cheapest” but the “safest” to make sure they do not make a several thousand dollar mistake in the long-run. It is in our hopes, that no matter whom you choose for transport, that they get your boat there in the safest and most timely manner possible. Feel free to check out our earlier post to avoid being a victim of illegal transporters and our pre-travel checklist to help prepare your boat for travel. We are more than happy to give you a FREE Sailboat Transport Quote or a FREE Powerboat Transport Quote.

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

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Christine Transport Delivers Sailboat To Idaho.

2009-03-12T10:44:00.015-04:00

Where in the world is Christine Transport?

Well in the beautiful mountains of Idaho of course! We stopped and snapped this breathtaking view while on delivery. We don’t always fare so lucky with these lovely scenic routes – and this was a real treat. The scenery we go by is simply gorgeous, everything from mountains to beaches to forests to farm lands to metropolises! This stunning little bend was on I-90 in the Coeur d’Alene National Forest, I think we could have camped there for a month and still been wanting more. All of that untamed natural beauty… We saw deer and moose in the distance on the rolling hillsides during our journey.

There’s nothing quite like the fresh mountain air… (hey we're from Florida - you can't blame us for appreciating the mountains!)

This little baby made it safe and sound home from New Jersey to Washington state.

If you would like a free boat transport quote, feel free to get in touch with us, we are more than happy to be of service to you! You can even check out what our customers have to say on our boat transporter testimonial page.

Just a reminder, please be sure to keep your boat safe and your mind at ease, we wrote a previous article on how to avoid being scammed or harmed by illegal transporters. We are firm believers that every transport experience should be an enjoyable one...

- Christine Barber -
Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoatTransporter
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Avoid being a victim of illegal transporters

2009-02-28T09:53:00.019-05:00

Go With A Professional Boat Transporter

When you choose an illegal boat transporter - who covers you in case of an accident like this?

We have been concerned about the rising number of complaints by consumers in regards to illegal transporters. Some of these complaints range from raising an eyebrow to raising lawsuits. We wanted to start out by giving some examples of the ramifications of selecting an unlicensed or uninsured driver to transport your goods and then with some precautions you can take to protect yourself and your property. It is always our recommendation - no matter whom you choose for your transport - that you select a boat transporter that is licensed and insured.

Our most recent complaint was by an elderly woman who put a call into us over the weekend. She was obviously distraught and very upset. The woman had arranged for an individual to move her powerboat across the country. Offering a good price compared to legal boat transporters, she gladly obliged and granted the marina permission to release the uninsured transporter the vessel. A few days into the trip he had not made any contact with her to set up a time to drop off the boat at the destination marina, so she gave him a call. He informed her that he had broken down on the side of the road due to an axle problem on his own personal trailer. He then proceeded to tell her that she was going to have to pay for repairs or he would put a hold on her boat sitting on the side of the road until she complied, also accruing lay-over fees for himself in the process. The woman couldn’t believe what she was hearing from this illegal transporter, and tried to explain to him that his faulty equipment was not her error nor should she pay for it (which we must say that we agree). He didn’t want to hear it and said he would just take the boat home if he had to for non-payment issues. She was so upset by the whole ordeal she had called us in desperation just to see what her legal rights were as a legitimate boat transporter. After asking her what the gentleman’s full name was, she did not know, she also didn’t know his license number or tag numbers on his personal truck. She called the Department of Transportation to help assist her in getting the boat back – and here is the kicker, since he was not a legal transporter, they had no authority to pursue him. It had then blossomed that she was going to have to attempt a long-distance legal battle with an individual (NOT a company or legal entity) she knew hardly anything about, and in addition, during that time he would be the one in possession of her property. We were greatly saddened that we could not offer her more assistance, it is one of the horrible ramifications of doing business with non-professionals. She had hardly any recourse and did not even know his whereabouts.

Another problem that consumers and transporters alike are dealing with is the on-coming popularity of uShip. uShip is an online organization that offers an auction-style marketplace for shipping and transport services. Consumers list their items for free and transporters bid on the transport job. uShip does not offer any protection in the form of a brokerage for either party, they just provide the communication services to do so - and claim no legal responsibility for the transport agreement. Being affiliated now with eBay, their website has grown. Often, illegal transporters will create uShip accounts and bid on jobs against professional transporters. Not paying for commercial insurance and liability insurance, the private runners do not have the overhead expense that legitimate transport companies do. This often results in private individuals out-bidding or “low balling” the commercial (aka: legal) runners. Consumers have the option to ask for the license and DOT numbers for the shippers bidding on their transport request, but often do not or do not know how to verify them on the DOT website to ensure they are up-to-date. (They technically can give you any set of jumbled numbers and claim they are legal transporters.) It is really up to the buyer to perform their due-diligence when it comes to their transporter. uShip does not offer this information for their consumers to readily find or how to make the best decision for their transport service requests. They also do not regulate their transport bidders in verifying their status with DOT or if they are fully licensed and insured to do so in a legal manner. uShip does not have the power to do much to rectify any problems between the two parties since they are not a brokerage, and the only repercussion they can hold is to suspend or ban the transporter from their service after a problem has been brought to their attention. This does nothing to stop the illegitimate transporter to create a new account to scam again - not protecting either the consumer nor the transporter in these agreements. We recommend that if you must use uShip, to be sure to view how long the shipper’s account has been active and their transport feedback. This can speak volumes for the unawares customer - and you may also do search engine research to see if this shipper has been listed as a legitimate transporter or a scam artist. (Don't underestimate the power of good research before a purchase!) Beware of uShip and it's short-comings.

This also goes without saying as to what you would do if someone were in an accident with your property. Who would pay for the damages? Who is liable? Would you trust your boat, worth thousands of dollars, on the trailer of someone who could be no more than the person around the corner? If your goods were to be totally destroyed in an accident, does the transporter have cargo insurance to cover your loss? If in the event this happened, and you were to lose your commodity, you would be engaged in a lengthy legal process for recourse? If the illegal transporter has nothing to go after (they have no money and no property values), then you have nothing to go after and will ultimately be involved in a lawsuit that will get you nothing in return. In a legal sense, you would be held liable for allowing your load to go with such a transporter without verifying their legal transport status beforehand (which is public information offered on the DOT transport verification website).

So what can you as the consumer do to help protect yourself and your boat? No matter whom you decide to use for your shipping needs, research research research. It may not seem that important, but when you realize that you have a $50,000 vehicle (or any item for that matter) sitting on who-knows-where on who-knows-what equipment and you have little more than a first and last name for the person…it can become pretty scary. We have created a list of transport tips to assist a consumer in their due-diligence so that you may be informed before choosing your transporter.

· It is illegal to ship anything for hire without having valid operating authority from the DOT. You may request a copy of this certificate from your prospective transporters, and you may verify the information provided on the DOT website for your protection.

· You may also check their Motor Carrier number (MC#) out at http://www.safersys.org/ to make sure their authority is active and their liability and cargo insurance are on file. You may request a copy of their insurance as well.

· Not every legal transport company has a website or contact person, request this information beforehand, so if a problem should arise in the future, you know who to contact.

· Request a list of pre-trip instructions if the transporter provides it. Transporters are not held responsible for damage that occurs from improper preparation of your boat. It is better to know ahead of time to secure the boat or arrange for your marina or pick-up point to do so on your behalf.

Christine Transport offers a full and comprehensive checklist for preparing your boat for travel and can be found on our transport homepage. If you need to check the status of your transporter, you can do so at the DOT website to verify license and insurance status for your company of choice. This is just another service we provide to help keep you informed to protect you and your valuables - every transport experience should be an enjoyable one!

Christine Transport
Info@ChristineTransport.com
http://www.christinetransport.com/
Free Boat Transport Quotes: 352-553-8637
“Get your boat to where the fun is."

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Photo credit: Linda Kuo