I have always been a admirer of Sea Ray Boats and Yachts. When I owned my boat repair facility in Portland Oregon we had the opportunity to be working on Sea Rays all the time. The north west is Sea Ray country, and has the full range of boats represented there. From the Sport Boats that range from 17 ft to 30ft, the Sport Cruisers that range from 24ft to 37ft, the Sport Yacht that range from 38ft to 51ft and of coarse the Yachts that range in size from 52ft to 61ft. I have always found Sea Ray boats to be well made considering they are a production boat and built by Bayliner!! Now the only Sea Ray boats we get to see are the larger boats that we transport, the 30ft and up to the 61ft yacht.

Sea Ray was founded in 1959 and was one of the first boat builders to use fiberglass reinforcement technology in manufacturing their boats and yachts. Brunswick Corporation acquired Sea Ray boats in 1986. Sea Ray operates 8 factories  in North America.

Tags: Boat Transport, Powerboat Transport // Add Comment »

Although we are known for transporting oversize boats and yachts, both sailboats and powerboats. We also transport small boats on their own trailers. Transporting a boat long distance from state to state still requires some level of expertise and experience. Transporting a boat from your home to the marina to launch it for the day is one thing, transporting a boat from one state to another can be tiring and monotonous. It is easy to fall asleep at the wheel. Minor maintenance issues seem to poke up their ugly heads when going long distance. Tires and wheel bearings need attention before the trip and periodicaly while under tow. We always check the tires and bearings. Checking the bearings while transporting for heat is a good way to see if the bearings are in good shape and the wheel grease is doing its job. Checking the tie down straps periodical is always a good idea.

Tags: Boat Transport // Add Comment »

When looking for a boat transport, sailboat transport, or a yacht transport company to haul your boat there are some things that every boat owner should analyze. The first thing is if the boat transporter you are looking at is qualified to transport your boat. What does his boat hauling equipment look like. One of the first things I look for in a driver is the shape of his truck and trailer. If a driver has a old rusted out boat hauling trailer what does that say about his attitude when it comes to caring for your boat? I personally will not put on a truck and trailer if it is not in good shape and of vintage that it can do the job. When you are loading large oversize boats and yachts, height is of major concern. Trailers that were built 25 years ago were not designed to effectively reduce the overall height of a boat while it is being transported. The trailers have inside frames which get into the way when loading a boat. Newer trailers like Waltrons, are outside framed and can swallow a hull like there is no tomorrow. We generally can run the bottom of a v-styled boat about 6-7 inches off the ground. That is the name of the game, keep it low. This makes the boat transport safer and in some cases less costly for the owner due to sometimes not having to employ a pole car.

Next I look at the boat transporters overall experience and track record in the industry. Is he experienced at transporting boats that are oversize in dimension. Transporting powerboats, sailboats and yachts overland requires alot of experience in not only handling a load but the logistics of keeping the boat moving. If the preparatory work on routing and permiting are not done in advance properly, problems usually occur costing time and money. Experience that comes from transporting boats nationwide cannot be overstated.

Last of all I recommend you get a feel for the companies attitude. Does the person you have been talking to have a good general knowledge of boats or is he or she simply a salesman. Go with your gut feeling. You should choose a boat transporter you feel comfortable with on a personal and professional level.

Tags: Boat Transport // Add Comment »

Well the season seems to be upon us now, the phone is ringing off the hook. It seems spring has finaly arrived, the snow is melting, grass is starting to grow. That reminds me of one of the chores to do this weekend!! We are getting alot of calls to transport large yachts. Currently on the board for the next two months we have several Bayliners, Nordic Tug, Mainship, Carver, Searay, and a large Maxum. This season is going to be pretty hectic as the boating season for transporting boats and yachts started late due to the weather. We still have some slots open in the schedule. But the way things are going there is going to be a shortage of good trucks on the road this year.

Tags: Yacht Transport // Add Comment »

                                                                                                                                   We completed the boat transport to Maine yesterday. It was offloaded at a residence for completion. After talking to the customer more I found out he built this boat himself. My hat is off to him, as this is a beautiful boat. He just moved to Maine to be near his children and is going to do some finishing work with a launching scheduled for this summer. It was kind of crazy unloading this boat with a crane as it had to be picked up in between a tree and power lines. All went well with this boat transport even through the unorthodox loading and unloading. As you can well imagine loading and unloading in a residential setting can be trying. But what do you do? With a good attitude you can make almost anything happen. Hays Marine Transport

Tags: Boat Transport // Add Comment »

When I think about it I can still remember my first big boat I transported. It was a Hunter 41. I was loaded at Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers Kentucky. She was 13.3 wide and just a little tall, I think it loaded out at 14.4 tall. In retrospect it was not all that big but it was certainly a move up from the 30 foot class of boats I was used to transporting!! I still remember how unsure I was of the width and height and when I left with the boat I knew I had some weight! I am sure the escort knew this was my first rodeo as when I hit the highway it took some time to get used to the load and to feel comfortable. It must have taken me an hour to get up to 55 miles per hour. I delivered her unscathed to Seattle Washinton a week later. I took it slow and learned alot on that trip. I have a dear friend Ken Sieler, who still drives for me and some of the lessons he taught me, suddenly became very clear. Such as when you need a lane claim it early. Since that time we have moved numerous Hunters and other sailboats, some of them not so well known. That was many years ago and the memory is still one of my fondest during the chapter in my life when I was still on the road transporting sailboats and powerboats nationwide.

Here is a interesting website about a man who traveled around the world in a Hunter. It is great entertainment.

Tags: Sailboat Transport // Add Comment »

Hays Marine Transport has been chosed to transport a 40 foot Elan sailboat from Deltaville Virginia to Seattle Washington. This is a performance boat and we are excited to be working with this caliber of sailing yacht. The loading date is may 12 2008. Transportation time should be around a week from coast to coast. Buck will be moving this boat with his new Waltron Trailer and Kenworth truck. Will post some photos at a later date.

Tags: Sailboat Transport // Add Comment »

Boat Transport

What are permits as they apply to Boat Transportation?

When we start planning and working out the logistics of transporting a large oversize boat of any kind, sailboat, powerboat or yacht, we need to apply for permits from the governing body’s in control of the routes we will be using. These permits either issued by the state, city or county, are issued under the understanding that the driver responsible for the boat transport will follow all the provisions detailed in the permit. These provisions will outline the operating time, meaning the times of day we can operate while transporting this boat. They will also outline in detail the route that is authorized for the transporter to use. It will also outline the number of escorts needed, if a pole car is needed, and where they will operate. Any time it is possible permits are always ordered ahead of time prior to loading the boat. There are times when you cannot order them in advance. The first reason that comes to mind is when the loaded height after loading the boat is not known prior to loading. When this is the case usually directly after the boat is loaded for transport and the height is then known the permits will be ordered. Permits are dated, meaning they are for a specific time period.

There are many reasons why governing body’s requiring permits to be in place when transporting boats. One of the reasons is to keep oversize loads from traveling in areas of road construction where it would be unsafe or just not possible to travel. Another reason is to keep large oversize boats from traveling during congested areas in times of high traffic, such as around major populated areas, cities etc.

 With all this in mind we at Hays Marine Transport have many years experience with ordering permits and complying with all the rules of the road that ensure a safe and uneventful boat transport

Tags: Boat Transport // Add Comment »

             We are currently transporting a powerboat from South carolina to Bath Maine. It is a custom trawler that is going home to the owner to be finished there. We had to load her with a crane due to her location. She was built in the owners back yard. Take a look at the boat pictures, it is a beautiful yacht if I may say so myself. It was 43 feet long, 13 feet wide and loaded on the trailer it was 14.4 tall.  We were able to get the loaded height down with stretching out the trailer to lower the hull as low as it would go. Unfortunatly due to road construction in the new england states going north we need some route surveys done to apply for permits. Hays Marine Transport

Tags: Boat Transport // Add Comment »

We just loaded a 36 ft Catalina sailboat for transported from Ft Worth Texas to Maine. She loaded out at legal height to be moved overland. The marina was nice enogh to accomidate our schedule as to loading on a Saturday. Most marinas will not load for transport on the weekends as they are busy enough taking care of their customers. Jason, the driver should have no issues with this sailboat being hauled as this is a small boat for him. He is one of our drivers that usualy transports the larger boats. We try to keep him transporting the 40ft and above boats as that is how he is set up as far as equipment goes. He pulls a three axle trailer designed for 30,000 lb boats and above.

Tags: Boat Transport // Add Comment »