Yacht Delivery Services

Congratulations Captain Mark!  Shore Update's Favorite Local Business Owner 9th Year In A Row!
Coastbusters Yacht Delivery Services
(410) 490 – 0451
captainmark435@gmail.com

Delivery Checklist

For those boat owners who haven’t experienced long distance trips or delivery of their vessel, here are some required items and supplies we may need. We request you have them on board in order to avoid any additional costs and perhaps avoid lengthy delays.

Remember, long distance deliveries are like 12 hour sea trials that occur for consecutive days. If your vessel hasn’t been used, or been lightly used in the past, you’ll need to address a few things that may make or break the trip. Here is a list of things to bear in mind, if you haven’t already.
 

• Fuel – Is your fuel old? Have you properly stored it? This is the #1 problem we encounter during deliveries….bad fuel. Please make sure your stored fuel is conditioned or fresh for the first day of travel. This is the crucial time and test, and when most fuel problems are going to happen. We request that, if possible, the vessel is full of fuel prior to departure and conditioner has been added. This will save you money, now and later! *WARNING!: Algae can grow in your diesel fuel tanks and filters if the vessel has been sitting for a prolonged period, even on land. If you suspect that algae has formed or is present in your fuel tanks or filters, DO NOT TREAT YOUR FUEL WITH AN ALGAECIDE PRIOR TO THE DELIVERY! This will break down the algae into particulate matter that will constantly clog filters until the algae is no longer present. It will require numerous filters and hours of time consuming labor. Wait until the vessel has arrived at its destination before addressing the problem.

• Fuel Filters – Are your filters clean? Are there spare filters on board? Dirty filters go hand in hand with bad fuel and compete for the top problem during deliveries. Please make sure the filters have been changed prior to departure and at least two spare filters are on board. If spin-on type are used make sure there’s a wrench on board, as well. Cartridge type filters usually don’t require tools. Don’t forget to service your genset filters and provide spares, too.

• Communications - It is imperative that the vessel has a functional, on-board VHF radio. THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL PIECE OF EQUIPMENT when operating any vessel, either offshore or along inland waterways! We must have the ability to communicate with other vessels, bridge/lock tenders, and in rare cases Coast Guard or Law Enforcement vessels. Perform a radio check prior to the trip and also check the condition of your antenna(es). A functioning EPIRB is always a great safety net especially when running off shore. If the vessel is equipped with one, please make sure the batteries are new or at least functional. We carry our own PRB (Personal Radio Beacon) in a 'Ditch Bag' and always have at least one handheld VHF as part of our gear, but they are limited in broadcast distances. Also make sure your required sound signaling device(s) are operational. A vessel-mounted horn or handheld aerosol horn reduces the risk of mishaps when radio communications fail.

• Belts/Pumps – Are your drive belts worthy? Are they damaged or dry rotted? Please take a look at them and make the necessary repairs before the trip. Also have spares on board. Have you inspected the impellars or water pumps? Impellars should be checked and/or replaced annually, in your mains and gensets. Signs of wear, cracks, rotting or missing pieces can lead to overheating problems or total breakdown. Inspect and replace as necessary prior to the trip and it's not a bad idea to have spares aboard.

•  Visibility - If your boat has Eisenglass, EZ2CY or a clear plastic bridge enclosure it's imperative that it's in good condition. The key word here is visibility, especially in inclement weather or night travel. If you have a windshield and the boat is equipped with windshield wipers, make sure they are working and the wiper blades are in good condition. We can't avoid what we can't see. Aside from the danger of collision, reduced or poor visibility can easily delay the trip or halt it completely.

• Tools – Required on ALL deliveries! Please make sure we have a basic tool kit (hammer, pliers, adjustable wrench, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, flashlight). You can never have too many tools! They don’t have to be expensive ones, and the above mentioned can be purchased for around $25. Once again, this can make a difference in the outcome of the trip…..something as simple as a screwdriver or pair of pliers.

• Fluids – Does your equipment use oil? Even if your engines and genset do not consume or leak oil, please have motor oil, transmission oil/fluid, power steering/hydraulic fluid, and antifreeze on board. This can save you a tow.

• Safety Items – Is there a ‘Coast Guard Kit’ on board? This is the term we use for safety equipment required by the USCG. Nothing will shoot your day quicker than getting boarded and cited for violations. Please make sure we are legal. PFD’s, fire extinguishers, flares or signaling devices, first aid kits, throwable FD with line, and sound signaling devices should all be present with valid dates prior to departure. An anchor with at least 300 feet of line is not required by the USCG but is a vital piece of safety equipment in case of loss of power. Please provide us with one and test the windlass if need be.

• Miscellaneous Items – Wire ties, duct tape, and WD-40! Don’t laugh. These inexpensive items can save your day. Like the old saying goes, ‘If it moves and isn’t supposed to, or doesn’t move when it’s supposed to….’, these are game savers. Absorbent pads (diapers) are also necessary and some states (MD, for one) require you to have them in the bilge, under your engine(s). Please provide at least a dozen in case of a spill, or to abate one. Check your engine room lighting and replace any bulbs that are out. 

• Dock Lines/Fenders - Of course, dock lines and fenders are a standard need. During most deliveries we’ll dock at tee heads on floating docks. Occasionally, we get assigned to a slip or fixed dock. Please make sure we have at least six (6) dock lines available, and at least two (2) fenders of the appropriate size for the vessel. We generally use 4 dock lines on tee heads and face docks, and 6 lines in a slip. Fenders are a necessity for lock operations and on floating docks. We usually affix them to fixed docks. There is nothing more frustrating than having the wind beat your boat up at the dock because we couldn’t properly secure it. 

On a side note, we occasionally will depart before sunrise and sometimes get delayed and arrive at a port in the dark. If your vessel is not equipped with radar and a functioning searchlight, nighttime operations or operations in fog/limited visibility will be risky or impossible, especially on sections of the ICW. Lack of this equipment may extend or delay a trip.

Please help us make your experience one to remember…..a good one. 

Call and schedule your move today!  (410) 490-0451