Preparing Your Boat for Yacht Delivery

A successful yacht delivery starts before the captain and crew arrive. Taking the time to properly prepare your vessel can reduce delays, prevent avoidable problems and help make the delivery safer and more efficient.

The goal is simple: the boat should be mechanically sound, properly equipped and ready for the route it is expected to travel.

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Make Sure the Boat Is Mechanically Ready

A delivery is not the best time to discover deferred maintenance. Engines and other critical systems should be serviced and operating properly before departure.

At a minimum, check:

• Engine oil and coolant levels
• Belts, hoses and clamps
• Fuel filters and water separators
• Transmission fluid
• Steering systems
• Bilge pumps and float switches
• Raw-water systems and seacocks
• Generators, if applicable

Any known mechanical issues should be discussed with the captain before the delivery begins.

Check Batteries & Electrical Systems

Reliable electrical systems are especially important during a long-distance delivery. Batteries should hold a proper charge, charging systems should operate correctly and critical electrical equipment should be tested before departure.

Check the operation of:

• Starting and house batteries
• Battery chargers and alternators
• Navigation lights
• Interior and cockpit lighting
• Bilge pumps
• Windlass and electric winches
• Shore power systems

Captain Rob’s background in electrical engineering, marine electronics and NMEA 2000 systems can be valuable when electrical or electronic problems arise during a delivery.

Test Navigation & Communication Equipment

Navigation and communication equipment should be fully operational before leaving the dock.

Depending on the vessel and route, this may include:

• GPS and chartplotters
• Depth sounder
• Radar
• AIS
• VHF radio
• Autopilot
• Compass
• Navigation lights

Charts and software should also be current for the planned route.

Inspect Safety Equipment

All required safety equipment should be aboard, accessible and in good working condition.

This may include:

• Properly sized life jackets
• Fire extinguishers
• Flares and visual distress signals
• Sound-producing devices
• First-aid supplies
• Emergency signaling equipment
• EPIRB or personal locator beacons when appropriate
• Throwable flotation devices

The equipment required may vary depending on the vessel and the waters being traveled.

Prepare Sailboats for Delivery

Sailboats require several additional checks before departure. Standing rigging, running rigging, sails and deck hardware should be inspected and ready for use.

Particular attention should be given to:

• Standing rigging and terminals
• Halyards and sheets
• Furling systems
• Winches and blocks
• Mast and boom hardware
• Sails and reefing systems

Learn more about our professional sailboat delivery services.

Prepare Powerboats for Delivery

Powerboats should be ready for sustained operation, particularly when the route involves long days underway or offshore passages.

Engines, generators, cooling systems, fuel systems and steering should all be checked carefully. Fuel capacity and realistic cruising range should also be confirmed before route planning is finalized.

Learn more about our professional powerboat delivery services.

Fuel, Water & Onboard Supplies

Fuel tanks should contain enough clean fuel to begin the trip safely, and accurate fuel capacity information should be available to the captain.

Fresh water systems should be operational, and the vessel should have appropriate dock lines, fenders, anchors and ground tackle aboard.

Personal belongings and loose objects should be secured so they cannot shift or become damaged while underway.

Provide Vessel Information

The captain should know about any unusual operating procedures, recent repairs or known problems before departure.

Helpful information includes:

• Owner’s manuals
• Engine and generator documentation
• Electrical diagrams
• Fuel tank capacities
• Recent maintenance records
• Locations of spare parts and tools
• Instructions for unusual onboard systems

Remove or Secure Personal Items

Before the delivery, remove valuables and unnecessary personal belongings whenever practical. Items remaining aboard should be secured for rough conditions.

Exterior cushions, covers, loose equipment and anything that could blow away or shift should also be secured or stored.

Spare Parts & Tools

A reasonable selection of vessel-specific spare parts can save significant time during a long-distance delivery.

Useful items may include:

• Fuel filters
• Oil filters
• Belts
• Impellers
• Engine oil and coolant
• Fuses and circuit breakers
• Replacement bulbs
• Hose clamps
• Basic vessel-specific tools

The appropriate spares will depend on the vessel, route and length of the delivery.

Be Ready for the Captain’s Pre-Departure Review

Before getting underway, the captain will review the vessel and major systems. If an issue is discovered that could affect safety or reliability, it may need to be corrected before departure.

Preparing the boat in advance helps reduce unexpected delays and gives the captain and crew the best opportunity for a successful trip.

What Happens During the Delivery?

Once underway, owners receive regular communication about progress, weather and any significant issues that arise. On longer trips, you can also follow the vessel through our yacht delivery tracking.

For additional information about scheduling, crew, weather and delivery logistics, visit our yacht delivery FAQ.

You can also view examples of completed routes and vessels on our recent yacht deliveries page.

Ready to Plan Your Yacht Delivery?

Tell us about your boat, its current location, destination and preferred timing. We’ll review the trip and help determine what your vessel will need before departure.

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