How to Transport Your Jet Ski Safe and Sound
Buying a jet ski is a fantastic investment, especially if you want to take your summer vacation to a new level. Not only this, but jet skis can also offer a great time for all your family members. Since these personal watercraft do not come cheap, you need to keep yours safe. Transporting your jet ski might be a nerve-wracking process.
After all, accidents happen all the time, so your concerns about damaging your expensive purchase are indeed valid. However, transporting your jet ski safely does not have to be a Herculean task! With some patience, you can move yours wherever you want without a hassle. Keep on reading to know more.
Drive the Jet Ski
Perhaps the easiest way to move your jet ski is to simply drive it. If you have had your vehicle for some time and it is already docked in a nearby marina, you can drive it to your desired destination. Of course, this only works if the destination you have in mind is somewhat close to the jet ski’s current location. On the other hand, if the vehicle is a recent purchase and you have not obtained your boating license yet, you must look for another way to transport the jet ski. Driving a personal watercraft without a license is a serious misdemeanor and can put you at risk of paying a hefty fine.
Tow the Jet Ski
Another simple way of moving your jet ski is to tow it using a trailer. This solution works best if you are keeping the vehicle stored in your garage or a close warehouse and want to move it to a nearby water surface. To properly tow the water vessel, you need to be extra careful when choosing the hitch. The hitch is the part that connects the trailer to your car, and if it snaps during the transport process, it can lead to a catastrophic accident like the ones in Final Destination! So, you need to calculate the weight of the vessel and the trailer and buy a hitch that can support this load.
Moreover, make sure to frequently check whether the trailer is properly secured to your car. The process also depends on the size and engine power of your car, so you might have trouble towing the jet ski if you have a small car.
Use Boat Lifts
This method is a variation of the previous one. If you keep your jet ski in the water all the time, then using a boat lift can come in handy. Boat lifts keep your vessel above water, preventing water damage and rust. Not only do boat lifts protect your jet ski, but they can also enable you to move it onto a trailer much easier. As for the types of boat lifts on the market, custom boat lift manufacturers make several models, including vertical, elevator, and PWC lifts. When buying a lift for your jet ski, make sure the company you are dealing with uses high-quality materials like titanium to ensure that your vessel stays in tip-top shape.
Hire Professional Boat Haulers
Do you want to move your jet ski to another state but don’t want to use your car to do so? In that case, hiring a trucking company that specializes in moving different types of vehicles is your best bet. Because the market is oversaturated with transport providers, there are some tips you can follow to find the best one. First off, you need to check the company’s credentials to ensure that it is licensed to transport vehicles. You should also consider the provider’s rates to find a deal that suits your budget. Don’t forget to read customer reviews as well to get a sense of the company’s quality of service.
Consider Ocean Freight Services
In the rare case that you want to ship your jet ski internationally, you can opt for ocean freight services. The companies that specialize in providing such services will measure the dimensions of your jet ski and put it in an appropriate crate. Then, the vessel will be hauled onto a ship that is made for the purpose of transporting such heavy items offshore. Although this method is generally effective, it is somewhat slow. So, expect to wait for a few weeks to receive your jet ski.
Transporting your jet ski can be a headache since there are many variables to keep in mind. To avoid damaging yours, you should look into hiring professional boat haulers or ocean freight services for international shipping. But if you want to move the vessel yourself, consider investing in a boat lift and strong hitches to make towing the jet ski a bit easier. By employing the above methods, your jet ski will reach its destination without sustaining any damage.