How to Protect Your Yacht from Summer Shipping Hazards: Heat, Salt, and Sun

Summer is a popular time for yacht transport. Whether you’re repositioning your vessel for the Mediterranean season or sending it stateside for a summer cruise, the warmer months bring increased demand—and heightened risks. While the open seas are beautiful, they can be harsh. Heat, salt, and UV exposure pose real threats to your yacht’s exterior, systems, and overall condition during transport.

Fortunately, proper preparation and the right transport partner can help ensure your yacht arrives in pristine condition. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top summer shipping hazards and how to protect against them, with added pro tips and helpful resources to give you peace of mind.

Heat Damage: More Than Just Discomfort

High summer temperatures can wreak havoc on a vessel if not properly accounted for before transport. Prolonged heat exposure may cause:

Warping of wood surfaces and trim — Teak and other fine woods are especially vulnerable. Pro Tip: Apply a high-quality marine wood oil before shipping to help seal and preserve grain integrity.
Fading and cracking of gelcoat and paint — UV inhibitors and ceramic coatings can add months (or years) of protection.
Battery failure or reduced performance — Lithium-ion batteries are especially sensitive. Check manufacturer guidelines for optimal storage and transport temps.
Delamination of adhesives and sealants — Particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight. Inspect and reseal key seams before your departure date.

Protection Tips:

Shrink Wrap: Consider professional-grade UV-resistant shrink wrapping to protect exposed areas from direct sun and heat. Pro Tip: Request shrink wrap with integrated vents to avoid heat buildup.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow during transport to prevent interior heat buildup. Ask your transport partner about airflow paths and louver options.
Battery Maintenance: Disconnect or remove batteries if advised by your transport provider. For long-distance ocean freight, a trickle charger may be worth exploring for onboard use.

💡 Learn how shrink wrapping protects your vessel year-round

Saltwater Exposure: The Silent Corrosive

Even when your yacht is transported aboard a larger vessel (commonly known as lift-on/lift-off or float-on/float-off methods), salt spray and airborne salt can accumulate quickly.

Common Damage Risks:

Corrosion of metal fittings, hardware, and rails — Stainless steel is more resistant but not immune. Apply corrosion inhibitors in advance.
Dulling of exterior finishes and brightwork — Polishing before departure adds a defensive layer.
Damage to electronics if not fully sealed — Even minor openings in housings can let salt air in.

Protection Tips:

Protective Coatings: Apply a fresh layer of wax or ceramic coating before transport to add a barrier against salt. Pro Tip: Choose a high-temp wax for tropical routes.
Cover Exposed Metal: Use plastic sheeting or marine-grade wrap to cover railings, cleats, and other metalwork. Zip ties and soft towels beneath plastic can help avoid abrasion.
Desiccant Packs for Interiors: Place in storage lockers, near the helm, and around electronics to mitigate interior humidity and corrosion.

These steps aren’t just about prevention—they’re about preserving the elegance and value of your yacht for years to come.

💡Tips from West Marine on corrosion prevention

Sun Exposure: UV Rays and Oxidation

Direct UV exposure during long-distance transport is one of the most common summer hazards. Boats left unprotected may suffer from:

Fading of upholstery, cushions, and sunpads — UV-resistant fabric sprays can extend the life of soft goods.
Cracking of vinyl, rubber seals, and plastic fittings — Pay special attention to hatches and helm seats.
Oxidation and dulling of gelcoat and paint — This can escalate fast with tropical sun intensity.

Protection Tips:

UV Covers: Install UV-resistant covers on windows, seating, and other exposed areas. Pro Tip: Use white or reflective covers to help reduce overall heat gain.
Interior Shades: Pull all curtains and install temporary covers inside to reduce interior heat and UV damage. Reflective foil shades are especially effective.
Regular Maintenance: Schedule post-transport detailing to correct any sun-related oxidation immediately. Don’t wait too long—UV damage compounds over time.

Trust in proactive preparation today will reduce time spent on restoration tomorrow.

💡How to protect your boat from the sun

Pre-Transport Prep: Partner with Professionals

Choosing the right yacht transport partner is one of the most important steps to protecting your vessel—and your peace of mind. At Cross Chartering, we handle:

Custom cradling and blocking to prevent hull stress — Built to spec for your hull shape and weight distribution.
Full-service shrink wrapping options — Including ventilation and UV filtration.
White-glove pickup and delivery coordination — We manage timelines, tides, and local regulations.
Experienced team with over two decades of global transport expertise — Including seasonal best practices for every major route.

Pro Tip: Ask your transport provider for a pre-departure prep checklist and inspection report.

Our clients—brokers, builders, and owners alike—choose Cross Chartering because we offer more than logistics. We deliver trust, transparency, and tailored solutions at every step.

Post-Transport Checklist

After summer transport, take time to:

Inspect for any cosmetic or mechanical damage — Pay special attention to seals, hardware, and electronics.
Wash down and rinse thoroughly to remove salt residue — Start from the top and work your way down to avoid salt re-deposit.
Reconnect and test batteries, electronics, and plumbing systems — Run a systems test and log any anomalies.
Book a full detailing session and reapply protective coatings — Especially for boats going into storage.

These finishing touches ensure your yacht is fully refreshed and ready for its next adventure.

“Initially, I received 3 shipping quotes; Paul’s was a good amount cheaper so I was skeptical but man was the experience incredible!!! The attention to detail was beyond professional. Unlike other shipping companies that book you and then you only hear from them twice (loading day & delivery day). Paul has an entire team that was in-touch with me almost daily. He treats your boats like his own and I will never use or recommend anyone but Paul and Cross Chartering!” — Rosemore B.

Related Articles from the Cross Chartering Library:

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Whether you’re shipping across the Atlantic, heading for the Med, or relocating for the West Coast season, Cross Chartering has the experience, equipment, and expert team to make it seamless.

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