My apologies for lack of clarity. I meant to say 100 pounds weight. Seems
like people are overlooking the fact that this truck did a panic stop. All the preparation
possible would not prevent some sort of damage. I flew down to Florida especially to
pack up the boat, so I couldn't take the engine back as extra luggage. There was no
room inside the boat for this engine, crammed full with dinghy engine, collapsed dinghy,
boom, etc. Had the engine been inside or in the cockpit, I'm afraid even worse damage would have
been incurred. It's easy to blame the owner for improper packing of the boat, but there is no
excuse for bad driving. I have made the trip to Florida dozens of time by auto, and never had to
make any kind of panic stop because
I kept a safe distance from other vehicles. I would expect professional truck drivers
to do the same. This driver was either half asleep after making the trip in under 2 days, or he was
spaced out on something.

Sherwin D.

Steve wrote:

I've shipped several boats, 6 to 13 ton (33 to 38ft) and the hauler always
preferred and recommended that the mast (or dingy) be transported on the
trailer. They just don't like anything on deck and the trailer is easier to
monitor..

The owner is always responsible for securing all gear remaining mounted or
in the interior. I learned from others, much like yourself, the all gear
inside needs to be lashed and secured for the worst of conditions. There is
a lot of vibration and severe motion when these haulers are doing highway
speeds (or more) and braking for stops and turns.

I always shutter when I see a boat owner transporting any outboard motor on
a bracket, even on his own trailer. Hell of a strain on the hardware or the
transom. All it takes is a speed bump to break something, not to mention a
cross country trip.

Sorry I don't have much simpathy and hope you learn from this experience.

--
My experience and opinion, FWIW
--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions