Sometimes you just want someone else to do the driving–of your boat, that is. Maybe you've heard the waters are tricky in a particular area. Or you're relocating to another part of the country, and you want someone to move your boat. Or there's a hurricane heading your way, and help getting your boat out of harm's way would be just the ticket.

What you need is a delivery captain. But once you find one, how do you know if he or she is qualified to do the job?

Start by asking for a resume and check out the recent references. A delivery 10 years ago doesn't tell you a thing about present–day reliability and skill. Interview the prospective captain. You want to know the types and sizes of boats he or she has delivered and to what areas. Will additional crew be needed?

Ask to see a Captain's License. Is it current? Since there's no convenient website to check for verification of a captain's credentials, the next best thing is to contact the Coast Guard's National Maritime Center at 1–888–427–5662.

Once you've settled on a captain, there are still a number of things to do. Read the contract thoroughly. Make sure your name, address and contact data are noted as well as that of the captain and any crew. The contract should include the make, model, year and name of your boat, its homeport, its eventual destination, a projected delivery date, and the delivered price.

If your captain doesn't carry liability insurance–and most don't–it's your responsibility to contact your own insurance company and add the captain (and any crew) to your policy. Be sure to ask what your policy covers in the way of damage to your boat or injuries to the captain and crew while the boat is in transit.

At this point, you're almost home. Familiarize the captain with your boat–everything from its systems to the whereabouts of manuals, tools, first aid equipment and spare lines. Service the boat or have it serviced prior to departure and give the captain a heads up of any concerns.

– Linda Hoff