How to Transport a Boat in 3 Simple Steps

What's in this article?

Choose an Experienced Boat Transporter
Different transportation methods
Water routes
Railroad shipping
Shipping by road
Customized transport
Choose a Reliable Marina
Preparing Your Boat for Transport
Inspecting your boat
Preparing the interior
Preparing the exterior
Protecting the boat
How Much Should I Budget for Shipping a Boat?
Wrapping Up

How to Transport a Boat in 3 Simple Steps

The process of transporting a boat can seem like a daunting task. There are many things to consider, such as where it will be stored, how long it will be there, what type of storage facilities are needed, and much more.

However, taking the time to prepare well beforehand can make moving a boat easier and less stressful. Here are three simple steps to help you prepare to transport your boat.

1) Choose an Experienced Boat Transporter

A boat transporter specializes in moving boats safely without causing damage. If you want to avoid costly repairs, choose an experienced boat transporter who handles the entire process, including loading/unloading, transportation, storage, and delivery.

A reliable company with the right expertise and equipment should be able to provide a detailed estimate for packing and transporting your boat.

You should always ask about insurance coverage and payment options. Ask questions like: "What happens if something breaks during transit? Will I receive a final bill? How much will shipping my boast cost?"

Make sure to find out if there are any special regulations or customs before transporting your boat. The shipping company should help you avoid red tape and mistakes that could lead to expensive fines.

Different transportation methods

There are many different ways to ship a boat, including trains, trucks, and ships.

While some methods are speedier, others tend to be more affordable. The transportation method you choose can have a major impact on the price and delivery times.

Water routes

The most common method of transporting boats over land is via waterways. This includes rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Ocean shipping is sometimes slower than river shipping because of the distance involved. However, ocean shipping is actually cheaper than river shipping. In fact, ocean shipping is usually less expensive than air freight.

Railroad shipping

If you don't mind spending some money, railroad shipping could be a good option for moving boats.

Railroads, while more expensive than other modes of transportation, provide quick delivery times. You can choose from standard shipping containers or specialized cars designed specifically for moving boats.

Shipping by road

Due to their size, boats are more complicated to transport by road. Boats usually have to be moved on specialized flatbed trucks, and they usually require a pilot escort and special permits.

Legally, trucks over 13' 6" or 12' wide can't travel on interstate highways, so you may have to find another method if you have a larger boat.

Customized transport

If you want to customize your boat shipment, you'll probably need to pay extra for custom shipping. This involves designing your own container or car, which can cost anywhere from $1,500-$20,000 per container.

2) Choose a Reliable Marina

A good marina should have everything you need to move your boat from one place to another safely and efficiently. Here are some things to consider when choosing a marina and shipyard:

Do they offer storage space? If you plan to store your boat while it's being repaired, ask about the availability of a dry dock. Facilities with dry docks can usually accommodate a wider range of repairs, and taking your boat out of the water can prevent further damage.
What type of equipment do they use? Ask how many forklifts they have and what size they are.
Also find out if they have a shrink-wrapping machine. This is important because you don't want to end up paying extra money to have your boat wrapped again once it arrives at your destination.
How long has the marina been in business? Look into the history of the marina. Find out if they have had previous clients come back and recommend them.
Do they have coverage? Accidents can occur at even the most well-maintained, secure marina or shipyard. Personal property insurance compensates you for damage to your boat, while personal injury coverage shields you from lawsuits.

If something goes wrong, you'll be glad you asked whether the marina had insurance coverage.

3) Preparing Your Boat for Transport

The process of transporting boats involves many steps, including prepping the vessel, loading it onto a trailer or truck, and driving to the destination.

Taking the time to inspect and prepare your boat in advance will help ensure it gets to your destination safely.

Inspecting your boat

Before you begin moving your boat, make sure you've inspected it thoroughly.

This includes checking the hull, deck, keel, rigging, steering system, bilge pumps, electrical systems, fuel tanks, plumbing, engines, and propellers.

A detailed inspection ensures nothing comes loose and causes damage while your boat is en route.

Preparing the interior

Make sure everything inside the cabin has been secured properly, especially the hatches. All lockers should also be secured and locked, while anything on the deck must be secured or taken off the ship.

You should drain fuel and water tanks as much as possible. If you're transporting a boat during the winter, you may also want to add antifreeze to the water systems.

Finally, disconnect all batteries and tie off the contacts so they won't touch anything else.

Preparing the exterior

All items extending beyond the hull must be removed from the boat before transporting.

This includes electronic equipment, anchors, flags, hailing devices, antennas, propeller guards, outriggers, sails, screens, cushions, or anything else that extends beyond the stated size of the boat.

If any of these components break off during transport, the shipping company won't be held responsible.

Protecting the boat

Shipping companies often offer protection plans, including insurance, but proper packages minimize the risk of something going wrong on the road.

Shrink wrap is one of those ways to protect boats during transit, and some shipping companies offer discounts if clients buy both insurance and shrink wrap together.

Before shrink-wrapping the boat, check the drain plugs and make sure the bilge is completely empty.

How Much Should I Budget for Shipping a Boat?

There are many factors that influence the amount you pay to transport your boat. These include the size of the boat itself, where you live, the season, and the company you hire.

The average cost of shipping a boat varies depending on the type of boat and whether it is being moved locally or across the country. For example, boats weighing less than 500 pounds typically cost about $300 to move. Larger vessels can run up to $1,500 per mile.

A professional boat transporter should provide comprehensive insurance coverage and detailed documentation regarding the shipment.

This includes information such as the name of the shipper, the date and location of the delivery, the weight of the vessel, and the total number of boxes.

Wrapping Up

Transporting a boat can be a major undertaking, but some advance preparation and the help of a professional shipping company can ensure your vessel arrives in one piece.

A-1 Auto Transport offers reliable boat shipping services with years of experience in the shipping industry. Whether you're moving your vessel across town or halfway around the world, we will get it there safely.