How to Ship a Pontoon Boat?
Considering the need for pontoon boat transport services is so high, it's easy to find a transporter you can trust to deliver your boat.
Anytime you purchase transport services for a pontoon boat, prepare accordingly. Preparation for pontoon boat shipping is the responsibility of the shipping customer. It protects the boat and those transporting it, lessening any risks involved.
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Preparing Your Pontoon Boat for Transport
It is essential to fulfill the preparation requirements when shipping pontoon boats. In most instances, these requirements remain the same. However, some transport companies have different stipulations, and depending on your method of transport, the requirements may change a little too.
- Take any hazardous materials off the pontoon boat. This includes oil, fuel, etc.
- Secure any hatches by tying or taping them down for reinforcement. You want the seals to be so tight water can't get in.
- Close and lock all windows, doors, and other similar attachments. You don't want them to swing open during the boat's shipping process.
- Make a list of any damages that the boat suffers from. Take pictures of the interior and exterior to have proof of its condition before the transport.
- Drain all water. This includes checking all pumps, water systems, and air conditioners.
- Secure any loose cables or gear inside the boat or out on the deck.
- Take off or lower anything that raises the height of the boat past 13.5ft.
- Get a licensed marine surveyor to inspect your boat.
- All required documentation should be ready to go.
- Clean and wash the pontoon boat before its shipping process.
- Take out any valuable items such as electronics and anchors.
- Disconnect batteries and anything ran by electricity or gas.
When you follow the preparation requests, you're also ensuring that it is covered under the transporter's cargo insurance. If the prep work wasn't completed and an accident happens, your insurance claim may get denied. Always ask the transport service about their insurance coverage for pontoon boats. You should always opt for full coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Transporting your pontoon boat will cost a minimum of $3.75 per mile. The final price will depend on factors such as the distance the driver needs to travel, the timeframe it needs to be shipped in, the boat size - weight, length, and width of the boat, and the weather.
The dimensions are important because they decide whether there are special considerations the company has to pay attention to. It usually doesn't apply to pontoon boats because they're light and small.
It might add to the cost if you get your pontoon boat shipped during a month with exceptionally high maritime traffic.
A pontoon boat only weighs around 2000 to 2500 pounds, so it isn't very heavy. Still, that doesn't mean a certain amount of care isn't needed to ensure everything goes smoothly.
A flatbed is perfect for long-distance transportation and is the preferred method for most shipping companies. It comes in different sizes, but since the boast is so small, a small one is enough. A flatbed trailer is around 25 feet long and can hold up to 20,000 pounds.
Another way of shipping is securing the pontoon boat on a larger boat or ship or using an enclosed container. Boat haulers use this method to transport it from one coastline area to another or to transport it overseas. I your boat is being moved domestically, inland transportation can also be explored.
It'll depend on where and how you want it transported, especially if you're taking it to the coast from further inland. But another vital aspect of the process is preparation, which usually falls on the customer.
First, to prepare your pontoon boat for transport, you must ensure it is safely secured. You also have to drain the water and tanks as far as possible. There must be no water in the air conditioner, pumps, and water system, especially in winter. The fuel must be at most 1/4th of the tank.
You might be able to get some assistance from your boat transport company, but you'll most likely have to pay extra costs because it isn't included in the standard shipping process. The sooner you get it done, the smoother the entire process will go.
A boat transportation company is convenient because it focuses on the most efficient and best way to transport your boat. There are different ways to ship your pontoon boat. One way is using your private trailer. You can transport using your boat trailer connected to the back of your truck.
This can be an excellent choice for people who live near water and don't need to go far, but you will need the relevant expertise to use this method. Boat moving companies may be specialized, but you can also hire other companies for boat transport.
A good shipping company has the relevant expertise to ship your boat to its destination safely so we recommend looking for one in your area.
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