How to Ship a Pontoon Boat?
Considering the need for boat shipping services is so high, it’s easy to find a transporter you can trust to deliver your pontoon boat.
Anytime you purchase transport services for a pontoon boat, make sure you prepare accordingly. Preparation for transport is the responsibility of the shipping customer. It protects the boat and those transporting it, lessening any risks involved.
Preparing Your Pontoon Boat for Transport
It is essential to fulfill the preparation requirements. 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.
- 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 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.
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
