How to Ship a Boat on the Road

Your boat is a significant investment, so when it comes time to ship it, you want to make sure the process goes smoothly.

However, the shipping procedure can be complicated if you have zero ideas of what to do. The problem is that shipping a boat is much more complex than shipping other types of cargo.

Before deciding on how you'll move your vessel, there are numerous factors to evaluate. The question of how to transport a boat from destination A to B is an example. Would you hire someone to do it, or would you try to do it yourself?

Read on for a simple boat owner guide to shipping your boat on the road.

Ways You Can Ship Your Boat

There are many ways you can use to ship your boat. Here are the three basic methods.

1) Ship it yourself

This is not just about being able to do it yourself but also about doing it on your own terms. Moving your own boat means you no longer depend on an outside party for transport. You can choose how and where you want to move it, who will help you with the process, and when you want it to reach your destination.

Renting a trailer is easy to transport your boat, but you pay extra for insurance and taxes. If you already have a trailer, you'll need to contemplate your boat measurements and ensure you have the necessary space to transport it.

Which cars are best for pulling a boat trailer? Well, you can't go wrong with any 4-wheel drive vehicle. However, a powerful truck should easily be strong enough to accomplish the job.

2) Hire a Freight Forwarder

Personally, handling the shipping of your boat can be difficult, so you may want to hire a freight forwarder for assistance.

A freight forwarder is a professional who has experience in shipping boats. They will take care of everything for you, including making sure that the boat arrives at its destination safely and on schedule.

3) Hire a Professional Shipping Service

The best way to ship your boat is to use professional shippers or shipping services. However, you have to choose the best company that fits your preference. Look for a boat shipping company with experience in shipping boats and a good reputation.

Benefits of Using a Shipping Service

Using a professional shipping service comes with many benefits, including the following:

Save time

The first reason you should consider hiring a shipping service is that it saves you time.

By taking advantage of their services, you no longer have to worry about preparing your boat for shipment. They handle all the details for you. In addition, you can easily contact them online – all you have to do is relax and wait until they finish.

Avoid damages

Another reason you should consider using a shipping service is that it prevents you from damaging your boat. Transporting your boat without experience puts it in danger of damage.

Instead, just let someone qualified do it for you. Shipping services have qualified people with experience and expertise to help ensure your boat arrives at its destination safe and sound.

Reduce costs

Another benefit of using a shipping service for your boat is that it is cost-effective. Shipping services typically offer lower rates since they charge less per mile. Since they offer these low rates, you can save more by going through them.

Protect your investment

A final benefit of using a shipping company is protecting your investment. Most people who buy boats like to keep them for years. However, if you decide to sell your boat, you must protect its value with certain precautions.

One way to do this is to ship the boat instead of selling it locally. By moving your boat, you can avoid having to pay local taxes.

Have a better experience

In addition to saving you time and money, a shipping service also allows you to enjoy a better overall experience. You can focus on enjoying your vacation instead of constantly worrying about where your boat is located.

With a shipping service, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle is being taken care of.

Get expert advice

Finally, shipping your boat with a professional shipping provider gives you access to expert advice. You can ask questions and receive answers from experts about the shipping process. This is reassuring if you have doubts about the process. In addition, these experts can help you determine the best method of moving your boat.

How to Prepare a Boat for Shipping

Okay, you know how you are going to ship your boat. Does this mean you are done with the whole process? Not necessarily, because it is time for you to prepare your boat for shipping.

This process is not a complex element of the shipping procedure, but it is critical for several reasons. For example, preparing your boat lets you know the complete condition of your vessel before it is shipped. So, if there is damage, you know it was caused during the shipping.

Take into account that the shipping service or carrier cannot be held liable for any pre-existing damage on your boat. So preparing your boat allows you to take necessary precautions during the shipping process.

Preparation process

The preparation process involves taking care of all the items required for shipping. Some of these items include:

Boat preparation checklist

A checklist will ensure you don't miss any crucial steps as you prepare your boat for transport. Your checklist should include things like draining your fuel and water tanks.

Remove loose items

After inspecting your boat, it is usually ready for transportation. You must ensure all the items inside the boat are secure and nothing is missing. Also, you should remove anything that might be damaged or broken.

Secure the boat

Ensure you lock up your boat securely so no one can enter it during shipping.

Arrange for insurance coverage

Getting insurance for your boat against loss or damage during transportation is critical. This insurance is crucial if you are shipping your boat internationally. The insurance company will cover most damages and losses sustained during the shipping procedure.

Gather important shipping documents

Ensure that all your shipping documents are intact. If you are using a shipping company, they should be able to assist you in gathering the necessary documents for shipping.

Once you finish all this, you can start planning how to ship your boat.

Requirements for Shipping a Boat on Road

Before you can ship your boat on the road, it has to meet specific requirements depending on the type of boat. Some companies cannot accommodate oversized boats, so you have to meet these requirements. The requirements include:

Width

Boat width determines the amount of space available for transporting your boat. Therefore, you should consider the width of your boat when choosing a shipping company. Also, ensure that the shipping company offers wide enough trucks to accommodate your boat.

Height

When determining your boat's height, you should consider the maximum height of the truck's chassis. This is because the truck's chassis needs to clear the highest point of your boat.

Length

The length of your boat plays a major role in determining how long it takes to ship your boat. For example, if your boat is longer than 20 feet, then it might take up to 10 days to ship a boat.

On the other hand, if your boat is shorter than 20 feet, it could take just a few hours to ship your boat. So the boat's length determines how fast the vehicle will go. It also determines the route which will be used to transport your boat.

Professional Shipping Options

There are two main ways you can ship your boat on the road: enclosed shipping and open shipping.

Enclosed shipping

The name says it all. With this method, your boat is placed in a shipping container and transported to your location. It only applies to certain types of boats.

This shipping method requires that your boat falls under specific measurements. For example, if your vessel has a higher height or width than the containers available, it cannot fit. In addition, you will not be able to use the enclosed container to ship larger boats or larger vessels.

Open shipping

This shipping option is the best for oversize boats because it does not use a container. All you need is a truck with enough width to hold your boat.

One thing to note about this shipping option is that the delivery is sometimes slow. This is because it has to be transported carefully to avoid damage. So if you use this option, you have to weigh the delivery time when you're planning your schedule.

Need to Move? Call Us

There are many boat transport companies online. However, look no further if you are looking for a reliable and experienced boat transport company. A-1 Auto Transport is a reputable company with more than a decade of experience in the industry.

We are here for you if you want reliable, problem-free boat transportation. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to provide top-notch services at an affordable price, regardless of your location. We can transport any boat, ship, or yacht.

Contact us today for a free quote.