Gift Icon
Get a 20% discount from our partners! Discount code will get added automatically when you submit the form.
yellow A1 Auto Transport carrier on highway
4.7 Star Rating4.7 (67,926 reviews)
96.3% positive
No Surprises, Just Savings: Verified Carriers, Instant Quotes, and Best Price Guarantee!
You save 20% compared to other companies
Get quotes from trusted carriers, thoroughly vetted and fully insured. Enjoy trackable deliveries, fair pricing, and hassle-free transport from start to finish. Transport any type of vehicle and drive away worry-free.
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs
Customer Ratings By Feature
Value for Money ★★★★★ 4.9
Vehicle Care ★★★★★ 4.9
Fast Delivery ★★★★★ 4.9
Friendly Staff ★★★★★ 4.9
Globe
190+
Countries
Served
Car
2M+
Delivered
Services
Car
97%
Customer
Recommended
Dave loved the fast deliveryDave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidanceCourtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair priceJeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safetyMaria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.
Recently featured on USA Today

“A1 Auto Transport became synonymous with top-notch service delivery, unfailing punctuality and constantly preoccupied with customer satisfaction.

See Article— USA Today

Shipping a Pontoon Boat

Published by Joe Webster.

Shipping a Pontoon Boat

How to Ship a Pontoon Boat?

Pontoons are spacious boats used for fun and recreation activities on freshwater. There may be a need to move a pontoon from one location to the other or from one state to the other. If you're considering that the need for pontoon boat transport services can be so high, rest assured that easy to find a transporter you can trust to deliver your boat to any destination in the country no matter the size or distance of the trip.

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.

A-1 Auto Transport Ships Worldwide.
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Heavy Equipment Shipping Quote.
Get my free quote now
or call us to do it for you:

Relevant Statistics

  • On average, over 15,000 pontoon boats are shipped globally each year.
  • Approximately 85% of pontoon boat shipments are made within the United States.
  • The cost of shipping a pontoon boat internationally ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on the distance and destination.
  • More than 90% of pontoon boat owners choose to have their boats professionally prepared for shipping.
  • The most common method of shipping pontoon boats is through specialized flatbed trailers, which can transport up to 10 boats at a time.

General Facts

  • Pontoon boats can be shipped domestically and internationally.
  • Before shipping, it is essential to secure the boat to a trailer or cradle for stability during transport.
  • Shipping a pontoon boat may require obtaining necessary permits and complying with size and weight restrictions.
  • Specialized freight carriers are often used to transport pontoon boats, as they have the expertise and equipment to handle oversized loads.
  • Proper packaging and securing of accessories, such as bimini tops and furniture, are crucial to prevent damage during shipping.

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 though pontoons come in different types. However, some transport companies have different stipulations, and depending on your method or type 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 loading it onto a trailer or container for shipping.
  • Drain all water. This includes checking all pumps, water systems, and air conditioners. This can reduce some weight
  • 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, anchors, and other necessary things.
  • Disconnect batteries and anything ran by electricity or gas.

By adhering to the transporter's preparation instructions, you may rest assured that your shipment will be covered by the company's cargo insurance coverage. In the event of an accident, your insurance claim could be rejected if the necessary preparations were not made. Inquire about the service's pontoon boat insurance before hiring them. Full coverage is the safest bet. The shipping company can also offer to help you secure the necessary permits to ship your pontoon across the boundaries of states.

Vessel and Boat size - transport companies - Vehicles and vessels - idea on factors and distances - weather

Frequently Asked Questions

Share this content on social media for a chance to get up to 20% off your next shipment.
Copy link

Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

Email Me


Phil Thomas
Exceptional Service for Pontoon Boat Shipping!
★★★★★

I recently used A1 Auto Transport to ship my pontoon boat. From the initial quote to the final delivery, everything was handled with the utmost professionalism. The team was knowledgeable and ensured my boat arrived in perfect condition. Highly recommend their services for anyone looking to transport their pontoon boat with peace of mind!

Lonnie Harris
Smooth and Reliable Pontoon Boat Transport
★★★★★

A1 Auto Transport made shipping my pontoon boat a breeze. Their team was prompt, communicative, and took great care in handling my boat. The entire process was transparent, and my boat arrived on time and without any damage. If you're looking for a reliable and efficient boat shipping company, A1 Auto Transport is the way to go!

Miguel Marshall
Top-Notch Pontoon Boat Shipping Experience
★★★★★

I had an excellent experience with A1 Auto Transport for shipping my pontoon boat. The staff was friendly and provided clear instructions throughout the process. They even offered helpful tips on preparing my boat for transport. The shipping was hassle-free, and my boat arrived in pristine condition. I will definitely use their services again!

Terry Winkel
Highly Satisfied with A1 Auto Transport
★★★★★

Shipping my pontoon boat with A1 Auto Transport was a great decision. The whole process was straightforward and stress-free. Their customer service was outstanding, answering all my questions promptly and ensuring everything went smoothly. My boat arrived on schedule and in excellent shape. I highly recommend A1 Auto Transport for any boat shipping needs!

Visit our social, and see what our clients are saying about us:

Ship Your Vehicle With A-1 Auto Today
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using A-1 Auto Transport last week
Scratch-Free Guarantee
Vetted Carriers
Transparent Costs

Our Partners:

Better Business Bureau Accredited
FMCSA Member
INC. 500 Member
VeriSign Secured
AMSA Member

A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
Copyright © 1988-2024, A-1 Auto Transport - All Rights Reserved.