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.

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.