CitizenShipper · Updated January 16, 2024
You just bought a new vessel, and now you have to transport it from the seller to your local waters. Are you wondering where to get a trailer from? What type of trailer you should get? Purchasing a trailer can be very expensive — if you don’t move your boat regularly, it might be an unnecessary investment. But don’t worry because you’re not alone on this, according to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, boat and marine sales went up to $59.3 billion in 2022. This means, having a boat is quite popular. Instead, you could rent a trailer to haul your boat or hire a boat transporter!
Moving a Boat on Your Own
Before you decide to tow your new boat by yourself, check your towing vehicle. Make sure it has the towing capability for the job.
- For example: An average 21-foot boat trailer weighs between 500 and 1,000 lbs. Most boats of this length weigh around 5,000 lbs. If you want to tow a trailer and a boat up to this weight, you need a vehicle with a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs or more.
- Your car manufacturer should provide the information you need regarding the towing capacity of your vehicle.
- If your car is ready to tow all of this weight, you’re ready to go! If it’s not, consider other options because it’s not safe to haul a boat using a vehicle that lacks proper towing capability.
- There’s no point in buying or renting a trailer if your vehicle isn’t up to the task of towing that kind of weight — if it’s not, you might consider using CitizenShipper to hire a professional boat transporter.
Where to Buy or Rent a Trailer
If you want to move your boat yourself and plan to rent a trailer, the first step is to research local boat trailer rental companies. One recommendation is to ask local marine sales businesses or local boating sales companies for tips on renting boat trailers. Another great place to check is a local boat or yacht club. Even if these organizations don’t have a trailer rental system there may be members willing to loan out equipment informally.
- Before you contact the rental company, gather all the information about your boat, like weight and size.
- The boat rental company needs this information in order to advise you on the appropriate trailer to rent.
- In the best case, the seller has all of your boat data from the boat manufacturer, even if it’s second-hand.
- If not, ask for detailed information.
Other Boat Rental Options
Another option is to buy a trailer with a guarantee or buyback. Some boat sale yards have extra trailers — they may be willing to make an arrangement in which you essentially pay full price for the trailer with a guaranteed resale price.
- This is a good option if you need to use the trailer for an extended period of time but don’t need it long-term.
- Another option is to join a boat enthusiasts club and use a communal trailer. Instead of a one-time fee, this requires a yearly membership that gives you access to specialized equipment for a certain number of days per year. Think of it like a boat trailer time share.
What You Need to Rent a Trailer
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of car insurance
- Valid credit card
- You’ll likely need to leave a deposit while you’re on the road
- Depending on where you’re dropping the boat you be required to show proof of a boat license
When To Consider Hiring a Professional Shipper
Another possibility is to hire a professional shipper for the transport of your boat. Transporters have their own trailers and you can search specifically for a transporter with trailers that fit your boat.
You can hire a traditional transporter or consider an alternative — a marketplace-based provider that uses CitizenShipper can be more flexible, timely and affordable.
- You can post the details of your shipping online.
- The platform asks you directly whether or not you have your trailer for the shipment.
- If you don’t, the marketspace connects you directly to drivers from the company company’s national network, who have the equipment you need.
- After posting a listing on CitizenShipper, a qualified transporter will get in contact with you within minutes with quotes.
- Your quote will be based on the distance of the haul and the size of your boat.
- You can browse each driver’s profile, equipment, experience and previous customers’ review.
CitizenShipper is a two-sided marketplace for hard-to-ship items such as dogs, cats, motorcycles, boats, cars, and more. CitizenShipper puts you in touch with experienced, background-verified, and user-rated transporters. A quality experience — quick, safe, and affordable!
