A Comprehensive Guide to Boat Transport: How Boats are Moved

What does it take for a boat to be moved from one location to the other? There are many reasons for boat transport, and many ways which boats are moved. Whether you’re moving to a new state, buying or selling a boat, or simply seeking a better storage location, boat transportation doesn’t need to be a daunting task. In fact, transporting a boat is extremely common!

This guide will provide you with every detail you need to know about the boat moving process. This includes different methods of boat transportation, how to get prepared for a move, and more. Let’s dive in!

Methods of Boat Shipping

There are two main methods of transporting a boat — by land or by water. There are different advantages and disadvantages to every method, so let’s take a deep look at each approach.

1. Trailer Transport

Using a trailer over land is the most common method in which boats are moved. This is largely because trailer transport is the most cost-effective way to move a boat from one location to another.

Trailer transport is simple!

• You can use your own boat trailer and haul it yourself.
• Or, you can hire a professional transporter to haul the boat.

When you transport the trailer yourself, the only costs you’ll incur are from gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, plus lodging and any time off from work you’d need to take. Depending on the length of the transport, time off from work and lodging may not be necessary. When transporting your boat via a trailer, make sure you have the appropriate licensing and registration, including proper insurance coverage. You should also note the weight and dimensions of your vessel to ensure that it can be safely transported over the highways in the United States.

Driving long distances with a trailer may be overwhelming and intimidating for inexperienced boat owners, and hiring a professional may make more sense.

Flatbed Truck Transport

Even if your boat comes with its own trailer, many transporters will transport it on a flatbed truck. If there is a trailer, the hauler will load the boat and the trailer onto the flatbed and deliver it to the destination.

If you have an oversized boat that is wider than what can be legally transported over highways, you’ll need to hire a flatbed truck transporter. Transporting a boat of this size requires special permits and escorts to ensure driver and public safety, as well as cargo protection. Because of the extra steps and special equipment that’s required, it has additional costs.

Flatbed truck transport is particularly useful for transporting boats with a width or height larger than what can legally be transported over highways. It’s essential to note that this method requires special permits and escorts to ensure driver safety and cargo protection, so it will have additional costs.

2. Water Transport

Transporting a boat by waterway — commonly referred to as shipping a boat “on its bottom,” is most boat-owners’ preferred method. Why? Well for one, it’s the approach the requires the least amount of preparation because all you have to do is drive your boat from point A to point B. You won’t need to remove accessories, clean the boat, drain water tanks, have the boat inspected, and more.

Another reason boat owners love this method is that you can treat the transport like a vacation! Whether you are driving the boat up or down the coast or through inland waterways, you can spend time on your boat while you get it to the destination.

The biggest downside to shipping your boat on its bottom is that it’s time consuming. Unless you hire someone to drive the boat for you, the trip may take several days or even weeks. This could mean taking time off from work, and paying for docking fees and/or lodging for yourself.

How Boats Are Moved

The type of boat and the distance to be traveled will determine the appropriate method of moving the boat. Nevertheless, there are some general steps that every boat-owner should follow when moving a boat.

Preparation

One of the most important steps about boat transport is the first step: preparation. By properly preparing your boat for transport, you’ll ensure that it arrives safe and sound without any damage to the vessel or the transportation vehicle.

• Ensure you have the right straps or ropes to secure your boat to the trailer or flatbed truck.
• You should also note the height and width of your boat and trailer to ensure it’s within the legal limits for transport on the highways.
• Double-check that the boat trailer is in good condition and that the brakes, tires, and axles are in good condition.

Preparing the boat itself is also very important if you’re transporting it by land. In fact, it would be helpful to create a checklist and run through it before shipping, just to make sure you don’t forget any steps:

✅ Pre-Transport Boat Prep Checklist

🧾 Documentation & Logistics

• Gather registration, insurance and title documents

• Take detailed photos of the boat from all angles

• Review and sign the transport contract

• Confirm pick-up and delivery locations and dates

• Notify marina or storage facility of transport if applicable

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🧹 Clean & Inspect the Boat

• Thoroughly wash the exterior and hull

• Clean the interior (remove trash, debris and perishable items)

• Check for any existing damage or leaks

• Drain fuel to the required level (usually under ¼ tank)

• Empty freshwater tanks and holding tanks

• Remove drain plugs (for overland transport)

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🧰 Secure Loose Items

• Remove all personal belongings and valuables

• Take off or secure electronics, navigation gear and antennas

• Detach and stow canvas covers, Bimini tops and enclosures

• Remove or secure sails and rigging (for sailboats)

• Stow and secure life jackets, fenders and dock lines

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🔧 Mechanical & Electrical Prep

• Disconnect the battery and secure cables

• Ensure the engine is properly secured and supported

• Check for fuel/oil leaks and fix if necessary

• Secure the propeller and trim tabs

• Latch all doors, hatches and compartments

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🚛 Trailer Prep (if applicable)

• Inspect tires, bearings, and brakes on trailer

• Check and secure lights and wiring

• Make sure the hitch and safety chains are in good condition

• Confirm the boat is properly secured to the trailer

• Remove or secure the transom saver

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📞 Final Checks Before Pickup

• Confirm final details with the transport company

• Review insurance coverage for transport damage

• Be present or arrange someone to assist at pickup

• Provide special instructions (loading quirks, clearance, etc.)

• Exchange emergency contact information

Loading

Once your boat is prepared for the overland move, the next step is loading it onto the trailer. If you hire a professional transporter, they’ll take care of this step — especially if it’s being loaded onto a flatbed. If you have your own trailer, chances are you know how to load a boat onto it.

Transport

Once the boat has been successfully loaded, the next step is transportation. Ensure you have the necessary permits and driving licenses required to drive with large loads on the roads. When you hire a boat transportation professional, they should handle obtaining any permits or licensing to ship the boat.

If you’re taking the DIY approach and driving the boat yourself, remember that you cannot exceed the highway speed limit when towing a boat behind a vehicle. It’s also recommended that you drive at least five miles per hour below the freeway speed limit to ensure safety and stability during transportation.

Unloading

After reaching your destination, ensure that you carefully unload your boat. Backup your trailer or flatbed truck to the suitable unloading area, and carefully release the straps to ease the boat down the trailer or flatbed.

Bottom Line

 Whichever method of transportation you choose, it’s crucial to prepare adequately and follow standard boat transport procedures to ensure the safety of your boat, trailer, and driver. At CitizenShipper, we help connect boat owners with professional and insured drivers to deliver their boats safely and efficiently. Whether you need to transport your boat for recreation or business purposes, we’re committed to making your boat transport experience seamless and stress-free. Get in touch with us today!