How To Ship a Boat To Another State: Safest Ways

Rochdi Rais Rochdi Rais · Updated February 23, 2024

Set Sail Sooner!

  • Fast and easy
  • Only pay when you book
https://citizenshipper.com/blog/furniture-shipping-company

Transporting a ship to another state can be challenging, but with the right preparation and planning, you can make the process seamless. Whether you’re moving your yacht for a vacation, selling it, or storing it until the next season, there are specific steps you need to take before, during, and after the transportation to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Read on to find out what you need to ship a boat to another state.

Preparing To Ship a Boat to Another State

Before you ship a boat to another state, there are crucial steps you need to take to ensure that it arrives at its destination in one piece. Here are essential things to prepare for your boat transport:

1. Understand Ship Transport Regulations

You need to understand how to adhere to the rules and regulations that cover the potential hazards and threats during boat transportation. These guidelines outline the process of boat transport to ensure the safety of your vessel, the driver, and other road users.

2. Choose the Right Ship Transport Company

Choosing the right boat transport company is crucial when you ship a boat to another state. You should look for a reliable and experienced transport company with a proven track record of transporting vehicles. Reliable transport companies ensure the safety of your boat during transportation and adhere to boat transportation regulations.

3. Get Insurance Coverage

You need to consider purchasing yacht transport insurance for your vessel while in transit. Coverage covers loss or damage to the ship while in transit. Suppose the company you choose doesn’t provide insurance coverage or has inadequate insurance. In that case, you must arrange for additional coverage by an independent insurance carrier.

4. Get Your Boat Ready for Transportation

Preparing to ship a boat to another state can save you money and reduce the risks of damage when you want to transport a boat from one state to the other. Here are the essential steps to prepare your ship for transportation:

– Clean your boat: Clean your ship thoroughly to ensure dirt, debris, or grime won’t cause corrosion or damage to your yacht.

– Secure items on the deck: Remove or secure all loose items, such as electronics, canvas covers, or detachable hardware, and lock or bundle ropes and lines

– Drain the tank and the system: Emptying the fuel tank or reducing fuel levels to below 25% reduces the risks of fire hazards during transportation

– Check for leaks and other mechanical issues: Conduct a mechanical check-up to detect leaks, identify mechanical problems, and address them before transport.

What To Do During the Boat Shipping 

When shipping a boat to another state, you need to cooperate with the boat transport company and supervise your boat’s loading, transportation, and offloading. Here are key things to consider during the boat transport:

1. Arrive on Time for the Pickup

You need to be available at the pickup location before the boat transport company arrives. That way, you’ll be there to supervise the loading, confirm documentation, and provide further directions. Arriving late can cause additional expenses and delays the delivery date.

2. Supervise the Loading Process

Boat transport companies may require you to remove specific components to make the boat lighter or safer for transportation. Make sure the company handling your boat labels and stores all components correctly. Supervise the loading process and ensure that the boat is secure before it sets off.

3. Keep Track of the Transportation Process

Suppose you’ve paid for boat transport insurance, keep track of the transportation process to ensure that no damages occur during transportation. Write down the transport company’s details and contact information in case of any emergency.

What To Do After Your Boat Is Transported

Once your boat arrives at the destination, you need to conduct proper inspections, collect the necessary paperwork, and pay the transporter for their services. Here’s what to do after your boat’s transportation:

Inspect Your Boat

Once the boat arrives, inspect it thoroughly for any dents or damages. If you notice any damages, inform the transportation company immediately and start the insurance claim process.

Collect the Boat

Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork, including bills of lading and permits, before taking your boat.

Pay the Transport Company

Once you’ve received your boat, it’s time to pay the transport company. Ensure that the payment terms, payment method, and amount are fair and previously agreed upon.

Preparing a Quote

Before we can provide you with an accurate quote for shipping a boat cross country, we will need some information from you. This includes the dimensions of your boat, such as its height, length, and width, as well as the location where the boat will be picked up. With this information, our experienced boat transport agents can plan the most efficient and safest route for your boat transportation.

Weather conditions are also considered when scheduling when we ship a boat to another state. If the forecast calls for unfavorable weather conditions, such as heavy rains or hail, we will reschedule the trip until the skies are clear. This ensures safety when you ship a boat to another state. 

Cost To Ship a Boat To Another 

One of the most common questions we hear from our customers is, “How much does it cost to ship a boat to another state?” Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. The cost depends on various factors, such as the route that needs to be taken, the tolls for each road, the permits that need to be obtained for each state, and the distance that the boat needs to travel.

Why Choose CitizenShipper

CitizenShipper has an excellent track record of customer satisfaction, and we are dedicated to providing you with the best service possible. Our highly experienced boat transporters will ensure that your boat is transported safely, securely, and on time. 

Bottom Line: Ship a Boat to Another State

To ship a boat to another can be an exciting but challenging process. However, Following the steps outlined in this article can be much easier. With proper preparation, supervision, and after-transportation steps, boat transportation can be a seamless and effortless process.

If you are considering transporting your vessel to another state, consider choosing CitizenShipper, the leading transportation marketplace in the United States that connects boat owners with reliable transporters.