Boat Transport Preparation for the Road

Proper boat transport preparation is essential to ensure the safe and efficient relocation of your vessel. This guide provides key steps to prepare your boat for transport, such as, emphasizing the importance of selecting a reputable carrier, adhering to regulations, and securing your vessel appropriately.

Choosing the Right Boat Transport Company

Selecting an experienced and reliable boat transport company is crucial. Ensure the company has a proven track record with your specific type of boat and intended route. Familiarity with state Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including height, weight, and width limitations, can prevent delays and additional costs. A competent transport company will manage all necessary permits and coordinate with marinas for timely loading and unloading. For instance, Yacht Trucking specializes in oversize boat, sailboat, and yacht transportation throughout all 50 states and Canada.

Insurance and Documentation

Verify that your chosen transporter provides adequate insurance coverage for your boat during transit. It’s advisable to document your boat’s condition with detailed photographs from multiple angles before the move. This documentation is vital for insurance purposes and offers peace of mind.

Basic Boat Transport Preparation

• Remove Personal and Hazardous Items: Clear your boat of all personal belongings and flammable materials, such as propane cans or portable fuel tanks.

• Secure Loose Equipment: Ensure that all loose items, both on deck and below, are properly secured or removed to prevent damage during transit.

• Proper Loading and Support: For sailboats, constructing a custom cradle tailored to the hull’s specifications is essential. High steel stanchions with tubular cross-members form an effective support structure.

• Shrink Wrapping: Although we do not recommend it, applying shrink wrap does help protect your boat from environmental elements during transport.

Regulatory Compliance

Oversize boat being transported on a specialized trailer with necessary permits.

Adhering to state and international regulations is crucial for a legal and insured sailboat transport. For example, California imposes specific restrictions on the distance from the rear axle to the kingpin, while Connecticut requires state trooper escorts for certain transports. Non-compliance can void your insurance coverage and pose significant risks to you. Experienced transporters like Yacht Trucking navigate these complexities to ensure safe and legal transit.

By meticulously preparing your boat and partnering with a knowledgeable transport company, you can facilitate a smooth and secure relocation of your vessel.

Reach Out for Your Free Quote

For a frank and honest conversation about how to best transport your yacht legally and safely, please contact us today. We have the professional service you deserve.

Transport Testimonials

Yacht Trucking relocated my 40′ trawler from Maine to Kentucky and the transport could not have gone any better. Getting out of the New England States is always a challenge with oversize loads and they worked hard during planning to have the necessary permits and routes without overspending. The driver kept me updated throughout the each day with texts, pics and phone calls as needed to show how the trip was going. Their equipment is first-rate. Highly recommended service.

Joseph, B.
Pilgrim 40' Trawler> Portland, ME - to- Louisville, KY >
I was very pleased with the professionalism, price, and service from Yacht Trucking when they moved my 51’ Bluewater Coastal Cruiser from Marathon in the Florida Keys north to Pensacola. I would definitely hire them again!

Robert F.
Bluewater Coastal 51' Cruiser > Marathon Key, FL -to- Pensacola, FL >
YT just completed the delivery of our Beneteau 393 from Texas to the San Francisco Bay area. I was very impressed by their professionalism and attention to detail. Not just double checking, but triple checking important items. Their crew was very helpful with the MANY questions I had and provided a lot of details that helped me understand and feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Highly recommended!

Dean C.
56' Viking Convertible > Genoa, Italy -to- Barnstable, MA, USA >
Great Affordable Service – they just finished moving my 45′ Sea Ray from Miami to San Diego – very reasonable cost – ahead of schedule delivery – no damage – no extras – Great to find that SERVICE WITH A SMILE (my smile ) is still available in the US. Would highly recommend these guys to move a boat for anyone in need.

Jeb D.
Sea Ray 45' Flybridge > Miami, FL -to- San Diego, CA >
Exceptional customer service with top-notch loadmasters that were especially careful when loading my motor cruiser onto the cradle and ship. I have moved my boat across the Atlantic 3 times and this was by far my best experience. I would highly recommend Yacht Trucking to anyone shipping their yacht across the Atlantic or the World and will use them again when the need arises.

Jeff D.
56' Viking Convertible > Genoa, Italy -to- Barnstable, MA, USA >
Outstanding experience transporting my houseboat from West Virginia to upstate New York. Equipment was specialized for transporting boats. The driver really knew his stuff and was very detailed in loading. I felt very confident that boat would arrive safely. Good communication and fair rates. I would highly recommend if them to anyone who needs to move a boat.

Stephen F.
Harbor Master 47' Houseboat > Charleston, WV - to- Clayton, NY >
Everyone with Yacht Trucking was extremely easy to communicate with and I received excellent service from the driver and loader. We felt very comfortable with the entire process from the minute we signed our contract; to the day our boat was delivered to the port in Port Everglades from Ventura and loaded onto the ship’s deck; all the way through until it arrived in Majorca safe and sound; exceptional people to work with for shipping sailboats overseas.

Paul V.
Jeanneau 43' Sailboat > Ventura, CA -to- Palma de Mallorca, Spain >
***** 5 STAR SERVICE!!! Yacht Trucking did an outstanding job relocating our 40′ sailboat from San Diego, CA to Anacortes, WA. Our driver was extremely professional and took expert care in getting our boat secured for transport. He remained in constant communication throughout the trip, sending daily updates of his progress. He put all my anxiety to rest and delivered our boat early in perfect condition. There’s no doubt that I will pursue his services again without hesitation.

Daniel H.
Islander Peterson 40' Sailboat > San Diego, CA -to- Anacortes, WA >