Blog Post

How To Prepare Your Boat for Transport

  • By Tony Mers
  • 08 Jun, 2021
How To Prepare Your Boat for Transport

Trying something new this year and having a company transport your boat? If you used to hitch your boat to the back of your car and get it to your destination that way, then you may want a refresher on how to prepare your boat for transport. We want our special items to arrive in pristine condition. Part of that involves how you get it prepped and ready to go.

Keep reading to remember some important steps you don’t want to forget as you prepare to transport a boat.

Securing a Boat for Transport

This may seem like the most obvious step, but it’s one you don’t want to mess up. Either remove or strap down any loose gear above or below deck. In fact, to stay cautious, you may even want to remove anything that causes slight concern before you move your boat.

Seat pads may not make much of a difference, but you’ll want to remove any valuables, radios, and even anchors. If you’re unsure, reach out to the company and get their opinion. At the end of the day, if you think it could fly and cause damage, you’ll want to take it out.

Pro Tip: Make sure to pad and secure what you can within the cabin.

Drain All Tanks

Some companies may say you only need to drain to ¼ full, but best practice dictates draining your tanks until they’re empty. In addition, you should remove all drain plugs. If you’re going to move your boat in the winter months, then you should drain all water systems, pumps, and air conditioners.

Wrap Your Boat

Some transport companies will ask you to tape down all hatches to keep anything from blowing out. Instead of doing that (which we don’t require), you may actually want to wrap your boat. Shrink wrapping your boat protects it from any road debris while on the journey. Doing so keeps your boat clean, protects it from weather, and helps keep your boat in good condition.

Make Sure You Have Measurements

A quick but important thing as you prepare to transport your boat—make sure you have all the measurements of the boat. You’ll want to get the overall length, height, and beam of the boat. Length includes any swim platforms and outboard motors. Height is essential, as in most states, the legal height for transport is 13.6. If your boat is any taller than that, special permitting is required. Additionally, if the beam of the boat is over 8.6, more permits are required. Knowing the dimensions of your boat is a very important factor when getting it ready for transport.

These are just a few of the basic must-dos when you prepare to transport your boat. Always reach out to the transport company you’re using and ask any questions so you can avoid the most common boat hauling mistakes. When you work with One Call Logistics, we make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. We’re the boat moving company you’ve been looking for. Request a free quote or reach out for more information today!

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Shipping motorsports vehicles, such as motorcycles, ATVs, or jet skis, requires careful planning and consideration due to their size, weight, and sometimes delicate nature. Here are some general steps to consider when shipping motorsports vehicles: 


  • Choose a shipping method: Decide whether you want to use a specialized vehicle transport service, a freight carrier, or another method. The choice may depend on factors such as cost, convenience, and the level of service required. 

  • Prepare the vehicle: Before shipping, ensure that the motorsports vehicle is properly prepared. This includes cleaning it thoroughly, removing any personal belongings or loose items, and securing any removable parts to prevent damage during transit.

  • Check for regulations and requirements: Research any regulations or requirements related to shipping motorsports vehicles, both domestically and internationally. This may include paperwork, permits, or specific packaging instructions.

  • Choose appropriate packaging: If necessary, package the vehicle securely to prevent damage during transit. This might involve using specialized crates, pallets, or protective coverings.

  • Arrange pickup and delivery: Coordinate with the shipping company to schedule pickup of the vehicle from your location and delivery to the desired destination. Make sure to provide clear instructions and contact information for both pickup and delivery.


  • Insure the shipment: Consider purchasing insurance for the shipment to protect against loss or damage during transit. Most shipping companies offer insurance options, but you may also choose to use a third-party insurer.

  • Track the shipment: Utilize any tracking services provided by the shipping company to monitor the progress of the shipment and ensure it arrives at its destination on time.

  • Receive and inspect the vehicle: When the vehicle arrives at its destination, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or discrepancies. Note any issues on the delivery receipt and contact the shipping company immediately if necessary.

  • By following these steps and taking appropriate precautions, you can ensure a smooth and secure shipping process for your motorsports vehicles.

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Cost Efficiency: Drive-away services can often be more cost-effective than transporting vehicles via traditional methods such as towing or shipping. Since you're essentially hiring someone to drive the vehicle to its destination, you may save on transportation costs.

Time Savings: Drive-away services can often be quicker than other methods of transport, especially if you need to move vehicles over relatively short distances. This can be particularly useful if you need vehicles delivered promptly to meet customer demands or deadlines.

Flexibility: Drive-away services can be more flexible in terms of scheduling and routes compared to other forms of transportation. You can often arrange for pick-up and delivery at times that suit your schedule, and drivers may have the flexibility to adjust routes based on real-time conditions.

Personalized Service: Drive-away services often provide a more personalized experience, as drivers typically work closely with clients to ensure that their specific needs are met. This can include things like handling special requests or providing updates on the status of the delivery.

Comprehensive Solutions: Some drive-away logistics companies offer additional services beyond simply transporting vehicles, such as vehicle inspection, detailing, or even temporary storage. This can provide added convenience and value for businesses with more complex transportation needs.

Safety and Security: Reputable drive-away services with One Call Logistics contract experienced and vetted drivers who are trained to handle various types of vehicles safely and securely. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicles are in good hands during transit.


Overall, utilizing a drive-away logistics service with us can offer a range of benefits, including cost savings, time efficiency, flexibility, and personalized service, making it a viable option for businesses and individuals needing to transport vehicles.

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