How To Prepare Your Boat for Transport

Tony Mers • June 8, 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!

A transport flat-bed truck, hauling motor homes. Other vehicles are passing the truck on the highway

Common Mistakes People Make When Shipping RVs

November 25, 2025
Avoid the common mistakes people make when shipping RVs with this expert guidance on vetting carriers, preparing your vehicle, and understanding insurance.
A hauler truck travels down the interstate with a tiny home that has an

Why National Transport Beats Local Carriers

November 18, 2025
Move across states with confidence. See why national transport beats local carriers and what to expect from route planning, coverage, and communication.
A side view of a semi-truck driving down a highway with an oversized construction machine. Other car

Pros and Cons of Self-Moving Heavy Equipment

November 18, 2025
Skip regret and pricey mistakes. We break down the pros and cons of self-moving heavy equipment so you can plan with confidence and choose the right next step.
A white concession trailer parked beside a brown building, with a fence and a tree behind it.

Inspecting Your Concession Trailer After Transport

September 29, 2025
Even short-distance moves can stress the frame or cause equipment to shift. This guide outlines exactly what to inspect before opening your concession trailer.
A charcoal gray semi-truck forms a road train with three big rigs stacked in a lot under a setting s

6 Difficulties With Shipping a Semitruck

September 22, 2025
Semitruck shipping has more challenges than you may realize. From permits to loading, see what can complicate the process and how to avoid issues.
What’s the Right Time of Year To Move a Tiny House?

What’s the Right Time of Year To Move a Tiny House?

September 7, 2025
Factors such as weather, permits, and road restrictions all affect the best time to move a tiny house. See what you need to consider for a smooth move.
A truck carries a boat covered by a white tarp with an “OVERSIZE LOAD” banner on the back.

Special Considerations for Transporting a Yacht

August 22, 2025
Careful planning and expert coordination ensure yachts arrive safely. Understand the key factors that make transporting a yacht successful every time.
A truck hauling a white vintage camper along a highway with a mountain view.

What To Consider When Buying an RV out of State

August 13, 2025
Discover what to consider when buying an RV out of state—from taxes to transport—to ensure a smooth, surprise-free purchase across state lines.
Four yellow trucks carry silver gas canisters on flatbeds while driving in one lane of a four-lane h

Best Practices for Transporting Medical Supplies

August 4, 2025
Learn best practices for transporting medical supplies safely and efficiently, from route planning to temperature control and contamination prevention.

Why the Right Logistics Partner Makes All the Difference in Wildfire Response

By Taylor Tefft • July 27, 2025
As wildfires become more frequent and intense across the U.S., the demand for fast, reliable emergency response grows more urgent by the year. Behind every successful wildfire containment effort is a powerful network of moving parts—from fire crews and equipment to mobile command centers, light towers, water tankers, and power units. None of it reaches the front lines without logistics . But not all logistics providers are built for crisis response. When lives, property, and natural resources are on the line, having the right logistics partner can be the difference between delay and action, between chaos and coordination.