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!

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