Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide to prepare your vessel for safe and efficient nationwide transport. Proper preparation reduces delays and ensures your boat arrives in perfect condition.
Preparing your boat correctly for transport is crucial for ensuring a smooth, safe, and efficient shipping experience. Proper preparation protects your vessel from damage, helps avoid unexpected delays, reduces additional fees, and ensures compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Whether you're shipping a small center console or a large yacht, following these preparation steps will give you peace of mind throughout the transport process.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from securing loose items and managing fluids to dimensional preparations and trailer checks. By following these checklists, you'll minimize the risk of damage, ensure regulatory compliance, and help your transport carrier do their job safely and efficiently.
Schedule transport, confirm pickup date, review dimensions, and plan for any removable components (masts, towers, arches).
Remove canvas and covers, begin draining tanks, document current condition with photos, and gather boat documentation.
Reduce fuel to 1/4 tank, remove loose items and electronics, secure hatches, and prepare cradle or trailer if needed.
Disconnect batteries, final walkthrough checklist, confirm carrier arrival time, and ensure yard/marina access is arranged.
Final inspection with carrier, sign bill of lading, provide any special instructions, and exchange contact information.
If you're interested in specific local information, check out our popular cities that we can ship to.
Explore CitiesRemove or secure all items that could shift, fall, or cause damage during transport.
Remove GPS units, fish finders, VHF radios, and any portable electronics. Store in a safe location or take with you.
Remove fishing rods, tackle, downriggers, water skis, wakeboards, tubes, and all related equipment.
Take all life jackets, fire extinguishers (unless permanently mounted), flares, and emergency gear with you or store securely.
Remove anchors and all loose lines/ropes. Anchor chains should be secured if they cannot be removed.
Remove all clothing, food, beverages, documents, and any personal items from cabins, storage compartments, and lockers.
Lock or secure all cabinet doors, hatches, and compartments to prevent them from opening during transport.
Proper fluid management is essential for safety and DOT compliance during highway transport.
DOT regulations require fuel tanks to be no more than 1/4 full during transport. This reduces weight and fire hazard. Leave enough for yard movements if needed.
Empty all fresh water holding tanks completely to reduce weight and prevent freezing in cold weather transport. Pump out all waste holding tanks (black water and grey water) at a proper disposal facility before transport.
Pump out bilges and ensure they're as dry as possible. Check for any leaks or standing water.
For cold weather transport, consider winterizing water systems to prevent freeze damage. Consult with your yard or mechanic.
Federal DOT regulations prohibit transport of boats with full fuel tanks due to fire hazard and weight concerns. Failure to comply may result in transport delays or refusal to load. Always reduce fuel to 1/4 tank or less.
Canvas and fabric items must be removed to prevent wind damage during highway speeds.
Take down all bimini tops completely. These can catch wind at highway speeds and cause significant damage.
Remove cockpit covers, helm covers, sail covers (if applicable), and any other canvas or fabric coverings.
Take down all isinglass panels and enclosures. Store these carefully as they can crack or tear easily.
Remove mooring covers unless specifically approved by the carrier as transport-rated shrink wrap or secured covers.
Remove loose cushions from cockpit and deck areas. Built-in upholstery should be secured but can remain.
Reducing your boat's height and width helps avoid oversize permit fees and routing restrictions.
If your radar arch is removable, take it down. Many arches can be lowered or folded to reduce overall height.
Take down all radio antennas, GPS antennas, and any tall antenna masts that can be removed.
Outriggers should be lowered to the deck or removed completely if they extend beyond the beam of the boat.
If removable, consider taking down T-tops and hard tops to reduce height. Consult with your carrier on whether this is necessary.
For sailboats, masts typically must be unstepped and secured on deck or alongside the hull. Coordinate with your yard for professional mast removal.
Measure and record final height, length, and beam dimensions after all modifications. Provide these to your carrier.
Every foot of height reduction can significantly lower your transport cost by potentially eliminating the need for oversize permits and pilot car escorts. Consult with your carrier about optimal dimensions for your route.
Proper electrical preparation prevents battery drain and eliminates electrical hazards during transport.
Disconnect all batteries at the negative terminal, or turn battery selector switches to the "OFF" position.
Tape or tie back disconnected battery cables so they cannot accidentally reconnect or short out during transport.
Ensure all batteries are properly secured in their mounting boxes and cannot shift during transport.
Turn off any alarm systems, automatic bilge pumps, or other systems that might activate during transport.
Proper documentation protects both you and the carrier and ensures smooth pickup and delivery.
Photograph your boat from all angles before transport. Document any existing damage, scratches, or imperfections. Date-stamp photos if possible.
Have copies of registration, insurance, and any required permits ready. Keep originals with you; provide copies to the carrier.
Confirm pickup time with the yard or marina. Ensure they have crane or travel lift scheduled and yard access is arranged for the carrier.
If transport requires a custom cradle, coordinate fabrication or rental. Ensure cradle is properly fitted and padded.
Do a final walkthrough 24 hours before pickup. Double-check that all items on this checklist are completed.
Plan to be present when the carrier arrives, or designate an authorized representative to conduct the inspection and sign documents.
Final steps to complete when the carrier arrives for pickup.
Walk around the boat with the carrier driver. Point out any existing damage and ensure it's documented on the bill of lading.
Inform the carrier of any special handling requirements, fragile areas, or access considerations for delivery.
Carefully review the bill of lading. Ensure all existing damage is noted. Sign and keep your copy in a safe place.
Get the driver's direct phone number and provide yours. Confirm contact information for delivery location.
Confirm delivery address, expected delivery window, and who will be present to receive the boat at destination.
| Answers | |
|---|---|
| How much fuel should I leave in my boat for transport? | For safety and DOT compliance, we recommend reducing fuel to 1/4 tank or less. This reduces weight and fire hazard during transport while leaving enough fuel for yard movements if needed. |
| Should I disconnect my boat's batteries before shipping? | Yes, disconnect batteries or turn off the battery switches to prevent electrical drain during transport. This also eliminates any risk of electrical issues while the boat is in transit for several days. |
| What items should I remove from my boat before transport? | Remove all loose items including portable electronics (GPS, fish finders), fishing gear, anchors, life jackets, personal belongings, and any items not permanently mounted. Secure all hatches and compartments. |
| How long does it take to properly prepare a boat for transport? | Plan for 2-4 hours of preparation time, depending on your boat's size and complexity. Larger boats with more equipment and accessories will take longer. It's best to start preparation 2-3 days before the scheduled pickup. |
| What happens if my boat isn't properly prepared on pickup day? | If the boat isn't ready, the carrier may refuse to load it or charge additional waiting fees. Serious issues like full fuel tanks or major height violations may delay transport until corrected. Proper preparation ensures on-time pickup. |
| Should I winterize my boat before transport? | If transport occurs during cold weather or the boat will be traveling through freezing temperatures, winterization is highly recommended to prevent damage to water systems, engines, and plumbing. |
