Quick and Reliable Boat
Transport Services
Boats come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and on many different trailers. Whether it has an outboard motor or a console system, be it a fishing, power, sailboat, or paddle boat; made of wood, aluminum or fiber glass – our Heavy Haul team will handle it with the proper care. Our boat transport service can accommodate any configuration and work with your needs.
Why Choose Our Services?
Choosing the right boat transportation service in California can be all kinds of difficult. You need to consider whether they cater to the specific configuration and needs of your vehicle. You also want to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company – one that will actually get your boat safely to its destination and will not surprise you with hidden charges.
The good news is, you’re already on the right website. We at moveauto know how to take care of boats and all kinds of vehicles and equipment for transport. We will get your boat to its destination safely and on time.
Here are a few more features that make our services stand out from the rest.
- Door-to-Door Service
We take our ‘hassle-free’ claim seriously. We will pick up your boat from your doorstep and bring it straight to the arranged destination.
- Same-Day Pickups
Timeliness is one of the most important qualities in our industry — we know this. That’s why we offer the option of having your boat picked up on the same day as your request.
- No Deposit Required
We believe that transparency is underrated in the vehicle transport market. That’s why we don’t ask for deposits nor do we charge hidden or extra fees at the end of the service.
Important Considerations for a Successful Boat Transport
Size: Exact dimensions are key
You can ship any size vessel with our service, however the length of the vessel will affect the amount of red tape required to cut through. Standard boat transport (including the trailer) are for rigs up to 43′ long, 8′-6” wide, 13′-6” in height. Boats up to 43 feet in length are significantly easier to transport as no special permits are required (dimensions of trailer included). Anything that is wider requires special permits, which costs will be already figured into your shipping estimate.
Preparation: Is your boat ready for transport?
We do require that your boat is fit for shipping and has a roadworthy trailer, with tires in good condition and proper license plates installed, etc. Don’t have a trailer? Call Robert and find out your options.
Road wear will have an impact on the hull if it isn’t sound. This is especially noteworthy to those buying or selling watercraft, either in bulk or one at a time. Ensure the hull is strong enough to support land transport. This means that your 40-foot schooner or clipper ship made of the finest grained wood must not be dry rotted in the hull. Reason being boat shipping over land is bumpy, and a boat’s body is designed to be transported in water.
How to prepare for boat transport
- Ensure that you pack all of the loose items and gear, secure it below deck. Ensure you lock your cabin and keep the keys.
- Do not use the cabin to store additional goods that should be packed elsewhere, with a traditional moving van, for instance.
- Empty the tanks of any fuel and water. This includes the drain plugs from the hull itself and removing water from the bilge.
- During the cold winter months, ensure that the interior water tanks, air conditioning systems and so forth are free of water in the lines (to prevent bursting).
- Remove all batteries and stow them away securely.
Take away the anchors from the ship during boat transport. - Do not use any tarps or canvas boat covers, they will only cause damage and a driving hazard.
Shrink wrap your boat or request the service in advance. - Inspect your own cradle if you are providing one for boat transport. Make sure it is in proper shape and not weak or showing signs of deterioration.
Remove any dinghy you may have from the davits. Pad the dinghy well if you are not removing it (or them) entirely. - Remove any accessories prior to boat shipment: speakers, lights, radar system, any electronics and flag poles, propellers and weather vanes – pack them below deck and pad them well.
Secure your hatches from the outside with tape so rain cannot damage the interior. During boat shipping, sometimes hatches will blow off in the wind if not secured with ties or tape. - Ensure that all hatches are soundly sealed, and remember that during boat transport, they vessel will be in different positions during the tow. In other words, inspect your hatches and ensure water cannot penetrate the seals.
- Latch shut every window and tape them as well. Remove any sort of windshield that extends beyond the flying bridge. All such Plexiglas or windshields should be packed in an appropriate fashion to withstand the rigors of road travel and secure below decks.
- Upon receiving your boat, it is your responsibility to dock your vessel. In other words, moveauto and its affiliates are not allowed to bring your boat to the water itself according to liability limitations.
If you have any questions about these matters, please give us a call or email. We look forward to working with you as your chosen provider for boat transport.
Have questions?
Contact our Director for more info
Robert Kamienski / Director of Heavy Haul & Specialty Transport
- 406.306.0833 (direct)
- Robert@moveauto.com