Powerboat Transport Preparation Guide

Concerning Powerboat Transport, this page contains some commonly asked questions regarding the decommissioning of a powerboat for transport. Mainly, it is general common sense, although like most things, paying attention to the fine details is paramount.  We are capable of handling all the fine details associated with hauling your powerboat. Powerboats have their own idiosyncrasies; therefore, these aspects must be understood in safely transporting the boat to its new location. If you have questions feel free to contact us as we can be a wealth of information if you are considering transporting your powerboat.

First, you need to clean the bottom of your boat and remove all grasses and living organisms, using a pressure washer when the boat is placed on the travel lift, as some states have laws pertaining to moving organisms, and live plants, from one state to another. Some states will inspect the boat bottom, upon arrival, to ensure organic materials and organisms have been removed, before allowing entry into their state.

Equipment and attachments that travel poorly should to be removed prior to transport. This includes anchors, canvas, antennas, ventura and unsecured items in the cockpit and bridge. Electronic heads need to be stowed in a locker below. Ventura with solid frames should be removed as they sustain wind damage traveling at 55+mph, creating cracks around the fastening holes, which can be costly. Taping or lashing antennas will stop movement and damage, and TV antennas are particularly fragile and should be removed and securely lashed below along with all anchors.

Hauling powerboats has its own issues when it comes to moving them, with the main issue being the height of the boat, overall. Knowing the height is an issue when working up a quote and planning the route it will be transported when moving to a new marina, since every state has its own laws and rules regarding transporting a powerboat; therefore, the boat haulers need to have the proper height measurement when applying for permits. Generally, you are allowed 13’6” in northern east coast states, and 14’ in most other states, but if you exceed these heights, a pole car must travel with you as well.  So, due to weight and height requirements, you may need to do some disassembly of the boat for transport. Please remove all outriggers, antennas, flag masts, propellers, etc., even if your powerboat is low enough to ship with your flying bridge on, you should remove wheels, masts, windshields and Plexiglas that protrude over the bridge – packaging them in a cargo blanket and safely storing them below deck, and all lights. If your powerboat is too tall to ship with the flying bridge on it, you will require a cradle built, which will support the bridge to be shipped in, on the cockpit area or forward deck. All points touching the rail or deck must be adequately padded. Please remove all valuables and electronics, package them securely, and store them below deck. If you have additional questions, call your boat hauler.