Boat Shipping in USA - 800-462-0038

Boat Transport Safety Guide

Whether you hire us or move your boat yourself below is a few examples of proper safety checks.

Below is a check list our drivers use to make sure your boat is delivered in the same condition it was picked up.

Safety is the most important thing when towing or hauling anything.

First we look at the boat itself.

1. Look for anything loose inside the boat. If there are seat cushions we make sure they are secure so they will not fly out.

- We check for any items such as life jackets or anything else that can fly out from the wind.

- We also check for items that can move around and bang up against the inside of your boat causing damage.

2. Bimini Top - We make sure that if possible the bimini top is in the down transport position. Some tops have aged causing dry rotting which might tear easily from the wind.

3. Boat cover - 90% of the boats we move have no cover on it for good reason. Boat covers tend to catch the wind and come apart during transport which may slap against the boat causing scuff marks. Some covers are designed for transport yet they may fail also.

4. Boat Motor(s) - The outboard motors must be in the transport locked position for transport.

The Trailer the boat is sitting on:

1. Tires - tires age easily especially when sitting in certain climates. Tires may have dry rot , cracks, tears, bubbles from age and wear. Dry rot may not be noticeable in all cases. When in doubt it is best to change the tires because if a tire blows it can cause damage to your boat or trailer.

2. Lights - Lights should all be working by law.

3. Saftey Chains - Any trailer being pulled by a pick up truck must have 2 safety chains on it that we hook up to our truck.

4. Break-Away Box - Any trailer being pulled by a pick up truck must have a break-away box - this engages the brakes on the trailer if for some reason the truck and trailer got disconnected from eachother.

5. Brakes - Brakes should be working.

6. Condition of actual trailer. Look for rust on the fram of the trailer and cross members. Also look at the springs , make sure they are not cracked or broken.

7. Grease all bearing before each long trip. In some cases you will need to grease multiple times on a long trip.

8. Wheels - make sure lug nuts are tight multiple times during a trip.

 

Laws for transporting in the USA and Canada.

1. In all states in the USA the legal width is 8ft 6in. If the beam of your boat is over 8ft 6in then overwide permits per state is needed. Also an overwide sign must be placed on the back of trailer. In certain cities or certain states escorts are needed if the boat is over a certain width normally starting at 10ft wide...

2. Legal heights from ground to the highest point on what is being transported varies from state to state. Most states east of the MS river the legal height before permits are needed is 13ft 6in. In certain cities or certain states a pole truck escort is needed normally starting over 14ft high depending which city or state.

Securing the boat to the Trailer

1. Make sure the boat is secure to the trailer by checking: if safety chain is on bow, the winch is tight and check tie downs. Most boats have eye sockets in the back of the boat inwhich motorcycle straps can be tied down to the back of the trailer frame.

2. If a sailboat which normally is off balance and sits high up straps should go around the whole boat. When putting wide straps on it make sure a rag or cloth is under where the strap meets the boat in order to protect the boats finish. When tieing down ratchet straps be sure not to crank too tight. Cranking too tight may damage boat.

For more safety information please call Showroom Transport at 800-462-0038.

 

Are you ready to hire an experienced boat transport to ship your boat anywhere in the USA aswell as to and from Canada. For a detail list of our coverage area Click Here.

We can transport your boat if on a trailer or not on a trailer.

We move boats up to a 12ft Beam (width)

Since 1994 we have been shipping boats for manufactures, personal owners, and small business.

Open 24/7. We never close!

Call 800-462-0038 now for a free boat delivery quote to get your cost to have us deliver your boat.

You may also click the Get My Quote button just below to receive your quote:

 

We provide a safe transport. Our drivers our friendly and professional.

Many of our customers keep calling us back requesting the same driver we provided on their last transport. If we are unable to do that because our drivers drive throughout the country we will provide another great driver.

Our drivers go through lots of training before they move your boat. Some of the training safety guides our drivers use is provided to you right here on our website. Just click this: Boat Shipping Safety Guide.

 

Yes, we are a licensed, insured and bonded company. We will provide you proof of that on request as every company should.