How to Prepare Your Boat for Shipping: The Ultimate Checklist

A boat traveling down the interstate at 70 MPH is subjected to what amounts to a continuous, mild hurricane combined with an ongoing earthquake. Wind, vibration, road grime, and low-hanging branches are all significant threats.

If your boat arrives damaged, and it is due to poor preparation (e.g., a bimini top tearing off), the transport company’s insurance will not cover it. Preparation is 100% the responsibility of the owner.

Here is the ultimate checklist for preparing your boat for overland transport.

1. Exterior and Canvas

The most common transport damage involves canvas tops and loose exterior fixtures tearing off.

• Remove Canvas and Tops: Take off all bimini tops, enclosures, covers, and canvas. Wind will shred them and damage the framing.
• Stow Antennas and Radar: Lower or completely remove VHF antennas, radar domes, and outriggers.
• Remove Protruding Electronics: Depth sounders, fish finders, and external GPS units should be removed and stored safely.
• Secure Hatches: Lock all hatches and tape them down from the outside with heavy-duty painter's tape to prevent wind from ripping them open.
• Wash the Boat: Wash the hull thoroughly before transport. This makes it easier to do an accurate pre-trip condition inspection with the driver.

Should I shrink wrap it? Read our guide: Do I Need to Shrink Wrap My Boat for Transport?

2. Interior and Cabin

Your cabin will bounce violently. If something isn't bolted down, it will fly around and cause damage.

• Empty the Cabin: Remove all personal items. Do not use your boat as a moving box. Carriers are not licensed to move household goods, and extra weight changes the dynamics of the trailer. Read more: Can I Leave Items Inside My Boat?
• Secure Cabinets: Tape all cabinet doors and drawers shut so they don't swing open and break hinges.
• Remove Cushions: If exterior cushions cannot be locked down, put them in the cabin or take them with you.

3. Engine, Fluids, and Mechanics

Drivers are legally required to stop at weigh stations. Excess fluid weight is a problem, and leaking fluids are a DOT violation.

• Drain Fuel: Your fuel tank should be at 1/4 full or less. Fuel is heavy (over 6 lbs per gallon).
• Empty Water and Waste: Pump out the holding tanks completely. Drain freshwater tanks.
• Disconnect Batteries: Disconnect all batteries and secure the cables. This prevents accidental shorts or fires during transport.
• Winterize: If the boat will travel through areas with freezing temperatures, you must winterize the engine block and plumbing systems.
• Secure the Outdrive/Outboard: Tilt outboard motors and sterndrives up and lock them securely with a transom saver or block of wood so they don't bounce on their hydraulic cylinders.

4. Sailboat Specific Preparation

Sailboats require significantly more prep than powerboats. In almost all cases, the mast must be removed.

• Unstep the Mast: Have a boatyard unstep (remove) the mast.
• Secure Rigging: Tie all stays and shrouds tightly to the mast. Wrap turnbuckles to prevent them from scratching the mast.
• Remove Winches/Windvanes: If they protrude too far, remove them.
• Padding: Ensure the mast is padded where it will rest on the trailer or boat deck.

5. The Pre-Trip Inspection

When the driver arrives, you (or your marina manager) will perform a pre-trip inspection.

Take dozens of high-resolution photos of the boat from every angle immediately before it is loaded. Take photos of the hull, the interior, the outdrives, and the props. Note any existing scratches on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Both you and the driver must sign this document.

If you follow this checklist, your boat will arrive exactly as it left. Use our calculator below if you are still looking for transport rates: