What happens when you find the perfect boat for you, at the perfect price, but it is located miles away? This doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Boats of all sizes are regularly transported over land and water. In addition to transporting boats as part of a sales transaction, you may find yourself regularly towing your boat to and from the marina or as part of a relocation to another community. No matter why you must move your boat, quite a few considerations exist.

Boat Transportation Companies

Just as you can hire a transportation company to transport your car, you can also hire a transportation company to transport your boat to or from Austin. Whether you found your dream boat in Maine or Mexico, getting your boat or yacht delivered is indeed possible.

Boat transportation services vary by company, so shop carefully. In addition, you may have to pick up your boat at a marina other than your preferred dock. When using boat transportation services, the boat will need to be properly prepped. Among the more common preparation steps are:

• Empty the boat of all water and fuel including water and fuel tanks as well as the bilge, water systems, air conditioners, and pumps
• Unplug all drain plugs from the hull

• Stow and secure all loose gear

• Do not store any household goods inside the boat – only boat gear

• External accessories (horns, antennas, propellers, lights, flag masts, etc) must be removed and securely stowed inside the boat

• All cabin windows must be latched and taped from the outside

• Windshields or plexiglass protruding over the flying bridge must be removed, wrapped in cargo blankets, and securely stowed inside the boat

• Sailboat rigging, lights, winches, wind indicators, and other accessories must be removed from the mast

• The mast should have carpet placed at the tie down points to minimize chafing (many boat transportation companies haul the mast on a separate spot on the trailer so find out if you need to secure the mast to the boat or not)

• Secure the centerboard so that it will stay up while in transit if your boat has a centerboard

• Seal any leaking hatches

• Tie or tape all hatches from the outside

Most carriers have extensive contracts and conditions. Read this information carefully and do your part to adequately secure and protect your boat. Size restrictions may limit your choices in transportation options. For example, 13’6” is the legal height limit for transporting over the road. Boat height can be reduced by removing the flying bridge, though you will need to pay for a cradle and carefully secure the bridge and its cradle in the cockpit or bow area.

Hiring a Private Skipper to Deliver Your Boat

Many licensed boat captains make a living providing private boat deliveries. Hiring a licensed captain to sail your yacht from point A to point B can be an effective way to get your boat where you need it to be. Read the services offered carefully and make sure you fully understand all fees. For example, you may be responsible for paying for the captain and a crew member as well as for food, provisions, fuel, and marina slip fees. You will also need to make insurance arrangements.