You just found the perfect vessel with the right lines, the right engine hours, and a price tag that doesn’t make your wallet scream. The only catch? She’s parked three states away. Don’t panic, because figuring out how to move a boat when buying out of state is a common hurdle for new captains. With a little planning, getting your new prize home is completely manageable.
Assessing Your Trailering Capabilities
Before you hook up the hitch, take a hard look at your current vehicle. Towing a boat isn’t quite like hauling a utility trailer. You need to check your vehicle’s towing capacity against the boat’s dry weight, plus fuel, gear, and the trailer itself. If the numbers don’t add up, you risk damaging your transmission or, worse, losing control on the highway. If you have a heavy-duty truck and the boat is on a reliable trailer, doing it yourself is a solid option.
Checking Trailer Roadworthiness
If buying used, the trailer that comes with the boat might have been sitting in a salt marsh for five years. Before you hit the interstate, inspect the tires for dry rot and check the bearings. You really don’t want to be the person on the side of the road with a seized wheel hub. Verify the lights work properly so other drivers can see you braking. A quick mechanical check now saves a massive headache at a truck stop later. Remember, you can always use your own trailer if the boat you purchase does not come with one.
Hiring Professional Haulers
Sometimes the DIY route just isn’t feasible. Maybe the boat is too big, or perhaps you just don’t have the time for a 20-hour round trip. Hiring a professional is often the smartest move for vessels over 30 feet. Since boat transport requires specialized equipment, professionals come prepared with adjustable bunks and hydraulic trailers that most boat owners don’t have access to. They handle permits for wide loads and know the routes with low-clearance bridges.
Handling the Paperwork
Crossing state lines means dealing with different regulations. You need the title and bill of sale on hand during transit. Some states require temporary transit tags if you are towing it yourself. If a hauler is moving it, they carry their own insurance, but you should verify your own policy covers the boat during transit as well.
Preparing the Boat for Travel
Secure everything, from loose cushions and canvas tops to electronics, so they can’t easily fly off at 65 miles per hour. Remove anything that isn’t bolted down and stow it inside your vehicle. Shrink-wrapping is a great idea for long hauls to protect the gel coat from road debris and bugs.
Getting your dream boat home doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you tow it yourself or hire a pro, knowing how to move a boat when buying out of state simply requires preparation and safety checks. Soon enough, she’ll be sitting in your driveway, ready for that maiden voyage.
