How to Move a Boat Cross Country
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Figuring out how to move a boat can be intimidating. Whether you own a lightweight fishing skiff or a full-size cabin cruiser, getting it from point A to point B is rarely as simple as launching it and heading out on the water.
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The upside? Moving a boat is more common and less stressful than it might seem. Whether you’re relocating across town, pulling your boat out of backyard storage, or shipping a yacht cross-country, there’s an option that fits your needs and budget.
From clever DIY tactics to white-glove yacht transport, you can move your boat safely, efficiently, and often for less than you think.
Quick overview: How to move a boat
The right approach depends on your boat’s size, your starting point, and your destination. Use this quick breakdown to see which method might fit your needs:
- DIY methods: Move by hand, using dollies or jack wheels, a riding mower or ATV, or with creative options like roof-topping or truck beds for truly small boats.
- Professional transport: Consider overland hauling, freight or yacht shipping, or hiring a delivery captain to move by water.
- On-water moves: You can row, sail, or motor short distances. This is ideal for marinas, lakes, and connected waterways.
The best way to move your boat is the one that balances safety, cost, and convenience. Let’s walk through each scenario step by step.
DIY boat moving methods
If your boat is small enough and you have the right tools (and a few extra hands), a DIY move can save time and money while keeping control of the schedule.
Move small boats by hand
For dinghies, canoes, kayaks, and other small craft, a careful move by hand can work, with a few precautions:
- Team lift: Grab a friend and lift at both ends, keeping your back straight and knees bent to avoid strains.
- Short carries: You can carry or slide the boat across grass for very short distances (garage to driveway). Use moving blankets or a tarp under the hull to protect the finish and lawn.
- Roof-topping: Load the boat onto a vehicle roof rack with two people. Use rated straps and confirm your vehicle’s roof load limits in the manual.
Use dollies, jack wheels, and riding mowers
When carrying by hand won’t cut it, simple equipment can do the heavy lifting safely:
- Trailer dollies: Maneuver a trailered boat by hand in tight spaces. Pneumatic tires can handle grass and uneven ground better.
- Jack wheels: Add to the trailer tongue for easy rolling and micro-adjustments on level surfaces.
- Riding mowers/ATVs: Hitch the trailer for short property moves, but only within the vehicle’s tow rating.
Creative and alternative solutions
No trailer or limited access? These workarounds can bridge the gap for short, controlled moves:
- Rolling on pipes: Place sturdy PVC or metal pipes under the hull and roll forward, leapfrogging pipes from back to front.
- Dragging (short distance only): You can slide a small boat over grass with a heavy tarp underneath to reduce abrasion.
- Truck beds: Inflatable dinghies and some canoes may fit in a pickup. Strap them in securely and flag any overhang.
Safety tip: If a boat feels too heavy or awkward, it probably is. Stop and get help or call a pro.
How to move non-trailerable boats
Dealing with a boat that won’t trailer? Here’s a safe approach for short ground moves and loading:
- Gather equipment: Heavy-duty bottle/farm jacks, solid wooden blocks, boat stands/cradles, wide webbing straps, and rollers or pipes.
- Lift at strong points: Check your owner’s manual. Raise the boat slowly, alternating sides, and build stable cribbing as you go.
- Support securely: Transfer the weight to stands or blocks. Never rely solely on a jack.
- Transition to street/trailer: Set pipes or rollers under the keel and advance carefully. A winch or tow vehicle can pull at a crawl.
Tip: Work on level, compact ground. Make sure your helpers are clear on pinch points. If anything feels sketchy, stop and call a pro.
Professional boat transport methods
For larger, heavier boats or long distances, professionals can bring the right gear, insurance, and know-how, and often save money by preventing damage.
Overland transport by specialized haulers
Boat transport companies use heavy-duty trucks, custom trailers, and experienced crews to move boats of all sizes. Typical services include:
- Trailer options: Ship the boat on your trailer, a custom cradle, or a flatbed.
- Permits and escorts: Oversize moves may require route permits and pilot cars. Reputable carriers handle the paperwork and fees.
Freight and yacht transport services
For especially large or international moves, freight forwarders and yacht carriers manage complex logistics end-to-end:
- Door-to-port/port-to-door coordination: This service includes lift, cradle, and customs documentation.
- Roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro): Trailers are driven on and off cargo vessels for ocean legs when applicable.
When to choose professional help
Hiring pros is usually the smartest choice if any of these apply:
- Boat size or weight exceeds safe DIY limits, or hull design is delicate.
- Long distance moves, especially with oversize dimensions.
- High-value boat or special services needed, like disassembly, shrink-wrap, or added insurance.
Marketplaces like uShip let you compare vetted transporters, read reviews, and track shipments in one place.
“I had to load the trailer at a freight terminal 15 miles away from my home for my move from Berkeley, CA to St. Paul, MN. Renting a U-Haul for the day solved the last-mile problem, and doing the packing ourselves saved a lot compared to full-service movers.”
On-water moving options
When waterways connect your origin and destination, a short move on the water can be efficient, provided the boat and conditions are safe.
- Check weather, tides, and daylight: Know the forecast and avoid marginal conditions.
- Pre-departure inspection: Verify the hull’s integrity, engine operation, fuel, and required safety gear (PFDs, whistle, lights).
- Plan the route: Identify ramps, marinas, and backup plans. Share your float plan with a friend.
- Bring a buddy boat or crew: Extra hands reduce risk when you’re docking and tying up.
For longer transits, consider hiring a licensed delivery captain or crew.
Essential equipment for boat moving
Having the right tools on the day of prevents delays, injuries, and hull damage. Prioritize stability and control:
- Trailer dollies: Hand-maneuver trailers in confined spaces and choose wide, durable wheels.
- Farm/bottle jacks and cribbing: Lift in small increments and build solid blocks and stacks.
- Jack wheels: Quick repositioning at the trailer tongue.
- Boat stands or cradles: Proper hull support during prep and transitions.
- PVC/metal pipes: Low-tech rollers for short, flat moves.
- Heavy-duty straps/tie-downs: Secure the hull fore, aft, and laterally.
- Ramps and winches: Controlled loading onto trailers or trucks.
You can rent most of this gear from marine suppliers, hardware stores, or equipment rental shops, which is a smart move for one-time projects.
| Equipment | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trailer dolly | Moving trailers in tight spaces | Affordable, easy to use | Limited to trailerable boats |
| Farm jack | Lifting heavy boats | Versatile, high lift capacity | Requires careful, staged cribbing |
| Jack wheel | Quick tongue repositioning | Simple install | For lighter loads only |
| PVC pipes | DIY rolling moves | Cheap, reusable | Short, flat distances only |
How much does it cost to move a boat?
DIY moves can be very affordable if you already have a trailer and helpers. Budget $50–$300 for incidental supplies (dollies, straps, ramps), and maybe pizza for the crew.
Professional transport varies widely by size, distance, and complexity. Here are a few typical cost ranges:
- Small boats, short distances: $500–$1,500
- Larger boats, long distances: $2,000–$10,000+
- Oversize yachts or international moves: $10,000–$50,000+
Pricing depends on:
- Boat size/weight and dimensions
- Distance and delivery access
- Complexity: Permits, obstacles, marina/yard fees
- Insurance and extras: Disassembly, shrink-wrap, storage
Preparation and safety checklist
Good prep prevents most problems. Use this list before any move, DIY or professional:
- Remove loose items: Remove cushions, electronics, fishing gear, and canvas.
- Secure hatches/doors/windows: Latch or tape these spaces as needed to prevent flapping.
- Drain systems: Reduce weight and slosh with bilge, tanks, and live wells.
- Disconnect power/fuel: Remove batteries or secure terminals and close the fuel valves.
- Pad sharp edges: Wrap rails, cleats, props, and brackets.
- Check tie-downs: Verify straps, safety chains, and lights are working properly.
- Wear PPE: Gloves and closed-toe shoes are a must for you and all helpers.
Ask your transporter what prep they expect — some include full prep; others require owner readiness.
FAQs
How do I move a boat without a trailer?
For small craft, dollies, hand-carts, or rolling pipes can cover short, flat moves. For heavier boats, you need to lift at reinforced points with jacks and cribbing, then slide the boat onto a rented trailer or flatbed using ramps and a winch. If the hull is large or fragile — or your route is complex — bring in a professional to avoid costly damage.
How do I move a boat from my backyard to the street?
Clear the route, jack and block the hull, then roll it onto pipes or a dolly with spotters guiding each step. At the curb, winch onto a trailer and secure it with transom straps and chains. Move slowly, reset the rollers often, and keep everyone clear of pinch points and slopes.
Can I move a boat by water instead of land?
Yes. If your boat is seaworthy and waterways connect origin and destination. Complete a safety check, watch the forecast and tides, file a float plan, and bring a buddy. For longer runs or unfamiliar waters, a licensed delivery captain is a smart investment.
What equipment is essential for moving a boat?
Trailer dollies, farm or bottle jacks with solid cribbing, jack wheels, boat stands or cradles, pipes or rollers, heavy-duty straps, ramps, and a winch are helpful for moving a boat. Renting the specialty gear you’ll only use once keeps costs down while maintaining safety.
Move your boat with confidence
Whether you’re wrangling a jon boat across the yard or shipping a yacht to a new state, moving a boat is all about planning, the right gear, and teamwork. Small boats are often a DIY win; for larger, heavier, or long-distance moves, professional movers are worth every penny for safety and peace of mind.
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