SAC Knows How to Ship a Boat on a Truck as well as How to Ship a Boat That’s Already on a Trailer

This informative guide will help you with everything you need to know about shipping your boat on a truck.

Why Is Using A Truck To Transport Your Boat Important?

Boat transportation via truck is one of the most popular methods for getting your vessel from one location to another. Many people opt for this type of shipping because it is generally more affordable than alternative methods, such as hiring a professional mover or using freight. Additionally, it gives you more control over how and when you will transport your boat.

Essential Things To Bear In Mind When Transporting Your Boat

If you are considering using a truck to transport your boat, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips from the experts at SAC to help you ship your boat on a truck:

  • Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork before you begin, including a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance.
  • Choose the right truck for the job. You’ll need a truck that is large enough to accommodate your boat and one that has a solid towing capacity.
  • Secure your boat to the truck using straps or ropes. You want to ensure your boat is secure before hitting the road.
  • Drive carefully! Take your time and be cautious when driving with a large boat in tow.

Following these tips will help ensure that your boat arrives safe and sound at its destination. Contact the experts at SAC today for more information on shipping your boat. We’re here to help!

How Do You Prepare Your Boat For Transport On A Truck?

When preparing your boat for transport, you’ll need to ensure it’s in good condition. Make that the screws are fastened tightly, the seams are sealed, and the boat is free of leaks. You’ll also need to remove all the unnecessary items from the boat, such as the cushions, life jackets, anchors, and dock lines.

You’ll need to use a transportation device like a ratchet strap or a winch line to secure the boat to the truck. Ensure the straps are tightened evenly, so the boat doesn’t move around during transport.

Finally, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct license and equipment to transport a boat on a truck. In most cases, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license and a special endorsement for hauling boats.

Loading A Boat On A Truck

Once your boat and truck are ready, it’s time to load the boat onto the truck. When using a trailer for your boat, make sure you back the trailer into the water until it is floating. Afterward, drive the boat onto the trailer and secure it with straps or ropes.

If you’re not using a trailer, you’ll need a crane or forklift to load the boat onto the truck. Make sure to secure the boat before driving off.

Here are some additional tips for loading your boat onto the truck:

1.    Positioning the Boat

When loading a boat onto a truck, it’s vital to position the boat correctly. The bow, or front, of the boat, should be facing the truck’s cab, and the stern, or rear, should be facing the back of the truck. Aligning the boat to the truck will help balance the weight of the boat and prevent it from tipping over during transport.

2.    Hitching the Trailer

If you use a trailer for transportation, be sure to hitch it up correctly. The coupler should be locked in place, and the chains should be tightened. The tongue jack should also be raised, so the trailer is leveled with the truck.

3.    Winching the Boat onto the Trailer

If you’re using a winch line to transport your boat, you’ll need a winch to pull the boat onto the trailer. Make sure the boat is properly secured before winching it onto the trailer. Be careful not to overload the winch, and never stand in front of the boat while winching it onto the trailer.

4.    Securing the Boat

When transporting a boat, securing it properly to the truck is essential. This will help prevent the boat from moving around during transport and protect it from damage. There are several ways to secure a boat to a truck, including using straps or ropes. Make sure the boat is properly secured before driving off.

5.    Checking the Lights

After securing the boat to the truck, it is essential to check the lights. This will help ensure that the boat is visible while driving and also help prevent accidents.

Here are some ideas to check the lights of a boat after transporting it on a truck:

  • Make sure all the lights are turned on.
  • Check the wiring to make sure there are no loose connections.
  • Test the brakes and turn signals to make sure they are working correctly.

How to Drive With a Boat in Tow

If you’re transporting a boat on a truck, it’s essential to know how to drive with a boat in tow. This will help ensure that the boat is safe and secure during transport. Here are some tips for driving with a boat in tow

  • Plan Your Route
  • Check Your Tires
  • Pack Light
  • Take Breaks
  • Obey The Law
Unloading a Boat From A Truck

When transporting a boat on a truck, it’s essential to know how to unload it properly. This will help ensure that the boat is safe and secure during transport. Here are some tips for unloading a boat from a truck.

1.    Park the Truck in a Level Area

When unloading a boat from a truck, it’s important to park the truck in a level area, which will help keep the boat from tipping over during transport.

2.    Use a Crane or Forklift to Lift the Boat from Truck

If you’re using a crane or forklift to unload the boat, lift it evenly, so it doesn’t fall off the truck.

3.    Use Straps or Ropes to Lower Boat from Truck

If you’re using straps or ropes to unload the boat, lower it evenly, so it doesn’t fall off the truck. Make sure that you are very careful when unloading the boat from the truck.

4.    Drive the Boat off The Trailer

When using a trailer for your boat, you will need to drive the boat off the trailer when you’re ready to unload it. Also, make sure you are careful when moving it off the trailer.

5.    Winch the Boat off The Trailer

If you’re using a winch line to transport your boat, you’ll need to use a winch to lower the boat from the trailer. Make sure the boat is properly secured before winching it off the trailer. Be careful not to overload the winch, and never stand in front of the boat while winching it off the trailer.

What Are The Dangers Of Transporting Boats By Truck?

While transporting boats by truck can be safe if done correctly, there are some dangers to be aware of. One risk is that the boat could fall off the truck during transport, damaging the boat or injuring people nearby. Another threat is that the boat could become loose and collide with other vehicles on the road, and this could cause a severe accident. Finally, if the boat is not adequately secured to the truck, it could slide around during transport and be damaged.

How to Find a Transport Company

When shipping a boat, finding a reliable transport company is important to making sure your boat arrives safely. Here are some ways to find a suitable transport company:

  • Ask friends or family for recommendations.
  • Check online reviews.
  • Verify that they are insured and licensed.
Conclusion

Shipping a boat may seem like a difficult task, but with careful planning and execution, it can be pretty straightforward. Gather all of the materials before beginning, inspect your vehicle for any damage or faults, position the truck properly, and be careful loading the boat onto the trailer. Following these simple steps will give you peace of mind that your boat will arrive safe and sound.

If at any time you feel that this is way too much work and/or you’re confronted with too many questions and concerns, please give the SAC Boat Transport Team a call at (866) 452-3657 for a free no obligation quote.