Common boat shipping challenges

Now that you understand the basic requirements and how to verify proper boat preparation, it’s time to look at the most common challenges drivers face during boat transport—and how to prepare for them in advance.

Being aware of these challenges helps you:

• Quote accurately
  
• Avoid legal and safety issues
  
• Prevent delays, fines, or damage claims
  

Weather

Weather is often the reason customers choose to ship their boats—but it can also make transport more difficult.

Before pickup and delivery:

• Check the weather forecast for the entire route and scheduled dates.
  
  
• In Midwest and Northeast regions, snow, ice, wind, or heavy rain can make loading and unloading especially challenging without assistance.
  
  

If you’re picking up or delivering at a marina:

• Ensure the trailer is properly submerged, not just partially.
  
  
• Ideally, the boat should float on and off the trailer easily.
  
  

💡 Customer expectation tip:
If this is the customer’s first time shipping a boat, explain that:

• Their boat will be traveling at highway speeds (around 60 mph) into constant wind.
  
  
• After a long haul, the hull may get dusty or muddy—but this is normal and easily cleaned once the boat is back in the water.
  
  

Weight

Boat weight is one of the most commonly misunderstood—and most critical—factors in transport.

• Gear, fuel, water, and equipment can add significant weight.
  
  
• Exceeding a trailer’s or vehicle’s rated capacity can:
  
  
  • Void manufacturer warranties
    
    
  • Damage equipment
    
    
  • Create safety and legal risks
    
    

Boat material is a strong indicator of weight:

• A 40-foot aluminum houseboat may weigh around 32,000 lbs
  
  
• The same boat in fiberglass can weigh closer to 44,000 lbs
  
  

⚠️ Very important:
Most customers will only provide the manufacturer’s dry weight, which:

• Does not include engines
  
  
• Does not include fuel, water, or added equipment
  
  
• Does not include the trailer
  
  

As a result, a boat listed at 3,500 lbs dry can easily weigh 7,000 lbs or more once engines, fuel, and a trailer are included.

👉 Before placing a quote on CitizenShipper, always confirm the total gross weight with the customer.
This ensures:

• Your vehicle can safely haul the load
  
  
• You remain compliant with USDOT requirements based on combined weight

Size & Dimensions

Incorrect measurements are another major source of problems in boat transport.

• Height is the most challenging—and expensive—dimension to manage.
  
  
• The maximum legal height on U.S. interstates is 13’6”, measured from the ground to the tallest point of the vessel.
  
  
• DOT regulations require that any load that can be reduced in height must be reduced.
  
  

🚨 Important note:

• The average trailer adds about 18 inches of height.
  
  

This means a boat should be 12 feet tall or less to remain legal without special permits.

Oversize Loads & Permits

Many states place restrictions on oversized boat shipments:

• Some states limit days and hours when oversize loads may travel
  
  
  • Example: Connecticut allows certain oversize trips only Tuesday–Thursday, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
    
    
• Some routes require police escorts, especially when crossing state lines
  
  
  • Two state troopers can cost around $1,500 flat
    
    

Across most states:

• Boats wider than 12 feet require a certified escort
  
  
• Average state permit fees are around $75 per state
  
  

🚫 Do not skip permits.
Failure to comply can result in:

• Fines up to $5,000
  
  
• A 365-day ban from filing permits
  
  
• Vehicle or trailer forfeiture
  
  
• In extreme cases, jail time
  

Key Takeaway

✅ Accurate weight, correct measurements, and proper permits are non-negotiable in boat transport.

Taking the time to verify details before quoting on CitizenShipper protects your business, your equipment, and your ability to keep hauling legally.

Additional Notes on Oversized Boat Transport

Experienced boat transporters shared the following important insights when hauling oversized loads:

• State-Specific Insurance Requirements
  In Georgia, a certificate of insurance naming the State of Georgia as an additional insured is required for oversized boat transport.
  
  
• Permit Details Matter
  When applying for permits, always include clear travel directions (such as northbound or southbound). Missing or incorrect directions can result in permit rejection.
  Most permits are valid for 5–7 days, so timing your trip is critical.
  
  
• Wide Load Travel Restrictions
  Wide loads cannot be transported:
  
  
  • Before or after major holidays
    
    
  • During rush hours
    
    
  • Within major city limits during peak traffic times

What’s Next?

Now that you understand the key considerations and potential challenges involved in planning a boat transport, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

In the following lesson, we’ll focus on the recommended equipment every boat transporter should have to operate safely and professionally.

Join the Conversation

If you have additional challenges to share, tips from your own experience, or questions about any of the topics covered so far, we encourage you to leave a comment below. Your input helps strengthen this guide for the entire transporter community.

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