In the vibrant city of Miami, the Miami Boat Transport service by Auto Transport Specialty has increasingly sought after, thanks to our picturesque coastal setting and strong boating culture. Auto Transport Specialty, a Miami-based, nationally recognized vehicle transport company, is proud to extend its reputable services to include boat transport.

With nearly two decades of industry experience, our company is committed to providing top-tier boat transportation solutions that ensure safety, affordability, and reliability. Our seasoned team understands the complexities involved in transporting boats of various types and sizes.

From speed boats to luxury yachts, we handle each project with the utmost care and precision, sparing our clients with the stress and hassle of doing it themselves. When you choose Auto Transport Specialty, you’re not just choosing a service; you’re choosing a partner committed to delivering your valuable asset safely and promptly, from coast to coast, to your desired destination.

Reasons You May Need Boat Shipping in Miami, FL

Whether for recreational or commercial reasons, boat owners may find themselves in situations that necessitate professional boat shipping. Several circumstances could prompt the need for this specialized service.

1. Relocating to a New Home or Marina

Relocating to a new home or changing your boat’s home marina can often require the use of professional services specializing in shipping boats. This is especially true if you’re moving a significant distance, across states or even overseas.

Transporting a boat over land can be a complex and labour-intensive task, requiring special equipment and a deep understanding of transport regulations. Professional boat shippers, like Auto Transport Specialty, are familiar with the safest and most efficient routes, can handle the logistics, and have the expertise to transport your boat securely, sparing you the risk and the hassle.

2. Purchasing or Selling a Boat

When you buy a boat, whether new or used, it’s often located far from your home or local marina. Likewise, if you sell your boat, the buyer might not be local. In both cases, arranging professional boat shipping is essential to get the boat to its new owner.

A professional company like Auto Transport Specialty ensures that the boat is properly prepared for transport, secures it correctly, and handles any potential issues during the journey, ensuring that the vessel arrives in the same condition it left in.

3. Attending Boat Shows and Competitions

If you’re an enthusiast who frequently participates in boat shows, exhibitions, or competitions, then boat shipping services will be a regular necessity. These events often take place in different cities, states, or even countries.

Shipping your boat professionally ensures it arrives at the venue safely, in show-ready or competition-ready condition. It also allows you to focus on preparing for the event itself rather than worrying about the logistics of getting your boat there.

4. Seasonal Migration

Many boat owners migrate seasonally, particularly those who live in regions with severe winters or hot summers. This practice, known as “snowbirding,” involves moving from chillier places like New York to enjoy more favourable weather conditions.

Whether you’re relocating to a sunnier spot in Florida or heading to the tranquil waters of Oklahoma City, transporting your boat professionally ensures it’s ready for use as soon as you reach your destination. It eliminates the wear and tear of a long journey by water, and it frees you from the stress and time involved in piloting the boat to your seasonal home.

5. Repair or Restoration

At times, boats require significant repairs or restoration that cannot be done locally and need to be transported to specialized facilities. It could be for a refit, upgrade, or to restore a vintage model at a specialist yard. In such instances, professional boat shipping services are invaluable.

They can ensure that your boat is transported without causing further damage, and they can handle the complexities of moving a boat that, due to its condition, might need extra care during loading, transport, and unloading.

6. Expansion of Rental or Charter Business

If you operate a boat rental or charter business and are expanding your fleet or starting operations in a new location, you’ll likely need to move boats from one place to another. This can be a logistically complex operation, especially if you’re moving multiple vessels at once.

A professional boat shipping service has the experience and resources to manage large-scale operations efficiently and safely, helping your business expansion proceed smoothly.

Understanding the Transportation Checklist for Boat Moving

Embarking on a journey of shipping your boat, whether by yourself or through professional movers, entails careful preparation. Let’s delve into a comprehensive transportation checklist that ensures your boat is in pristine condition for the move. This checklist is vital, as movers handle the move itself but not necessarily the preparatory steps.

1. Stowing Away Essential Items

The first step in preparing your boat for transportation involves carefully stowing away certain elements. This is especially true for vessels like fishing boats, where equipment and accessories may need to be carefully stored or removed. These include:

• Windshields and Lights: These protruding elements can become potential hazards during transport, thus the need to secure them inside the boat.
• Cushions and Screens: These items can fly out during transit, so it’s essential to store them safely.
• Outriggers, Flag Masts, and Antennas: Anything that extends the height or width of your boat should be stowed to prevent damage.
• Electronics: Batteries or electronic devices should be switched off, disconnected, and stored safely to prevent any damage or unnecessary power drainage.

Note that for smaller boats, all items might not fit inside. Pack them in separate boxes to be transported alongside the boat.

2. Locking All Doors and Cabinets

During transit, there could be vibrations that may cause cabinet doors and other latched or hinged elements to swing open. Securely locking all your cabin doors and cabinets will prevent these accidental openings. It helps to safeguard stowed items from falling out and causing harm to other road users or damaging your boat’s interior.

3. Draining All Fluids

Before the move, you should remove all drain plugs from the hull and completely drain fluids from pumps, air conditioners, water systems, and so forth. This precaution prevents leakage during transport. A helpful tip for colder weather transportation is to use RV antifreeze in your boat’s systems to prevent freezing damage. Also, ensure that all water tanks are empty and that the fuel tank contains minimal fuel, preferably less than a quarter full.

4. The Necessity of Tarping

If your boat has a delicate exterior, consider tarping it for protection against road debris, which could chip or scratch your boat’s paint. Additionally, ensure the windshield is sturdy enough to withstand buffeting winds during the journey. Check the seal and the screws, and replace any corroded parts to secure the windshield properly.

5. Checking the Trailer’s Condition

The trailer that carries your boat plays a significant role in safe transportation. Ensure it is in optimal condition:

• Check the lighting system and ensure it is functioning properly.
• Inspect the structure for any cracks or defects.
• If the trailer is equipped with brakes, make sure they are functioning properly.
• Ensure the trailer is registered and has passed its annual inspection.
• The trailer should have a spare tire for emergencies.

Moreover, pay special attention to the trailer’s tires. Check for proper air pressure and look out for signs of dry rot or excessive wear. If there are any gouges, bubbles, or cracks, it’s a sign you need to replace the tires.

6. Documenting the Boat’s Condition

Before shipping your boat, take comprehensive photos of your boat from all angles. This documentation serves as a record of your boat’s condition prior to transportation and can be crucial in case of any damage occurring during transit.

For added safety and peace of mind, you might consider having your boat inspected by a professional before shipping. This pre-transportation inspection can help you identify potential issues and provide a safeguard against any potential litigation.

Read More: Commercial Vehicle Transport In Miami

A Deep Dive into Auto Transport Specialty Boat Shipping Methods

At Auto Transport Specialty, we understand that each boat, like its owner, has unique needs and requirements. That’s why we offer a range of boat shipping methods to accommodate different boats and situations. This guide will help you explore these methods, assisting you in making an informed choice about what’s best for your boat.

Overland Transport

Overland transport is one of the most common ways of shipping a boat. It involves securely mounting your boat on a trailer and driving it to its new location. Here are a few key aspects of this method:

• Flexibility: Overland transport can accommodate a wide variety of boat sizes, from small personal watercraft to large yachts.
• Safety: We use specialized trailers fitted with cushioned hydraulic suspension systems to ensure the safety and security of your boat during transport.
• Door-to-door service: Overland transport allows for door-to-door service, making it a convenient option.

Roll-on/Roll-off Transport (RoRo)

Roll-on/Roll-off transport is a popular method for shipping larger boats that can’t be easily or safely transported over land. For instance, our yacht shipping process often relies on the RoRo method due to its convenience and security for larger vessels. Here’s what you need to know:

• Simplicity: In this method, boats are driven on and off the transport vessel using their own trailers or cradles.
• Security: Boats are securely fastened to the ship’s deck to prevent movement during transit.
• Ideal for larger vessels: RoRo is ideal for larger boats that may not be suitable for overland transport.

Lift-on/Lift-off Transport (LoLo)

Lift-on/Lift-off transport is another option for larger boats and yachts. Here are the key features of this method:

• Special Equipment: In LoLo shipping, special cranes are used to lift the boat onto the transport vessel.
• Security: Once on the ship, the boat is securely fastened to prevent any movement during the journey.
• Ideal for larger and heavier boats: This method is perfect for larger and heavier boats that can’t be easily driven onto a ship, as is required in RoRo transport.

Container Shipping

For smaller boats, container shipping can be a cost-effective and secure method of transportation. Here’s what you should know:

• Cost-effective: This method can be less expensive than other methods as containers can be easily moved between different modes of transport, like ships, trucks, and trains.
• Protection: Containers provide excellent protection from weather and potential damage during transit.
• Size limitations: The main limitation is size; your boat must be able to fit inside a standard shipping container.

Why Choose Auto Transport Specialty For Boat Shipping

Auto Transport Specialty isn’t just a vehicle transport company; we are a partner committed to providing seamless, stress-free boat shipping services. But why choose us among all the shipping companies out there?

Experience and Expertise

With roots tracing back to 2001, we have two decades of experience in the transport industry. Our team, led by industry veteran Donald Ferris, is well-versed in handling different types of boats. Our knowledge and expertise allow us to offer solutions tailored to each customer’s unique needs.

Wide Range of Services

We offer a variety of shipping methods – overland, roll-on/roll-off, lift-on/lift-off, and container shipping, catering to different types and sizes of boats. Whether you have a small personal watercraft or a large yacht, we have the means to transport it safely and efficiently.

Safety and Security

We prioritize the safety of your boat. All boats are properly secured, whether on a trailer or a ship’s deck. Plus, we are fully bonded and insured, providing an extra layer of protection.

Customer-Driven Approach

Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal. Whether you’re transporting within sunny Florida or across the states, our team is dedicated to providing a stellar customer experience. We boast a 24-hour hands-on staff experienced in all aspects of boat transport, ready to assist you at every step of the process.

Conclusion

Shipping a boat may seem like a daunting task, but with Auto Transport Specialty, it doesn’t have to be. We offer a variety of services to cater to every customer’s needs, while our experienced team ensures your boat is transported safely and securely. So, if you’re looking to transport a boat, consider partnering with us for a hassle-free experience.

Contact us today for more information or a free quote!

FAQs