Boat Transport Preparation Checklist | Complete Guide
Everything you need to know to prepare your boat for safe transport. Follow this comprehensive checklist to ensure smooth, damage-free boat moving.
Properly preparing your boat for transport is essential for ensuring it arrives safely at its destination. Whether you're moving your boat locally or interstate, following this comprehensive preparation checklist will help prevent damage, avoid delays, and ensure a smooth transport experience.
With over 15 years of experience in professional boat transportation, we've compiled this complete guide based on thousands of successful boat moves across Australia. Use this checklist to prepare your boat like a pro.
✓ Quick Checklist Overview
Before Transport:
- Remove loose items
- Drain fuel tanks
- Disconnect batteries
- Secure antennas
- Document condition
During Transport:
- Track your boat
- Stay in communication
- Keep documentation handy
Upon Delivery:
- Inspect thoroughly
- Check documentation
- Report any issues
Before Transport Checklist
1. Remove All Loose Items
Why it's important: Loose items can shift during transport, causing damage to your boat's interior and potentially breaking expensive equipment.
What to remove:
- Personal belongings and clothing
- Fishing gear, rods, and tackle boxes
- Electronics (GPS, fish finders, radios)
- Safety equipment (unless required to remain)
- Food, drinks, and perishables
- Anchors and chains (secure or remove)
- Life jackets and flotation devices
- Tools and spare parts
2. Drain Fuel Tanks
Why it's important: Full fuel tanks add significant weight and pose safety risks. Most transport companies have fuel restrictions.
How to do it:
- Drain tanks to 1/4 capacity or less (check with your transporter)
- Some companies require tanks to be nearly empty for safety
- Use or siphon fuel safely before transport day
- Consider fuel weight: A full 100L tank adds 75kg to transport weight
3. Disconnect Batteries
Why it's important: Prevents electrical issues, battery drain, and potential fire hazards during transport.
How to do it:
- Disconnect negative terminal first, then positive
- Secure terminals so they don't touch metal surfaces
- Consider removing batteries entirely for long-distance transport
- If batteries must stay, ensure they're fully charged and secured
4. Secure or Remove Antennas & Tall Fixtures
Why it's important: Prevents damage from low bridges, branches, and height restrictions.
What to secure:
- Lower or remove radio antennas
- Remove or secure fishing rod holders
- Lower bimini tops and canvas
- Secure or remove navigation lights
- Remove flags and pennants
5. Close and Secure All Openings
Why it's important: Prevents water damage, debris entry, and wind damage during transport.
What to secure:
- Close and lock all hatches
- Secure all doors and windows
- Close all storage compartments
- Ensure bilge is empty and drain plug is secure
- Close and secure engine cowlings
6. Prepare the Hull & Exterior
Why it's important: Protects your boat's exterior and makes post-transport inspection easier.
Steps:
- Clean the hull thoroughly (makes damage inspection easier)
- Remove boat covers or secure them tightly
- Secure fenders if they're staying on the boat
- Remove or secure windshield wipers
- Protect delicate areas with padding if needed
7. Document Your Boat's Condition
Why it's important: Essential for insurance claims if damage occurs during transport.
How to document:
- Take photos from all angles (bow, stern, port, starboard)
- Photograph any existing damage or wear
- Take close-ups of expensive equipment
- Video walkthrough is even better
- Keep photos timestamped and dated
- Share documentation with your transport company
8. Prepare Required Documentation
Documents to have ready:
- Boat registration papers
- Insurance documents
- Bill of lading/transport contract
- Keys (make copies if needed)
- Maintenance records (if applicable)
- Special instructions for the transporter
9. Check Insurance Coverage
Insurance considerations:
- Verify your boat insurance covers transport
- Confirm transporter's insurance details
- Understand coverage limits and deductibles
- Document boat's value and any recent upgrades
- Keep insurance contact information handy
10. Trailer Preparation (If Applicable)
If your boat will be transported on your trailer:
- Ensure trailer is roadworthy and registered
- Check tire pressure and condition
- Test trailer lights and indicators
- Lubricate wheel bearings
- Check winch strap or chain condition
- Ensure boat is properly secured to trailer
- Check tie-down straps are in good condition
During Transport
What to Expect
- Tracking: Most professional transporters offer tracking updates. Stay in communication for peace of mind.
- Transit Time: Varies by distance. Local: same/next day. Interstate: 1-3 days. Cross-country: 5-7 days.
- Communication: Your transporter should provide updates at pickup, during transit, and before delivery.
- Weather Delays: Understand that weather may cause delays for safety reasons.
- Route Changes: Professional transporters may adjust routes for safety or efficiency.
Stay Prepared
- Keep your phone charged and accessible
- Have transport documents readily available
- Know your boat's destination contact details
- Be flexible with delivery times (weather/traffic can cause delays)
Upon Delivery Inspection Checklist
Immediate Inspection Steps
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Inspect your boat BEFORE signing delivery documents!
1. Visual Inspection
- Walk around the entire boat
- Check hull for new scratches, dents, or damage
- Inspect deck and topsides
- Check all equipment is intact
- Compare to your pre-transport photos
2. Interior Inspection
- Check for water intrusion
- Inspect upholstery and interior surfaces
- Verify all systems are as you left them
- Check bilge for water or damage
3. Equipment Check
- Verify all equipment remained secured
- Check antennas and fixtures
- Inspect propeller and outdrive/outboard
- Check trailer (if applicable) for damage
4. Documentation
- Review delivery paperwork carefully
- Note any damage on the delivery document
- Take photos of boat post-delivery
- Get copies of all signed documents
- If damage is found, document immediately and notify transporter
If You Find Damage
- Document immediately: Take photos and videos of all damage
- Note on delivery papers: Write detailed notes before signing
- Notify transporter: Report damage verbally and in writing
- Contact insurance: File a claim within required timeframe
- Get estimates: Obtain repair quotes from marine professionals
- Don't repair yet: Wait for insurance adjuster inspection if needed
Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Leaving Fuel Tanks Full
Adds unnecessary weight and creates safety risks. Always drain to 1/4 or less.
❌ Not Taking Photos
Without documentation, proving transport damage is difficult. Always photograph before transport.
❌ Leaving Valuables On Board
Transport insurance typically doesn't cover loose items. Remove all valuables.
❌ Forgetting to Disconnect Batteries
Can drain batteries or cause electrical issues. Always disconnect before transport.
❌ Not Checking Insurance
Verify both your insurance and transporter's insurance covers your boat fully.
❌ Signing Without Inspection
Always inspect thoroughly before signing delivery documents. Once signed, claims are harder.
Need Professional Boat Transport?
We'll guide you through the entire preparation process. Fully insured, 15+ years experience, Australia-wide service.
