In this article I’m going to show you the cheapest way to ship about across Canada. Depending on your boat and a equipment you have several options available to you. Read on to see the best options for you.
Towing is the Most Economical
Out of all the ways to ship the boat, towing a boat is usually the least expensive.
This is a good option if:
- The boat is on a road-worthy trailer
- You are looking for the fastest service
- You are looking for the most affordable price
Towing a boat is when your boat is loaded on a roadworthy trailer that can be pulled by a truck.
This type of transport is also called power only or bumper pull.
Ready to ship your boat? Call Red Foot Haulers at 1-800-492-7713 to get a quick quote and all of your transport questions answered. We look forward to speaking with you, thanks!
Roadworthy Trailer Needed for Towing
If you would like to have your boat and trailer towed, you will need to make sure that your boat trailer is roadworthy.
That means that it has good tires, good axles, and good bearings.
Towing a boat long distance is more economical but it does add miles to your tires and equipment.
If you are transporting your boat long-distance, as we often do at Red Foot Haulers, then plan to add several thousand kilometers of use to your tires and equipment.
The worst that could happen would be for a tire to blow out or for the trailer to breakdown in the middle of transport.
While our professional movers are equipped to safely handle these types of issues, it would increase the cost due to the roadside assistance that would be necessary to get back on the road.
For this reason, we need to make sure that your trailer is roadworthy. If you are not sure, it’s always a good idea to have the trailer looked over before transport.
If you are buying the boat and trailer from someone, you can request for them to look at it and advise you.
You may also use the shipping quote we give you when arranging your boat purchase to factor in the cost of shipping into final purchase price.
Transport by Flat Deck Trailer or Truck
Another option would be to transport your boat on a flat deck trailer or on a flatbed truck.
This is a good option if you do not have a trailer for your boat or you would prefer to saved on wear and tear on your boat trailer.
Some of our customers prefer to buy the trailer separately from the boat. They may have found a good deal on a trailer closer to home, for example.
Generally this option is more expensive than towing your boat. However, if you do not have a trailer for your boat or you would prefer to save wear and tear on your boat trailer then this would be a good option.
Ready to ship your boat? Call Red Foot Haulers at 1-800-492-7713 to get a quick quote and all of your transport questions answered. We look forward to speaking with you, thanks!
To make this option work for you, we would need to know the exact dimensions of your boat or your boat and trailer to make sure that it is not too tall.
Boats that are too tall or wide need special permits from the provinces. Each province has its own requirements for permits. Also, if the boat and trailer are oversized then the driver would need to adjust their route to avoid low bridges and overpasses. This would add to the amount of time and mileage.
All of this can be known beforehand, that’s why Red Foot Haulers will give you an “all-in” price that includes all fees, taxes, and fuel costs… all while providing professional service and insurance coverage.
Generally smaller boats and trailer can be easily transported by on a flat deck “low boy” or step deck trailer. They can sometimes be loaded on a flatbed truck as well.
Why you should hire a professional mover
It may be tempting to hire someone who is not a professional to move your boat.
Here’s why this is generally a bad idea:
- They are not covered by insurance in case of accidents
- They are not trustworthy, reliable, or well-known
- They are not skilled in transporting boats or trailers long-distance, especially in case of poor weather conditions
- They do not have the proper equipment and will try to “cut corners”
Ultimately, going with an amateur is expensive. This is why we only suggest transporting your boat and trailer with a professional.
You can get skilled, and trustworthy service by hiring a professional moving service that has insurance to cover your valuable boat purchase.