Boat and watercraft transport by road
Moving a boat by road is mostly about preparation: the right trailer set up for the hull, a tow vehicle with the weight and traction to handle a wet slipway, and a driver who knows how a long trailer behaves on the M5 in a crosswind. Trailer Transport Specialist provides all three, for RIBs, sports boats, speedboats, fishing boats, day boats, sailing dinghies, small cruisers and yachts on their own trailers, plus jet skis and PWCs.
We collect from marinas (using their hoist or crane if the boat is afloat), from slipways at a suitable state of tide, from boatyards, dealers, brokers and storage compounds, and from driveways and gardens. Delivery is to wherever the boat needs to be next — a berth, a yard, your home or a buyer’s address at the other end of the country.
Typical boat transport jobs
- Seasonal moves between an inland home and a coastal marina, and back again for winter storage.
- Delivering a boat you’ve bought privately or at auction, often from a seller who can’t or won’t tow it.
- Dealer and broker deliveries to customers, or moving stock between sites and shows.
- Relocating when you move house, change home port or join a new club.
- Getting a boat to a yard for antifouling, engine work or a survey and back again.
- Jet ski and PWC moves — singles or multiples on a PWC trailer.
Sizes we handle
Hard boats and RIBs to about 7 m and 1,800 kg on our bunked trailer; larger boats on their own roadworthy trailer up to 3,500 kg gross. Beam up to 2.55 m. Bigger than that usually means a low-loader — we’ll tell you honestly.
Boat transport by county
How we move a boat
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Set the trailer up
Bunks and rollers are adjusted to your hull before collection so it sits level and supported along the chines, not just the keel.
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Load
Winched on from a slipway or lowered on by hoist. Bow snubber engaged, transom tie-downs fitted, outboard trimmed and supported.
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Secure & strip
Canopy, aerials and loose gear removed or lashed, drain bung out, cover fitted if you want one. Photos taken all round.
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Deliver
Steady driving, strap checks on the way, and unload by hoist, slipway or onto blocks at the other end.
How much does boat transport cost?
Boat transport is priced per mile on the real road route, with an all-in figure that includes fuel, tolls, any ferry, and the loading and unloading time at each end. Local moves typically start from around £150; longer runs are quoted per mile and can often be reduced if we can pair the job with another in the same direction. The main variables are distance, the boat’s length and weight, whether it’s on its own trailer, and access — a marina with a booked hoist slot is quick, a tidal slipway may dictate the time of day.
Send both postcodes and the boat’s details and you’ll get an exact price, not a bracket.
Can you move my boat if it’s in the water?
Yes, if the marina or yard can lift it or there’s a usable slipway. We’ll coordinate the hoist booking or tide time with you.
Is the boat insured while on your trailer?
Yes, goods in transit cover is in place. For high-value boats we can arrange additional cover — tell us the value when you enquire.
Will you tow my own trailer?
Yes, provided it’s roadworthy: tyres, bearings, brakes and lights. If it isn’t, we bring ours and transfer the boat.
Do you move jet skis?
Yes — one or several, on a PWC trailer or your own. Same door-to-door, insured service.
Guides for boat owners
Read how much boat transport costs and how to prepare a boat for road transport before you book.
Get a quote for boat transport
Send the load type, rough size and weight, both postcodes and your ideal date. We reply personally with an all-in price — fuel, tolls and loading included — usually within a couple of hours during the day. If it’s urgent, call 07541 559204.
You can also read about the areas we cover or see the full range of trailers and loads we handle.
Quote: Boat transport
Tell us what needs moving and where. We reply personally, usually within a couple of hours.
Ready to move it?
Send a few details and we’ll come straight back with a clear, all-in price. No call centres — you deal with the driver.