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What to Include in Measurements

It is imperative to measure your boat correctly (in feet) to ensure that your craft meets the correct boat size for transport and arrives at its destination in one piece. Imagine measuring incorrectly, then passing under a 13-foot bridge with 14-foot boat.

boat pulled out of marina

Your vessel's measurements will affect the price of transport, but it will also determine if special routes, permits or escorts are needed. In addition, the dimensions will tell you the size of trailer you need or the type of boat transport company you will use. You can refer to your boat manufacturer's stated measurements for your particular craft, but remember to account for after-market add-ons such as swim platforms and command bridges that can add considerably to your boat's specifications. When measuring your craft, be sure to include the following dimensions:

"It is imperative to measure your boat correctly. Imagine making a mistake, then passing under a 13-foot bridge with a 14-foot boat."

Overall length: Include bow pulpits and swim platforms in your length measurement. Also, include motor brackets and the length of the motors or outdrives in the raised position, as that is how they most likely will be transported. If your boat will be transported on your own trailer, include the tip of the trailer's "tongue" to the end of the motor.

boat picked up by crane

Overall height: Motels, gas stations, bridges and highway overpasses may present a clearance problem for your craft once it's loaded onto a transport trailer. For this reason it is essential to know the exact height of your boat. Simply measure your boat from the keel - which is the primary structural element of the ship that runs lengthwise across the bottom of your boat - to the tallest part of your boat that you cannot remove for transporting. The legal maximum height for U.S. highway overpasses is 13 feet, 6 inches. If your boat exceeds this height, you are left with two equally unpleasant options. You could remove a part of your boat, such as the command bridge, but this would obviously be a very difficult and time-intensive project. On the other hand, you could attempt to manufacture a route that would not take you on any interstate highways, but this would be inconvenient, difficult, and no guarantee that you wouldn't run into other clearance problems along the way (you just wouldn't be breaking any laws).

Beam (width): The beam is your boat's measurement at its widest point. Make sure to include anything attached to the vessel in the measurement. Boats that are wider than 8 feet, 6 inches across are considered oversize loads on U.S. highways, and may require special permits and labeling. You or your transport company will have to consult the regulations for each state through which the boat will travel. To check state regulations, check with each state's department of transportation. Boats that measure over 12 feet wide may require a certified escort in some states, which may add to your hauling charges.

"Correctly measuring your boat is an essential part of safe and successful transportation."

Keep in mind that your transport provider may charge additional fees to transport your boat if it's over the official height and width restrictions, as additional mileage may occur in the case of necessary routing changes.

Next Page Now that you know all about boat transport basics, its time to get ready to move your boat. Continue to the next section to learn about preparing for boat transport.