Boat transport quotes and preparation

Buying a boat, selling one or relocating? Moving Cars arranges boat transport across a large part of Australia, with suitability checked for your boat, route and collection arrangements.

All boat quotes are prepared manually. A response can take several hours. Transport can usually be arranged within a few days, subject to the route, boat and carrier availability. Collection and delivery timing is confirmed separately for your booking.

Request a boat transport quote.

Use our vehicle quote form to start your boat enquiry. If you need help with measurements or an unusual boat, contact Moving Cars.

What to have ready for your quote

Have these details available when you enquire or when our team contacts you:

• Boat details: make, model, boat type and whether it is on a trailer, on a cradle or without either. Mention modifications and fitted equipment.
• Overall dimensions: give the full length, width and height as the boat will travel. For a boat on a trailer, include the drawbar, motor and projecting fittings; measure height from the ground and width at the widest point. Hull length alone is not the transport length.
• Weight: provide known boat, trailer, motor and equipment weights, or a known combined weight. Explain what each figure includes and say if anything is unknown.
• Condition: describe boat damage and, where applicable, whether the trailer rolls freely. Mention tyre, wheel, brake, coupling, jockey-wheel or structural problems and low clearance.
• Journey and dates: collection and delivery suburbs or postcodes, earliest release date and any deadline.
• Access: identify a home, seller, dealer, marina or storage yard. Describe narrow gates, overhead restrictions, steep approaches, turning space and opening hours.

Keep recent photos of the complete boat and trailer available, including unusual fittings or damage. Tell us if any quoted dimensions, condition or equipment change before collection.

Boats on trailers and boats needing special handling

A boat on its own trailer still needs assessment as a complete combination. Confirm whether the offered service involves towing or carrying, and follow the requirements for that method. Our trailer transport guide explains the trailer details to supply.

If your boat has no trailer, is on a cradle or needs lifting, explain this before requesting a confirmed price. Availability and equipment must be checked individually. Do not assume a crane, marina lift, cradle or launching service is included. Agree who will organise any required handling and what it will cost before booking.

How quoting and timing work

1. Send the enquiry. Provide the journey and boat details through the vehicle quote form.
2. Allow time for assessment. Quotes are prepared manually and can take several hours. We may need further details or photos.
3. Review the offered service. Check the price, transport method, handover points, preparation requirements and estimated timing.
4. Confirm the booking. Arrange release authority and available contacts at both ends, including any separately agreed loading arrangements.

We can usually arrange transport within a few days. This does not mean collection or delivery will happen within that period, and an enquiry does not reserve a slot. Tell us about settlement dates, storage deadlines or other commitments before accepting a quote.

Coverage and transport costs

We cover a large proportion of Australia, with availability assessed for your particular boat and route. Use the actual locations rather than substituting the nearest major city. Address collection depends on suitable access; if a depot or meeting point is offered, confirm its location and hours.

Price depends on the journey, overall size and weight, condition, available capacity and any additional handling. Read the inclusions and ask about possible extra charges. Check the applicable transport cover and whether your own boat insurance covers the movement. Tracking and update options vary by carrier.

Prepare your boat for collection

Follow the booked carrier’s instructions and the boat and trailer manufacturers’ guidance:

• Confirm what equipment or belongings can remain aboard, then remove or secure items as instructed. Do not add equipment after quoting without checking.
• Ask how covers, canopies, aerials, masts and other projecting or removable fittings should be prepared. Secure hatches and lockers, and follow the agreed instructions for the motor’s transport position.
• Disclose fuel, gas cylinders, batteries and water tanks. Obtain the service’s preparation requirements rather than assuming normal boating arrangements are suitable for transport.
• Clean the boat and trailer so their condition can be inspected, and take dated photos of existing damage.
• Have keys, release authority and handover contacts ready. Confirm access and any agreed loading equipment with the seller, yard or marina.

For a journey entering WA or Tasmania, check our quarantine guidance and the requirements for your particular boat and service.

Start your boat quote enquiry, or contact our team to discuss anything that needs assessment.