Last updated 2026-07-13 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
How you move a boat depends mostly on its size. A trailerable boat you can tow behind a capable truck, while a wide or tall hull needs a professional boat transport company with the right rig and permits. This guide covers trailering your own boat safely and knowing when to hand it to the pros.
Difficulty: Hard
Time: Trailer prep: 30 to 60 minutes. Professional transport: 1 to 3 weeks door to door.
Typical cost: DIY trailering: fuel plus about $100 to $300 in straps and prep. Professional transport roughly $2 to $6+ per mile, more for oversize loads needing permits.
Supplies: Boat trailer rated for the load, Bow winch strap and safety chain, Transom tie-down straps (2), Trailer hitch and working lights, Support poles or a travel cover, Wide-load flags for oversize hulls
Pro tip: Weigh your loaded trailer tongue. Aim for about 10 to 15 percent of total weight on the hitch to avoid sway.
Watch out: Do not tow a boat wider than 8.5 feet without proper permits and wide-load markings. It is illegal and unsafe in most states.