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Getting your own permits to ship your boat

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Getting boat shipping permits continued…

Whether you’re dealing with a permit agent or the state directly certain documents will be required to get your permit application properly filed and hopefully approved. The biggie is insurance. You will be required to provide a copy of your insurance certificate. Not is this document proof of insurance it also lists your limits. Different states require different amounts of insurance so don’t worry about changing anything. The state will contact your insurance company to make sure your policy is valid and to be listed as a certificate holder named on your policy in the event anything goes wrong.

The vehicle used to tow your vessel.

Again, it doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a permit agent or the direct with the state to get the proper permits to ship your boat. More information is required. You will need your current vehicle registration with VIN numbers. You will also need every scrap of information about the vehicle you plan on using to tow your boat with. Here are the items required however some states may require additional information.

  • Year, make and model of vehicle.
  • Wheel base width.
  • Distance from the front axle to the center of the rear axle.
  • The plate number that is on the vehicle.
  • The height of your vehicle. Ground to highest most point.
  • Weight of your vehicle. A scale ticket may be required which you can get at any truck stop.
  • A diagram clearly displaying any alterations that were done if any.
  • Manufacturer of tires and tire size.
  • Size and type of motor that is in the vehicle.

 

The trailer used to load your vessel.

You will need the plate number and registration for the trailer you are using. Some states do not require boat trailers be registered so you will have to cross that bridge if it pertains to you when/if it comes up. You will need every bit of information about your boat trailer. Here is a list of what you will need.

  • Trailer registration certificate.
  • Year, make and model number of trailer.
  • The number of axles.
  • The width of the wheel base.
  • The distance from the center of hitch receiver to the center of the first axle.
  • The distance from the fist axle to any additional axle centers.
  • The distance from the most rear axle to the most rear part of the trailer.
  • If the trailer has brakes installed and if you plan on using them.
  • Factory rated maximum weight capacity.
  • Manufacturer of tires and tire sizes.
  • Any custom alterations that were made to the trailer on a diagram.

 

The things you don’t think of until the last minute.

In order to legally ship your own boat if it is oversize you have to put a lot of spokes in a wheel to complete it. Below is a list of items that may be required depending on how wide and long your vessel is. Have a look.

  • If you are over 12′ wide you may be required to have an escort vehicle or pilot car (hire them here). Some states require pilot cars if over 10′ wide on certain routes. It’s a good idea to check the rules and regulations to the states/provinces you will be travelling through and to.
  • Lights, wideload or oversize load signs, flags and lights. Depending on what state you are dealing with and how wide or long you are you may be required to have an amber strobing light, proper signs of official size, color and letter thickness. You may be required to have two red flags attached to the left and right hand side of the front of your vehicle no less that 18″ x 18″ square and two more placed at the rear most point of the shipment as well.

If your boat is oversize there is simply no easy way to do it if you plan on shipping it yourself. In order to do it legally takes a lot of work. But if you are determined to do it, it is possible as long as you are meticulous, dedicated and careful. If you would like to get a free quote from multiple specialized trucking companies that ship boats daily you can post your shipment by clicking here.