What is an Airboat?
Before transport begins, it’s helpful to know the type of boat you need to move. An airboat, a fan boat or a swamp boat, is a type of flat-bottom boat that is designed to glide quickly through shallow, marshy or swampy water where traditional boats can’t operate. Unlike yacht boats, airboats are used for fishing, hunting and rescue operations. Airboats can vary in size and may carry passengers, they are built mainly to fastly maneuver through icy water environments.
Some of the airboat brands we have experience transporting include Diamondback, Panther, Airboats Unlimited, Mark’s Airboat, American Airboat Corp., Levitor, GTO Performance Airboats, PB A Airboats, Elite Airboat Company, and Hamant Airboats. No matter the size or brand, each airboat requires careful handling to ensure safe, reliable transport.
How to Move an Airboat?
Moving an airboat is more than placing the vessel on a trailer and moving it between states, like yacht transport services or other boat transport services, every airboat hauling is planned around its size, weight, height and the restrictions of the route.
Steps in moving an airboat:
- Loading- Our transport team will use special equipment, like a hydraulic lift, to safely load the airboat onto the trailer for transportation.
- Route Survey- Before setting off, Heavy Equipment Shipper will check the route to find the safest path and ensure they avoid any low bridges or other obstacles along the way.
- Permits and Compliance- We will take care of all necessary paperwork and permits needed for moving the oversized load, making sure everything is in order for the journey.
- Delivery- Once they arrive at the destination, the team will carefully unload the airboat and place it either into the water or on land, depending on what’s needed.
Methods of Airboat Shipping
If you’re looking to have your airboat moved, we offer reliable towing services with experienced drivers and well-equipped trucks. To transport your airboat safely, we’ll ask for details like its size, weight, and the type of trailer it’s on, including the number of wheels. This helps us choose the right truck for the job. Airboats on a trailer with only one set of wheels are riskier for long-distance towing, so in those cases, a flatbed truck is usually the safer choice.
Transport Methods:
Tow-Away Transport:
- For short-distance moves with trailers that have multiple axles.
- Experienced drivers handle your airboat carefully using properly equipped trucks.
- Safer for trailers built to handle towing, but single-axle trailers are not recommended for long hauls.
Flatbed Trailer (Roll On/Roll Off):
- Suitable for both the airboat and its trailer
- We have Flatbed Truck Trailer Transport and Shipping of all types, including traditional flatbeds, RGNs, step decks, lowboys, and double drops.
- Recommended for long-distance moves or when your trailer isn’t ideal for towing.
Preparing your Airboat for Shipping
Before your airboat transport begins, it’s important to properly prepare your airboat for shipment. Proper preparation will help you avoid delays, extra fees, and any potential damage. Airboat transport services like oversize load hauling, and heavy equipment transportation follow strict requirements to ensure safe and compliant delivery.
- Document the airboat’s Condition: Before shipping an airboat, make sure to take detailed photos of its condition to help you keep a record of any existing issues.
- Secure or Remove Loose Items: Removing loose items such as the anchor and gear, keeps the equipment from moving around during airboat transportation. If they can’t be removed then securely tighten them for safety.
- Lock Items: Locking all doors, hatches and windows will protect your airboat from water damage and theft.
- Disconnect Batteries: Take out the airboat’s batteries or at least disconnect them to avoid any damage during transportation.
- Drain Tanks: Empty fuel, water, and waste tanks to make the airboat lighter and to follow transport rules.
Boat Shipping Services For All Types of Boats
Popular Services
- Boat Transport
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Get an Airboat Moving Quote Today!
Get an Airboat Transport Quote Today! and get it handled the right way from the start. Heavy Equipment Shipper offers experienced boat hauling services for this route, with safe drivers transporting all boat types and oversized loads without cutting corners. From smaller vessels to wide-beam boats, our experts ensure all permits are handled before the vessel moves, so nothing slows your shipment down once it’s on the road. Whether you’re moving along the coast or across state lines, you’ll know your boat is in steady hands the entire trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Airboats
How long does airboat transport take?
Airboat transport can take a few days to two weeks, the exact timing really depends on a few factors: how far your airboat is going, the route we need to take, any permits required, and the loading or unloading process. Once we know the details, we’ll give you a clear estimate with your quote.
How much do airboat haulers charge per mile?
Airboat transport isn’t one-size-fits-all, but boat movers charge around $2.50 to $7 per mile. The cost includes delivery time, the cost depends on your boat’s size, weight, and dimensions, plus any permits or escort vehicles that might be needed.
Can you move an airboat from one lake to another?
Absolutely! Moving an airboat between lakes is something we do all the time, we handle everything from trailer transport to permits and making sure the launch and landing go smoothly.
What are the best airboat transport companies near me?
The best airboat transport companies are licensed, insured, and experienced with oversized or specialized boats. Other boat transport service providers like We Will Transport It and Heavy Equipment Shipper handle route planning, permits, and proper trailer or flatbed transport, making the process safer and smoother. Checking reviews and asking for references can also help you find a reliable company in your area.
How long is my airboat transport shipping quote valid?
Airboat transport quotes can be valid for about 30–60 days, depending on the company. Factors like fuel costs, permits, or seasonal demand can affect pricing, so it’s important to confirm the quote before scheduling your transport.