What is a houseboat?
Before shipment begins, it’s good to know the type of boat you need to move. A houseboat is a type of boat that is designed to be used as a home. Since houseboats are meant to be lived on, the boat typically has features you’d find in a house, like bedrooms, a kitchen, and bathrooms, ranging from simple to very fancy. Unlike regular boats or yachts, which are mainly for recreation, houseboats are primarily intended for people to live in, although some can also be used for traveling on the water.
How to Move a Houseboat?
Moving a houseboat is more than placing the vessel on a trailer and driving it to its location. Like yacht transport services or other boat transport services, every houseboat hauling is planned around its size, weight, height and the restrictions of the route.
Steps in moving a houseboat:
- Loading- Our transport team will use special equipment, like a hydraulic lift, to safely load the houseboat 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 houseboat and place it either into the water or on land, depending on what’s needed.
How to prepare for shipping a houseboat
Before moving your houseboat, the most important step out of the entire process is to properly prepare your houseboat for shipment. Proper preparation will help you avoid delays, extra fees, and any potential damage to the inside and out of your houseboat. Houseboat hauling services like oversize load hauling, and heavy equipment transportation follow strict requirements to ensure safe and compliant delivery.
- Take off and safely store any items that could easily come loose during movement. This includes things like antennas, radar devices, outside electronic equipment, draining tanks, and fishing gear.
- We advise that you keep your fuel level around a quarter of a tank, this helps reduce the weight and get rid of excess fluid.
- Detach the houseboat’s battery.
- Before transporting a houseboat, taking photographs of the boat’s condition is important as it’s a detailed record of how the boat appears prior to pickup and upon arrival at its destination. A bill of lading will be generated both at the time of pickup and delivery, ensuring that the boat reaches its destination in the same condition as when it was dispatched. This documentation is crucial for tracking and accountability throughout the transportation process.
- The houseboat’s mast must be removed and secured prior to shipment. We can assign a company to assist you in this if needed.
- Clean and care for your boat and its outside surfaces before moving it. Doing this makes the transport process go more smoothly and allows you to easily spot any damage.
Popular States for Houseboat Transport Routes
Whichever states have the large lakes or marina communities usually have the largest demands the most houseboat transport services.
Common houseboat hauling routes include: Washington, Oregon, Florida, Texas, and California.
Because houseboats are large, require specialized handling, and are relocated seasonally, these moves are typically coordinated with experienced carriers who manage permits, logistics, and safe loading and are handled by professional houseboat transport companies.
Boat Shipping Services for All Types of Boats
Popular Services
- Boat Transport
- RV Transport
- Equipment Hauling
- Oversized Transport
- Container Transport
- Crane Transport
- Farm Equipment Shipping
- Forklift Transport
Request a Fishing Boat Shipping Quote
Send us the route, the boat’s dimensions, its approximate weight, and whether it is already on a trailer. If pickup is at a marina, storage yard, or dealer location, include that too. We will review the move, build the quote around the real job, and help you line up the right next step.
When you trust Heavy Equipment Shipper with a boat move, you get more than a quote. You get a team that reviews the details, builds the right plan, and helps move the shipment with less uncertainty and more control.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Houseboat Shipping
How do I choose a reliable heavy equipment shipping company?
- Research the company by checking customer reviews on trusted sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Google, or similar sites.
- Focus on reliability over price. While it’s tempting to pick the lowest quote, extremely cheap rates means potential corners being cut and can result in damage to your boat.
- Look for experience. Choose a company that has been in business for several years and understands the complexities of transporting heavy machinery.
How much do houseboat haulers charge per mile?
Every charge per mile is different based on the houseboat hauler but boat movers charge around $2.50 to $7 per mile. Houseboat haulers charge on factors based on delivery time, your boat’s size, weight, and dimensions, plus any permits or escort vehicles that might be needed.
Can you move a houseboat from one lake to another?
Yes, moving a houseboat 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 houseboat transport companies near me?
The best houseboat 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.
What trailer is used for houseboat hauling from Florida to California?
Most houseboats require specialized heavy-haul trailers for cross-country transport due to their size, weight, and height:
- Lowboy trailers: For tall or heavy houseboats because lowboys keep overall height under limits with custom cradles.
- Step-deck trailers: Provides lower deck for better clearance.
- Removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers: Used for very large/heavy models
- Hydraulic boat transporters : For non-trailered houseboats; self-load at marinas via hydraulic lift.
Houseboats often exceed standard limits , so expect oversized/overweight permits, escort vehicles, and route planning. Provide exact dimensions (length, beam, height from keel, weight) for the right trailer recommendation and accurate quote.