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Pontoon Boat
Transport & Shipping
Moving a pontoon? We handle pontoon boat transport end-to-end: marina pickup, safe pontoon boat shipping, and on-time pontoon boat delivery. Our experienced pontoon boat movers/haulers choose the right setup bunk or center-lift trailer, or a flatbed/RGN when needed, manage routing, permits, and insurance, and give a straight shipping cost up front.
Nationwide and International Pontoon Boat Hauling Services
Do you need a pontoon moved or relocated? We Will Transport It will get it done for you effortlessly! Pontoons make for a great time out on the water, making them the boat you will want to take with you wherever you go. When moving your pontoon, it is essential to work with a competent transport company that has years of experience in this field. We are the leaders in pontoon transport! We have been moving vessels of all sizes for over a decade. We are skilled in the transport procedures of vessels of all sizes. There is no distance too great or small for our team. Let us get your pontoon where it needs to go in no time!
Call (877) 330-0051 or complete our online quote form to receive pricing and a pickup window.
Cost: How much to ship a pontoon boat?
Rates shift with season, diesel, and lane demand, but these ballparks will help:
- Local 100–300 miles: Often $2.50–$4.00 per mile when the boat rides on its own trailer and loads fast.
- Long-distance 800–1,500 miles: Commonly $2.00–$3.00 per mile.
- Oversize/wide-load: Add $0.50–$1.50 per mile for permits, routing, and pilot cars if required.
- Tritoon shipping cost: Typically 10–20% more than a similar twin-tube due to its length/weight.
What drives the pontoon boat shipping cost: distance, pickup/delivery access, trailer type (open flatbed vs. your own trailer), overall dimensions, and schedule. If you want the cheapest way to transport a pontoon boat, flexible dates and easy sites (wide gates, good ramps, no sand) keep labor down. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive pontoon transport quote upfront, detailing the lane, miles, permits, and any applicable surcharges, so you’re not left guessing at pontoon boat delivery rates or trying to run a “moving cost calculator” that doesn’t account for your marina’s specific hours.
How We Plan Your Shipment
First, we confirm the length, beam, and overall height on the trailer. Next, we lock the route and permits. Then we assign the right equipment and a driver with real pontoon experience. Because we plan early, you avoid last-minute surprises and detours. You get live updates from pickup to delivery. If the weather changes, we adjust the timing and keep you informed. The goal is simple: move fast, stay safe, and deliver on schedule.
Shipping Container Pontoon Boat
Some customers ask about a shipping container pontoon boat. Most standard pontoons won’t fit inside a container as one piece, but modular or kit pontoons sometimes will. For those projects, we crate the parts, load them into a 20- or 40-foot container, and book ocean freight. For fully built boats, we truck them to port and load them for Ro-Ro or flat-rack service. Either way, we can manage the paperwork and the handoff so you don’t have to.
Pontoon Size Ranges
Length:
- Small pontoons: 6-18 ft.
- Medium pontoons: 18-25 ft.
- Large pontoons: 25-40 ft.
Beam (width):
- Narrow beam: 6-8 ft.
- Standard beam: 8-10 ft.
- Wide beam: 10+ ft.
Please note that in most states, any load that is 8.5 feet or wider will be considered oversized. Oversized loads will require special permits and paperwork. These requirements will vary from state to state. If your pontoon is oversized, our agents will handle all the necessary protocols for each specific location.
What we will need to know in order to transport a pontoon:
When placing your reservation, our team of experts will have a series of inquiries to help us move your pontoon efficiently. These inquiries will help us gather the necessary details to safely and properly transport your pontoon. The information we will need from you is listed below:
- The boat’s dimensions: The pontoon’s length, beam (width), and weight will establish the cost to ship the pontoon. It will also let us know of the most ideal and cost effective way to ship the pontoon.
- The pickup and drop-off addresses: The distance in miles that the pontoon will be transported will also help us determine the overall price of hauling a pontoon.
- When you will need the center console moved: The dates in which you require the pontoon to be moved are important for us to get your boat moved quickly. We advise that you book the transport weeks to even months ahead of time in order to ensure that your transport happens efficiently.
Cross-Country and Local Moves
We cover short hops and long hauls. Local moves are fast to schedule and often go the same week. Shipping pontoon boat loads across the country takes more planning but follows the same steps: measure, match the trailer, secure permits, and go. Need a weekend pickup or an early morning marina slot? We set the window with the yard ahead of time to keep your day moving.
Overseas: How to Ship a Pontoon Boat Overseas
If you need to know how to ship a pontoon boat overseas, we handle both legs. We truck the boat to the port with the right trailer and then book Ro-Ro or flat-rack ocean service. For modular boats, we can containerize. We prepare export documents, coordinate with the terminal, and share the vessel’s ETD and ETA so you can plan accordingly on the other side. Ocean schedules can shift; we track the ship and update you if the line makes changes.
Types of Trailers Used for Pontoon Boat Shipping
- Bunk-style pontoon trailer (float-on): Best for standard 20–26 ft pontoons. Stable at highway speed and quick to load.
- Scissor / center-lift trailer: Handy when the ramp is shallow or the bunk rails don’t fit your toons.
- Gooseneck hotshot flatbed (deck-over with beavertail ramps): For pontoon boat trailer transport when you don’t have a trailer or you’re moving multiple items.
- Step-deck / drop-deck: Adds deck height clearance for higher fences, arches, or hardtops.
- Lowboy / RGN (removable gooseneck): Used for oversize pontoon transport, very long or tall boats, and tricky load angles.
- Triple-axle pontoon/ tritoon trailers: For bigger rigs and long distances.
- Cradles, blocks, and straps: Custom support when the boat rides on a flatbed rather than its own trailer
Selecting the right trailer is half the job. It keeps the boat stable, the driver within legal height, and the schedule on time.
Pulling a pontoon boat
Plenty of owners ask about pulling a pontoon boat with their pickup. If your trailer is road-ready and the route is short, towing yourself can work. Check axle bearings, lights, tires (including the spare), tie-downs, and brakes. Match your hitch height and verify tongue weight so the trailer tracks straight.
For long routes, mountain passes, or wide-body models, hiring pontoon boat haulers is usually safer and cheaper than a DIY trip that burns days, tires, and fuel. Our drivers bring commercial tie-downs, sign/flag kits, and experience reading wind, bridge decks, and cross-traffic things most weekend towers don’t want to learn the hard way.
Shipping Container Pontoon Boat
Some customers ask about a shipping container pontoon boat. Most standard pontoons won’t fit inside a container as one piece, but modular or kit pontoons sometimes will. For those projects, we crate the parts, load them into a 20- or 40-foot container, and book ocean freight. For fully built boats, we truck them to port and load them for Ro-Ro or flat-rack service. Either way, we can manage the paperwork and the handoff so you don’t have to.
Loading and Unloading a Pontoon Boat
- Lift or roll-on methods – Marinas often use a forklift or travel lift. With a Landoll, we can roll the pontoon aboard with minimal equipment.
- Securing the hulls – We use wide straps, soft padding, and chocks at contact points. Each tie-down is rated for the boat’s weight.
- Route check and fuel stop plan – After loading, the driver confirms permits, rechecks the tie-downs after the first few miles, and follows the planned route.
- Clean handoff at delivery – We place the pontoon exactly where you need it: in the driveway staging area, storage yard, or marina launch line.
This sequence protects your boat from start to finish and keeps the timeline honest.
Why Boat Owners Choose Us
We don’t pad the schedule or bury fees. We match your boat with the right trailer, assign a vetted driver, and proceed according to the agreed-upon timeline. Our team knows marinas, yards, and port rules. We answer the phone, send updates, and ensure the boat arrives in the same condition it left. That’s why customers call back the next time they need to ship pontoon boat models, parts, or accessories.
Get a Pontoon Boat Shipping Quote
Ready to move your boat? Whether you’re comparing pontoon boat shipping charges, looking at pontoon boat shipping costs, or planning an international move, we’ll lay out your options and the exact price. We handle Pontoon Boat Shipping every day, including local, cross-country, and overseas shipments.
Call (877) 330-0051 or complete our online quote form now. Tell us where the boat sits, where it’s going, and its size. We’ll respond with a firm pickup window, the trailer we’ll use, and a clear, all-in price.
How do I transport a pontoon boat?
You won’t need to worry about transporting your pontoon boat when you follow these simple directions. These boats are larger than most other types of boats, so you need to know how to load and tow them properly. Getting the right trailer size is the first step. Loading your pontoon boat onto the trailer is relatively straightforward once you have the right size trailer. To begin, line up the boat with the trailer so that the boat’s bow lines up with the trailer’s winch. Slowly back the boat onto the trailer until the boat’s stern rests on the roller at the front. To prevent the boat from moving during transport, use straps or ropes to secure it to the trailer.
How do you move a pontoon without a trailer?
The pontoon boat is unique in that it does not require a trailer for transportation. After the marina hoists your pontoon boat onto the dolly, you can move it around and keep it in place. Additionally, pontoon boats can be moved into storage by dolly, such as in dry storage from a marina. You can use this method if you don’t have a trailer or if you are concerned about damaging your pontoon boat. Due to their shallow draft, pontoon boats are easier to transport than other types of boats. Ask the marina staff for help loading and unloading your pontoon boat if you plan to move it without a trailer.
How do you haul a pontoon boat?
It can be difficult to haul pontoon boats because they are large and heavy. Make sure your pontoon is securely strapped to the trailer. A pontoon boat’s weight should also be checked and insurance must be adequate and valid. Since pontoon boat shipping can be dangerous if you’re doing it on your own, practice driving in a safe area before you tow over a long distance. Keep the towing speed limit in mind as well. Take regular breaks when traveling long distances. Keep in mind that you need to be able to stop safely!
How much does it cost to transport a 40-foot boat?
As an example, a 40-foot pontoon boat can cost between $600 and $1,000 for a long haul, and $150 to $350 for a short haul. In addition to the type of trailer used and the number of stops made, the final cost will also vary. When hauling a pontoon boat, you should do your research before deciding.
Can you ship a boat in a container?
Many people wonder if recreational boats can be shipped in containers. Yes, if the boat does not exceed certain dimensions that makes it difficult to fit properly in a container.
