The thing to remember is cheap is not always good  for boat relocation. You need a  safe carrier with the proper insurance safety record etc.   Do not hire a carrier who cuts corners by dropping cargo insurance.

Quotes are based on the origin, destination, desired transport dates, and measurements of your boat, make and model. Communicate this information to allow the  carrier to provide an accurate price for shipping your boat.

After you’ve received your boat transport quote, ask the shipping company how  they have configured the quote. The quotes you receive should be all-inclusive (cost of permit fees, tolls, and gas)  Take time to shop around for good quotes, but don’t take cuts in quality just to get a lower price.

The exact dimensions of a boat are needed when requesting a quote to transport your boat. When looking to get the best
possible price, follow these guidelines to measure your boat.

Overall Length: Include bow pulpits, swim platforms, outboard motor brackets, outboard motors themselves (the length of the motors or out drives in the raised position). If on a trailer, include from the tip of the tongue to the end of the motor.

Overall Height:  The maximum height of many overpasses is 13 feet 6 inches. Many oversized yachts require special low riding trailers called low boys. Boats with an overall height greater than 13.6’ loaded on the trailer require special handling and
routing. It is critical to measure from the bottom of the keel to the highest non-removable part of the boat.

Overall Beam (Width): The beam of your boat is the measured as the widest point of the boat including anything attached to the boat.  Boats wider than 8 feet 6 inches  are regarded as oversize permitted loads and require state permits.

Proper preparation is the key a  safe delivery  to its destination. For example, if a boat is being moved at 65 MPH into a 14 MPH  head wind, it is experiencing the equivalent of  hurricane force wind conditions!

How To Prepare Your Vessel For Safe Transport

Since this is the most important part of transporting your vessel safely, we recommend you follow our guidelines by having a responsible boat yard do the preparation, or overseeing the preparation is done properly yourself. If damage occurs due to loading or improper preparation by the shipper, in most cases, the transporter is not responsible.

Secure all loose gear in proper storage, as most transport companies will not accept responsibility for improperly stored gear. 
Personal items and equipment must be removed.  Items which remain topside or locked up during transport are also not covered by transport companies.

Suggestion - A coat of linseed oil will prevent your wooden boat from drying out. This preparation may cause a bit more accumulation of dirt from the highway. 

Batteries -  Disconnect batteries and secure the cables away from battery to prevent any contact.

Keys -  Make sure all cabinets and the cabin is locked and “you”keep the key.   

Tanks -  tanks must be empty for transport, including water and fuel, and remove the hull’s drain plugs. The bilge needs to be water free during transport, and during winter months, all fluids should be drained from water systems, air conditioners, pumps, etc.
 
Canvas Covers / Shrink Wrap - Remove any boat covers . During transport, canvas covers must be removed as this will prevent them from tearing or flying away. The transporter will not be responsible for damages, if these covers are not removed. Tops and side curtains should be removed prior to transport to prevent water damage to vinyl or canvas covers. 

Transom - Most companies will not be responsible for any damage to or caused by faulty hydraulic systems and/or improperly secured outboard or inboard/outboard motors and props. 

Cradles / Trailers - A boat mover will not accept responsibility for damages if your cradle breaks during transport. If you own the cradle, you are advised to carefully inspect it. Check for loose bolts and weaknesses that could cause it to breakdown. If you ship your boat on a trailer you own, the transporter will not accept responsibility for roller or frame damage, trailer break apart or anything else that occurs with your personally owned trailer that may cause damage to your vessel.

Dinghies - Please remove your dinghies from their davits, and if you  decided to leave them aboard during transport, ensure that they are well  protected and padded. If the superstructure has to be removed, ensure that it is protected and padded as well. 

External Accessories -  The transporter will not be responsible for damage to the  following, which must be removed, packaged securely, and then stored securely below deck. Anchor lights, lights, propellers, flag masts, antennas, horns,  electronics and radar. Remove anchors from the deck. This applies to any accessories that are mounted in any way that
exposes them to damage or theft, equipment such as radios, antennas, depth finders, compasses and other electronic gear MUST be removed. 
 
Interior -  Cabinet doors, drawers and all lockers within the craft MUST be closed and secured.  All equipment such as radios, antennas, depth finders, compasses and other electronic gear MUST be removed.

Hatches - The transporter cannot be responsible if damage occurs to the boat due to hatches blowing off or water leakage during transit. Your boat will sit in a different position on the trailer than it does in the water. You will need to leak-proof, tape down, and secure, your hatches from the outside.

Windows / Windshields -  All cabin windows need to be latched tight and taped from the outside. Protruding flying bridge windshields and Plexiglas needs to be removed,  packaged in a cargo blanket, and stored below. The transporter will not be
responsible for damages if they are not removed and stored properly.

Radar Arch / Fly-Bridge -  If the boat has a radar arch or fly-bridge which causes it to load out higher than 10 Feet, 3 inches, it will need to be removed, padded and secured to the boat. Plastic and Plexiglas flying bridge windshields and windscreens should be removed and stored inside the craft.

Sailboat Masts - Standing rigging, turnbuckles, mastheads and bow lights,  antennas, spreaders, wind indicators, wires and mast winches should all be  removed from the mast (after it is unstepped and prior to transport).  Transporters are not liable for damage attributable to rubbing or chafing by equipment left on the mast during transport.