How boat transport actually works in the Lowcountry

Living in the Lowcountry means living with boats. Whether you've got a small skiff, a center console, or a cabin cruiser, getting it where it needs to go is part of boat ownership. Most of the time, you can pull your own boat. But there are plenty of times when you need a professional to move it for you.

When to call a professional hauler

You might need professional boat transport for a few reasons. Maybe you just bought a boat and it doesn't come with a trailer. Or your existing trailer is in bad shape. Maybe your truck isn't rated to tow the weight of your new boat. Some boats are just too big for a standard pickup and trailer.

We also help when you're buying or selling a boat and need it moved from one marina to another, or to a new owner's home. Moving a boat to or from storage for the season is another common reason. And of course, if your tow vehicle breaks down, you're stuck.

What information the hauler needs

When you call for boat transport, expect a few questions. They help us bring the right equipment and give you an accurate quote.

We'll need the boat's length, its beam (that's its width), and its estimated weight. You can usually find these in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. If you're not sure, a good guess is enough to begin with.

Is the boat currently on a trailer? If so, what condition is the trailer in? We'll ask about the tires, lights, and bearings. If you can send a few photos of the boat and trailer, that's even better.

Finally, where is the boat now, and where does it need to go? On land, in a yard, at a marina, or in the water? Those details decide how the move gets planned.

How the boat gets moved

The approach depends on whether the boat has a roadworthy trailer.

If your boat is on its own trailer and the trailer is in good shape, we hook up to it. The driver checks the tires, lights, and hitch connection before hitting the road. If the trailer isn't safe to tow, the whole boat and trailer can ride on the flatbed instead. Safety comes first.

If there's no trailer at all, we use the rollback. It's built to carry boats, with cradles and straps to secure the hull. Depending on the situation, the boat can be loaded at a ramp or winched up from blocks or stands on land.

Ramps and tides are half the job

Moving boats around here means dealing with our waterways. The ramps around Edisto, Kiawah, and Wadmalaw live and die by the tides. What's an easy launch at high tide can be a muddy, shallow mess at low. A good hauler knows the ramps, reads the tide charts, and sometimes schedules the move for a specific window to keep it smooth.

What affects the price

There's no flat menu for boat transport. The price comes down to the size and weight of the boat, the distance, and how complex the loading is. Launching a boat off a flatbed is a different job than pulling a good trailer down the road. Whoever you hire should give you a clear quote up front, before the work starts.

Check your trailer before the season

Before spring launch, take a hard look at your trailer. The salt air and sun here are tough on them. Check the tires for dry rot and proper inflation. Inspect the wheel bearings, since saltwater loves to get in there. Make sure the lights work, and the brakes too if your trailer has them. It's much better to find those problems in your driveway than on Highway 17.

If you need a boat moved this season, big or small, on a trailer or not, give Mitchell's Towing & Recovery a call at (843) 813-6335. We move boats all over Charleston and Colleton County, including the sea islands.