Personal watercraft and trailers look compact until accessories, cradles, and winterization are included. A short preparation checklist prevents loose covers, weak tires, and water-system damage.
Prepare the watercraft
Remove or secure covers, electronics, mirrors, loose safety gear, and accessories. Follow the appropriate fuel, battery, drain, and winterization instructions and document the condition of hull, pump, controls, and seats.
Inspect the trailer
Check tires, bearings, lights, brakes, winch, coupler, straps, bunks, and frame. A trailer that is not roadworthy may need to be loaded as cargo instead of towed.
Plan the destination
Confirm storage, launch or unloading equipment, driveway access, and weather protection. Keep keys and a written accessory list with the shipment.
Continue your research
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
Luxury Yacht Transport: Planning a High-Value Boat Move
Shipping Containers for Vehicles and Boats: When Containerized Transport Fits
Vehicle Mechanical Preparation Before Shipping: Fluids, Tires, Battery, and Alarms
How to Calculate Vehicle and Boat Dimensions for a Shipping Quote
Specialty Trailers for Heavy Equipment: Flatbeds, Lowboys, and More
The Different Types of Vehicle Carriers Used for Shipping
Leave a review for your broker
Shipped with one of the 4,900+ brokers we audit? Your review helps other people avoid bad actors — or find the good ones. Reviews are checked automatically before publication. One review per device or network per broker.