Boat Transport
At Leigh Marina we can help on most aspects of boat transport, both loading and unloading. We have excellent access to the Thames Estuary and an experienced team that can operate both Crane and Travel Hoist. We can also accommodate larger mobile Cranes should the maximum load exceed our lifting capacities on the Marina. Talk to us should you feel you need this service. Plus, check out our Boat Cranage page for load limits.
Different Types of Boat Transport
○ On a trailer, towed using a 4×4 or comparable
○ Self-loading rigid Lorries. e.g. A Flatbed Lorry with an attached Crane
○ Fully Articulated Lorry
UK Boat Transport Information
○ Loads up to 2.9m (9’6″) wide are classed as a normal load, in the UK
○ Loads over 2.9m (9’6″) wide are classified as wide-loads.
If your boat is wider than measurements above, then by law, you are required to notify the Police force in each county through which the route will pass. Normally, the Police require two clear working days notice, as well as the exact dimensions of the vehicle and load, the collection and delivery addresses, the date(s) of the move, and the route. It’s very possible that the Police may delay the movement times in the interest of road safety, or if the load has the potential to hold up other road users. Providing accurate information to the Police not only safeguards that there are no road access issues during transit, but it also helps with getting the correct Insurance cover in place for the journey.
Sometimes, you may require an escort vehicle for the load if the police deem it necessary, and a boats over 3.5m wide requires an assistant to travel with the load, either in the cab or in an escort vehicle.
Height limits in the UK will vary depending on the route you take. There is no legal limit, but the maximum overall ‘Safe’ height is 16’6″ (5M). Most motorway bridges are at least this height. The overall height is usually measured once the boat is loaded onto the trailer. It is advisable to remove or lower any items that can reduce the height of the boat, this will ensure that the travelling height is as low as can be, this also makes routes easier to plan, whilst keeping the travelling distance as low as possible.