How to get a boat home after you win

We don't arrange transport: the buyer collects. Once your payment is confirmed (due within 48 hours of winning), we send the pickup address and a contact. Every listing shows the boat's city and state, so work out how you'll move it, and what that costs, before you bid.

If the boat comes with a trailer (the listing says), or you have a trailer that fits it:

• Towing capacity. Your vehicle's rating (in the owner's manual) must cover the boat, engine, trailer, fuel and gear together, with room to spare.
• Hitch. The ball size must match the trailer's coupler (1⅞, 2 or 2 5/16 inches are common), and the hitch must be rated for the load.
• Lights and chains. Working trailer lights, and safety chains crossed under the coupler.
• Brakes. Many states require trailer brakes above a certain weight.
• Tie-downs. Strap the stern to the trailer and secure the bow to the winch post.
• Tires and bearings. Check the tire pressure and sidewalls, and feel the wheel hubs at your first stop: hot hubs mean bad bearings.

Marine transport companies and online transport marketplaces move boats with or without a trailer. For an accurate quote, give the boat's length, beam (width), height on the trailer, and the pickup and delivery cities. Ask about insurance, and when they can pick up.

Boats wider than 8 feet 6 inches usually need an oversize permit on public roads, which a professional hauler handles.

• Photo ID and your paid invoice
• Ratchet straps, a spare tire for the trailer, and basic tools
• Lights or a magnetic light bar if the trailer's lights are doubtful
• Help: loading and securing a boat is a two-person job

Register the boat in your state (see boat titles and registration), get it checked over, and carry the safety gear your state requires.