Boat Lifting & Transport Services

Safe, reliable lifting and transportation for boats, marine assets, and specialist equipment

 

Get Your Boat Transport Quote

Whether you are moving a boat between marinas, transporting a project vessel for refurbishment, or relocating marine equipment,
A R Banks provides a reliable fleet of HIAB cranes, low loaders, and flatbeds to move boats safely across Hampshire, Southampton, and the UK, selecting the right vehicle for each job to ensure safe, controlled handling.

Our team works with private owners, marine engineers, boatyards, and brokers, delivering transport solutions that meet the demands of the marine sector. Every project is carefully planned by qualified operators who understand the precision required when working with high-value craft and specialised marine equipment. 

The Right Vehicle for Your Boat Transport

Choosing the right equipment is essential when transporting boats, as each vessel has unique dimensions, handling needs, and loading requirements. We select the most appropriate vehicle for your boat to ensure safe, secure, and compliant transport.

HIAB Lorries

For lifting boats from cradles, trailers, gardens, yards, or awkward-access locations. Ideal when the boat cannot be loaded by the client.

Low Loaders

Used for transporting heavy, tall, or wide boats safely on the road. Perfect for yacht movements, project boats, or long-distance haulage.

Flatbeds & Trombone Trailers

Suitable for smaller boats, dinghies, RIBs, and marine equipment that requires straightforward loading.

 

Get Your Boat Transport Quote

HIAB crane lifting a yellow container

Because Safe Boat Transport Requires Expertise

With years of experience and a strong reputation across the marine and transport sectors, AR Banks is known for reliability, precision, and safe handling. Our customers value our skilled operators, responsive service, and commitment to delivering every project correctly the first time. Whether your boat requires lifting, loading, or long-distance haulage, you can trust us to manage the entire process with care.

Zeb Elliott

“I used AR Banks to collect a 30 ft motor boat from the West Country and deliver it back to the Solent. The driver arrived on time, secured the boat carefully, and the whole process was smooth from start to finish. Highly recommend.”

Rob Hughes

“AR Banks moved my boat from my home to a boatyard. Their price was reasonable, their team was professional, and the driver was helpful and reassuring — especially since it was my first time using a transport service. ”

 

Nigel Ashfield

“From first contact to delivery the AR Banks team were brilliant. They responded quickly, communicated clearly, and when the crate for my statue wouldn’t work, they thought outside the box to get everything loaded and delivered the same day. It’s a people- focused company who care about doing things properly.”

Request a quote

Send your quote request or enquiry and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Speak To Our Team About Boat Transport

Telephone Number: 023 9200 5119 / 07891 984933

Email Address: operations@arbanks.co.uk

Client Testimonial

"Great service from start to finish.

I used AR Banks twice in two weeks to move a shepherd’s hut locally and then a swimming pool from Newcastle to Southampton. The drivers were very helpful, communicative and professional. Nothing was a problem for the AR Banks team from start to finish. I wouldn’t think about using anyone else – call them first.” "

Scott Beazley

Boats We Can Lift and Transport

Boats and marine assets come in many shapes and sizes, which is why every lift requires a careful understanding of weight, balance, access, and structural support points. Using our HIAB cranes, low loaders, and flatbeds, we safely handle everything from individual leisure boats to larger or awkward marine components. Whether your vessel is ashore, on a cradle, or stored on private land, we can lift, load and transport it securely.

We regularly move:
  • Sailing boats and motorboats

  • RIBs, tenders, and day boats

  • Project vessels and restoration craft

  • Boats on trailers, cradles, blocks, or stands

  • Engines, generators, and propulsion systems

  • Masts, rigging, and structural sections

  • Marine construction materials and pontoons

  • Specialist marine equipment for engineers and boatyards

When You Might Need Boat Transport

Customers contact us for a wide range of marine transport needs, including:

  • Moving boats between marinas, yards, and storage facilities

  • Transporting newly purchased boats to their new owners

  • Taking project boats to refurbishment or engineering workshops

  • Recovering boats from gardens, hardstanding areas, or private land

  • Transporting boats that do not have a suitable trailer

  • Haulage for boats of abnormal or varying sizes

If your boat falls outside standard dimensions, we can manage wide or tall movements through our Abnormal Load Haulage service.

 

Why Choose AR Banks

We prioritise safety, communication, and care throughout each project, ensuring your boat arrives exactly as expected.

  • Extensive experience in boat and marine transport

  • Fleet of HIAB cranes, low loaders, flatbeds, and specialist trailers

  • STGO and abnormal load capabilities

  • Movement orders and escorts arranged when required

  • Qualified and certified operators

  • Detailed planning and route assessments

  • Safe handling of high-value, delicate, or awkward loads

  • Responsive and professional service from start to finish

We are trusted by major marine brands, including Princess Motor Yacht Sales at Swanwick Marina, who rely on us to transport their vessels across the UK.

Specialist Storage Services for Boats & Marine Equipment

Alongside our lifting and transport services, AR Banks offers secure and flexible boat storage and marine equipment storage at our site in Fareham. Located close to both Southampton and Portsmouth docks, our facility provides over 3,000 sq ft of indoor and open storage, making it a practical solution for owners, boatyards, and marine engineers who need temporary space before or after transport.

Whether your vessel arrives on one of our low loaders or is lifted into position using our HIAB cranes, we can safely store sailing boats, motorboats, RIBs, and a wide range of specialist marine components. Our site is fully secure, easily accessible, and supported by extensive loading and unloading capabilities of up to 60 tonnes.

  • Short-term and long-term boat storage

  • Secure hardstanding for boats on cradles, trailers, blocks, or stands

  • Indoor storage for smaller craft and marine equipment

  • Storage for RIBs, tenders, project boats, and restoration vessels

  • Temporary storage during repairs, refurbishment, or sale

  • Storage for engines, generators, machinery, and structural components

  • Integrated “lift and store” service using our HIAB fleet

  • Cost-effective marine storage for businesses and private owners

Google reviews, 5 stars

"Professional and friendly family firm, smart tidy equipment. Always going the extra mile for customers with safety always at the forefront."

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Transport

For more practical advice before arranging a boat lift or move, you can read our blog covering expert tips for transporting and lifting power boats safely.

No. We can lift boats directly from cradles, blocks, stands, driveways, gardens, or storage areas using our HIAB cranes. If your boat does not have a road-legal trailer, we can load it onto one of our low loaders or flatbeds for transport.

No. We do not lift boats directly from the water. Your boat will need to be lifted onto dry land by a marina or boatyard first, after which we can collect it using our HIAB or transport vehicles.

We operate across Hampshire and Southampton and provide UK-wide boat transport services. We regularly move boats long-distance, including cross-country and coast-to-coast movements.

Our team can assess access, space, overhead obstacles, and ground conditions. In most cases we can advise from photos or videos, and we carry out site surveys for complex lifts.

Yes. We have low loaders and specialist trailers suitable for wide and tall boats. We can arrange movement orders and escort vehicles if required.

Yes. Our team is experienced in handling restricted access locations, narrow streets, and confined areas. We can plan lifts carefully to ensure minimal disruption and maximum safety.

We recommend securing all loose items, anything that may flap, disconnecting batteries, and ensuring any drainage bungs are closed. Our team can advise on specific preparation based on your vessel type.

Yes. Most boats can be quoted accurately using photos, approximate dimensions, weight, and access details. For more complex lifts, we may carry out a site visit.

Yes. We regularly collect boats from gardens, driveways, hardstanding areas, and private property. Our HIAB lorries are ideal for places where conventional trailers cannot reach.

Yes. We can lift and remove boats for disposal, working with marinas, private owners, and local authorities.

Yes. AR Banks carries full insurance for lifting and transporting boats and marine equipment. Documentation can be provided on request.

Lead times vary depending on the season, but we recommend contacting us as early as possible. We also accommodate urgent or short-notice bookings where availability allows.