BOATS
WARNING! Boat shipment and storage expenses are partially reimbursed by the Government, and the member bears financial responsibility for any out-of-pocket expenses not paid by the Government.
1. Shipping Your Boat:
a. The typical member is not well informed on the movement of boats in Government shipments. The JTR authorizes movement of a boat, up to a cost not to exceed the amount to move your maximum authorized weight allowance. This sounds quite simple enough; however, most boats move under a One-Time-Only (OTO) rate at commercial rates.
b. Review the following information before arranging for shipment of your boat at Government expense.
(1) Consider a Personally Procured Move (PPM): If you are moving your boat within the CONUS or between the CONUS and Alaska, consider making a PPM (at least for the boat). You could receive an incentive of 95 percent of the Government Constructed Cost (GCC) to move the same property (up to the amount of weight remaining on your allowance), less actual expenses and applicable taxes. The incentive is based on actual weight moved, not to exceed your maximum weight allowance. This program allows you to move the boat at Government expense and possibly make money for doing it.
(2) Make your own arrangements: If you choose not to perform a PPM, consider making your own arrangements with a commercial boat hauler. You are authorized reimbursement, not to exceed the GCC to move your same weight of HHG. Contact your TO for guidance before making your own arrangements. In most cases, the member has either avoided or reduced excess cost by making personal arrangements. As with PPM moves, you must have weight remaining on your allowance to receive reimbursement. Boats may be shipped within CONUS or overseas (subject to host country restrictions). The definition of boats includes, but is not limited to, canoes, skiffs, sailboats, light rowboats, kayaks and dinghies, or sculls. You must ensure the boat and motor are securely fastened/strapped to the trailer.
2. Shipping Your Boat Trailer:
a. The trailer must have a valid license; however, if the origin state does not require a license; a transit permit at the member’s expense is necessary for the tow-away TSP to transport the boat trailer. Below are trailer safety standards to note prior to the shipment of the boat trailer.
(1) The trailer must have working lights, wiring, and brakes (if so equipped).
(2) The trailer must be equipped with good tires and hubs that have been checked for adequate lubrication and good bearings.
(3) The trailer frame must not be bent, twisted, or broken.
3. Member’s Responsibility:
a. Ensure the boat is prepared for shipment to avoid additional charges.
b. Pay all accessorial service charges, including special packing, crating and handling costs. This includes the difference between special boat rates and the Government cost to transport a like weight of HHG. Be aware these costs can be expensive.
c. Remove pilferable items, clothing, televisions, skis, and similar items. Lower or remove all antennas, masts, fishing/trolling poles, and outriggers.
d. Ensure the boat is ready for the TSP on the agreed upon pickup date. The TSP can charge you for attempted pickup cost.
4. Methods of Shipping Your Boat:
a. Domestic:
(1) All boats or personal watercraft (including but not limited to canoes, kayaks, dinghies, rowboats, jet skis, skiffs, and sculls) with or without an associated trailer equal to or less than the following dimensions will be shipped with HHG: Length = 14 feet (168 inches) Width = 6 feet 10 inches (82 inches) Height = 6 feet 5 inches (77 inches).
(2) Boats or personal watercraft with or without an associated trailer that exceed the above dimensions will be shipped via OTO process. Boats cannot exceed 13 feet high from the keel to the highest point on the bridge. Such moves are normally arranged by the TO.
(3) PPM includes hiring a commercial mover or sailing the boat yourself.
b. International:
(1) Any boat (e.g., personal watercraft, jet ski) and/or trailer that fits into a standard overseas container and small boats such as canoes, kayaks and rowboats may be shipped with your HHG.
(2) Boats, personal watercraft, etc. that do not fit into a standard overseas shipping container may be moved with the member’s HHG but require separate rates to be solicited under the OTO program.
(3) PPM includes hiring a commercial mover or sailing the boat yourself.
c. As a principal residence:
When your boat is your principal residence, you have two movement options:
(1) Within the CONUS and to or from Alaska, you may sail it yourself and receive the actual transportation cost subject to the limitations in JTR Paragraph 052403.B.4.
NOTE: Your travel and transportation allowances may be limited.
(2) Let the Government arrange to move your boat. In this case the Government will pay up to what it would cost to ship the like weight of HHG up to your maximum HHG weight allowance.
If you live on your boat and move it as a principal residence, you are not authorized a separate shipment of HHG. Movement of a boat as a principal residence is governed by the same rules and regulations as shipping a mobile home. The rule restricting shipment to any place outside the CONUS except Alaska is the same as that for a mobile home. Contact your local TO for additional information.