Short answer: Harbor Marine helps Gainesville owners move boats from the north end of Lake Lanier or a driveway to our Buford shop for repairs. Call or text (770) 967-8495 to plan a move.
From one end of the lake to the other
Gainesville sits at the north end of Lake Lanier, and our shop is at the south end in Buford. When a boat needs shop work, it has to make that trip. For a trailer boat with a capable tow vehicle, that is a drive down I-985. For a boat on a lift or in a slip, or a boat too big to tow comfortably, transport help makes it simpler.
How it works
- Call (770) 967-8495 with the boat's size and where it is.
- Tell us the repair it needs.
- We plan the haul-out, if needed, and the trip to the shop.
- The work is done at 6516 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford.
- We plan the return.
Hauling out on the north end
A boat kept in the water has to come out at a ramp or marina first. Lake level matters: in low-water years, some ramps on the upper arms get too shallow for bigger boats or end short of the water. We take the level into account and pick a haul-out point that works for your boat.
Trailer check
If the boat travels on its own trailer, look it over first. Check the tire date codes, since tires age even with good tread. Spin the wheels and listen for rough bearings. Test the lights and check the coupler, chains and winch strap. If a trailer has sat for a long time, tell us before the move.
Preparing the boat
- Remove loose gear and secure what stays.
- Fold or remove the bimini and lower antennas.
- Secure or remove the cover.
- Tell us about leaks, damage or anything that does not work.
- Tell us if the boat cannot run.
Make the trip count
Since the boat is making the trip anyway, think about what else it needs. A drive inspection, a gel coat touch-up or engine service can all be done in the same shop visit. Share your full list so we can plan time and parts.
Busy seasons
Spring and fall are the busiest times to move boats around the lake. If your schedule allows, plan moves for mid-summer or mid-winter, or call early in the busy seasons.
What affects transport
Pricing is set when you call for a quote. These are the things that change the size of the job:
- Boat size and weight.
- Where the boat is and where it is going.
- Haul-out needs and lake level.
- Trailer condition.
What to tell us when you call
Give us the boat's length, beam and rough weight, how it is kept (lift, dock, slip or trailer) and the address or marina. Tell us whether the trailer is road-ready and whether the boat runs. Let us know the work it needs and any date you are working toward. Photos of the boat, trailer and the problem help us plan before the move.
Insurance and paperwork
Check that your boat insurance covers the boat on the road and while it is at a shop, and have the registration ready. If you are not sure what your policy covers, ask your insurer before the move.
Back to the north end
When the work is done, we contact you to plan the return, whether the boat is going back to your lift, your dock, a ramp near home or your driveway.
If the boat is sinking or taking on water
A boat taking on water is an emergency. Get people off safely first, then call a tow or salvage service. Once it is stable, call us to plan the repair.
Related and nearby
Transport often goes with drive repair in Gainesville or gel coat repair in Gainesville.
Heading south toward our shop, we also offer transport in Flowery Branch and in Buford. Owners on the Forsyth shore can look at Cumming, and the lake-wide page covers transport on Lake Lanier. Everything we offer Hall County owners is on our Gainesville boat repair page. For how the work is done step by step, see the main service page, or get in touch.