Short answer: Harbor Marine helps owners around Lake Lanier get boats to our Buford shop when a repair needs it, from slips, docks, lifts or storage. Call (770) 967-8495 to plan a move.
When transport makes sense
Plenty of work can happen at your dock, but some jobs need the boat at the shop: drive rebuilds, below-waterline repairs, larger fiberglass work and anything that needs a dry place to cure. If you do not have a trailer, a tow vehicle or the time to haul the boat yourself, transport closes that gap.
How it works
- Tell us where the boat is. Marina and slip, private dock, lift or storage lot.
- Tell us what it needs. We confirm that the repair needs the shop before anything moves.
- We plan the move. Timing is set around the work, the boat and the weather.
- Repair and return. When the work is done, we plan how the boat gets back.
What to have ready
- The boat's length, make and model.
- Whether it is on a trailer, a lift or in the water.
- Access details for the marina, dock or storage lot.
- Anything loose aboard stowed or taken off.
Repairs that usually need the shop
Sterndrive and outdrive rebuilds, covered on our sterndrive repair page, almost always happen in the shop. So do structural fiberglass repairs and bigger engine repairs. If you are not sure, start with mobile service. We can look at the boat where it sits and tell you whether it needs to move.
Preparing the boat for a move
A few simple steps make a move safer for the boat. Stow or remove loose gear, cushions and anything that could blow out on the road. Secure hatches and the windshield. Lower or remove tall accessories if the boat has them. If the boat is in the water, close the seacocks you would normally close for trailering. We will go over anything specific to your boat when we plan the move.
Combining work while the boat is in the shop
Once a boat makes the trip to the shop, it often makes sense to handle more than one job. Many owners have the drive inspected while it is here, or book a detail or winterization at the same time. That gets more done with one move and keeps the boat out of the water for less total time across the year.
What happens when the boat arrives
When a boat reaches our shop at 6516 Lanier Islands Parkway, we look it over and confirm the repair plan with you before work starts. If we find something else worth your attention, like a cracked bellows or a worn bunk mark, we tell you and let you decide. When the work is done, we let you know, and we plan the return trip, or you can pick it up yourself.
What affects a move
Pricing is set when you call for a quote. These are the things that change the size of the job:
- The size and weight of the boat.
- Where it is, and whether it is in the water.
- Access at the marina, dock or lot.
- Whether a return trip is needed.
One plan from pickup to return
We work out the whole trip before the boat moves, so you know how it gets to the shop and how it gets home.
Transport around the lake
Our shop is at 6516 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford. We help move boats from marinas and docks on Lake Lanier and from Buford, Flowery Branch, Sugar Hill, Gainesville and Cumming.
We also move boats from storage in Suwanee, Alpharetta, Dahlonega and Atlanta. Contact us to plan a move.