By Wave Outboard Riders Team • Updated March 2026 • 8 min read
The Moment Every Buyer Worries About
You just spent $7,000 on a used outboard. You’ve been saving for months. You’ve read every review. You’ve talked to Tom on the phone twice.
Then comes the wait.
Will it arrive damaged? Will the courier drop it off the truck? Will the skeg snap off in transit?
We get it. We’ve shipped over 2,800 outboards since we opened our doors in 2018. And in that time, we’ve learned exactly how to get an engine from our shop floor to your boat ramp — without a single scratch.
This is the behind-the-scenes look at how we do it. No secrets. No shortcuts. Just the process that’s gotten 2,800+ outboards to their new owners safely.
Image description to add here: A photo of a fully crated outboard on a pallet, ready for shipping, with a shipping label visible. Caption: “This is what an outboard looks like when it leaves our shop. Ready for the road.”
Why We Don’t Use FedEx, UPS, or USPS
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The First Decision That Protects Your Engine
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Most people assume you can ship an outboard like any other package. You can’t.
A 200-pound outboard is too heavy for standard package carriers. Even if they accept it, they sort packages with conveyor belts and drop chutes. Your engine would be thrown, tumbled, and stacked under heavier packages.
We don’t use FedEx. We don’t use UPS. We don’t use USPS.
Instead, we use LTL freight carriers — Less Than Truckload shipping. These are the same carriers that move industrial equipment, machinery, and palletized freight.
Here’s why:
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Palletized shipping — Your engine is strapped to a heavy-duty pallet, not thrown loose in a truck.
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Liftgate trucks — The driver has a hydraulic liftgate, so your engine is never dropped or manhandled.
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Inside delivery — The driver wheels the pallet into your garage or shop, not just curbside.
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Tracking and appointment — You get a delivery window and can track your engine in real time.
What carriers we use: We work with R+L Carriers, Estes, Old Dominion, and XPO Logistics. All are established LTL carriers with nationwide networks.
External link opportunity: Add: “For more information on LTL freight shipping standards, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration →” (Link to FMCSA website with rel="noopener nofollow".)
Image description to add here: A photo of a semi-truck with a liftgate, parked outside a shop, with a palletized outboard being loaded. Caption: “LTL freight carriers with liftgates — the only way to ship an outboard safely.”
Section 3: Our 7-Step Crating Process
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How We Go From Shop Floor to Shipping Dock
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Every outboard that leaves our shop goes through the same seven steps. No shortcuts. No exceptions.
Step 1: Full Shop Inspection (Already Done)
Before we even think about shipping, the engine has already passed our 73-point inspection. Compression test. Leak-down test. Lower unit oil analysis. Start-up on our test stand.
We don’t crate an engine we wouldn’t put on our own boat.
Step 2: Drain All Fluids (Safety First)
By law, outboards shipped via freight must have all fluids drained — oil, fuel, and lower unit gear oil.
We drain everything completely. Then we run the engine briefly on our test stand to burn off any residual fuel in the lines.
Why this matters: Leaking fluids during shipping can damage your engine, ruin the pallet, and create hazardous conditions for the carrier.
Step 3: Remove Vulnerable Components
We remove anything that could break in transit:
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Propeller — Packed separately in bubble wrap
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Cowling (engine cover) — Wrapped and packed in a separate box
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Lower unit skeg guard — Installed to protect the skeg from impact
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Control boxes and cables — If included, packed separately
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Fuel tank and hose — If included, packed separately
What stays on: The powerhead, midsection, and lower unit remain fully assembled.
Image description to add here: A photo showing a disassembled outboard on a workbench — cowling off, propeller removed, skeg guard installed. Caption: “Everything that can break in transit gets packed separately.”
Step 4: Build the Pallet Cradle
This is where most online sellers cut corners. They put an outboard on a standard pallet, wrap it in shrink wrap, and call it done.
We don’t.
We build a custom wooden cradle for every outboard. The cradle has:
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Vertical supports that hold the engine upright
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Padded contact points where the engine touches the wood
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Through-bolts that secure the engine to the pallet
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4-way forklift access so carriers can handle it safely
The cradle is built specifically for the engine’s shape and weight distribution. A V6 250 HP sits differently than a portable 15 HP. We build accordingly.
Image description to add here: A photo of a custom wooden cradle being built in the shop — vertical supports, padded contact points, through-bolts visible. Caption: “Every outboard gets a custom cradle. No exceptions.”
Step 5: Strap and Secure
Once the engine is in the cradle, we strap it down with heavy-duty ratchet straps. Not the cheap plastic ones. 2-inch wide, 5,000-pound rated straps.
We use four straps minimum:
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Two straps over the powerhead
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One strap around the midsection
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One strap securing the lower unit
Each strap is tightened to spec — tight enough that the engine doesn’t move, but not so tight that it damages the engine cowling or components.
Then we shake it. I’m serious. Two of our guys grab the engine and try to move it. If it shifts even a quarter inch, we add more straps.
Image description to add here: A close-up photo of ratchet straps securing an outboard to a pallet — showing the strap routing and tension. Caption: *”2-inch, 5,000-pound rated straps. Four of them minimum.”*
Step 6: Wrap and Protect
The cradle and engine get wrapped in three layers:
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Stretch wrap — Keeps dust and moisture off the engine
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Cardboard corner guards — Protects edges from impact
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Heavy-duty banding — Steel or heavy plastic bands around the entire assembly
The propeller, cowling, and other removed components go into separate boxes. Those boxes get strapped to the same pallet or shipped alongside.
Image description to add here: A photo of a fully wrapped outboard on a pallet — stretch wrap, corner guards, and banding visible. Caption: “Three layers of protection. Nothing moves until you unbolt it.”
Step 7: Label and Document
We attach three things to every shipment:
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Shipping label — With your address, our return address, and tracking number
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“This Side Up” arrows — So carriers know orientation
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“Fragile — Engine” placards — Not legally required, but we add them anyway
We also take photos of the crated engine from all four sides. Those photos go into your order file. If there’s ever a damage claim, we have proof of how it left our shop.
Image description to add here: A photo of a completed, labeled crate — shipping label visible, “This Side Up” arrows, and “Fragile” placards. Caption: “Labeled, documented, and ready for pickup.”
Section 4: How We Choose the Right Carrier
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Not All Freight Companies Are Created Equal
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We’ve tried a lot of carriers over the years. Some are great. Some are terrible. Here’s what we’ve learned.
What we look for:
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Liftgate service — Non-negotiable. If the carrier doesn’t have a liftgate, your engine gets dropped or pushed off the truck.
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Inside delivery — The driver wheels the pallet into your garage or shop. Not just curbside.
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Tracking — Real-time updates so you know when your engine will arrive.
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Claims process — If something goes wrong (rare, but it happens), we need a carrier that pays claims quickly.
Our preferred carriers:
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R+L Carriers — Best overall for outboard shipping. Reliable, good tracking, fair pricing.
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Estes — Excellent for residential deliveries. Great liftgate service.
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Old Dominion — Premium carrier. More expensive but rarely any issues.
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XPO Logistics — Good for commercial deliveries. Wide network.
What we avoid: Carriers that use “terminal drop” (you pick up at their depot) or don’t offer liftgate service.
Internal link opportunity: Add: “Wondering how much shipping costs? See our shipping policy →” (Link to your /shipping-policy page.)
Image description to add here: A photo of an R+L or Estes truck parked at the shop, with a palletized outboard being loaded. Caption: “We work with carriers we trust. R+L, Estes, Old Dominion, and XPO.”
Section 5: What Happens During Transit
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From Our Dock to Your Door
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Here’s the journey your outboard takes after it leaves our shop.
Day 1: Pickup
The freight carrier picks up the palletized engine from our shop in Sarasota, Florida. The driver signs for it. We give you the tracking number within an hour.
Days 2-5: Transit
Your engine moves through the carrier’s network. It might transfer between terminals. It might sit in a warehouse for a day. This is normal.
What you can do: Track your shipment using the number we provide. Most carriers send text updates.
Day 5-7: Arrival at Local Terminal
Your engine arrives at the carrier’s terminal in your city. They call you to schedule delivery.
Pro tip: When they call, confirm these three things:
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Liftgate service is included
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Inside delivery is included
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Your phone number is correct
Day 6-8: Delivery
The driver shows up during your delivery window. They use the liftgate to lower the pallet to the ground. They wheel it into your garage, shop, or boat storage area.
You sign the delivery receipt. Before you sign, inspect the crate for damage. If the pallet is broken or the straps are loose, note it on the receipt. Take photos.
Image description to add here: A photo of a delivery driver using a liftgate to lower a palletized outboard to ground level. Caption: “Liftgate delivery — your engine never gets dropped or pushed off the truck.”
Section 6: What to Do When Your Outboard Arrives
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Unboxing and Inspection Checklist
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Your engine has arrived. Here’s what to do next.
Step 1: Inspect Before Signing
Before you sign the delivery receipt, inspect the crate:
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Is the pallet intact? Any broken wood?
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Are the straps still tight?
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Is there any visible damage to the crate?
If you see damage: Note it on the delivery receipt. Write “Subject to inspection” or “Possible concealed damage.” Take photos. Then call us immediately at (555) 123-4567.
Step 2: Unbox Carefully
Remove the straps first. Then the stretch wrap. Then lift the engine off the cradle.
Warning: The engine is heavy. Use an engine hoist, a forklift, or have two strong people lift it. Do not try to lift a 250 HP outboard by yourself.
Step 3: Inspect the Engine
Check for:
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Scratches or dents on the cowling
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Bent propeller shaft (spin the prop by hand — it should turn smoothly)
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Cracked lower unit (look for oil leaks)
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Missing components (compare to your packing list)
Step 4: Install and Test
Bolt the engine to your boat. Connect the fuel, battery, and controls. Start it on muffs before you put it in the water.
If anything doesn’t work correctly, call us. We’ll troubleshoot over the phone or arrange service.
Step 5: Save the Pallet and Crate
The wooden cradle is great for winter storage or future transport. Break it down and save the lumber.
Internal link opportunity: Add: “Need help with installation? Schedule a service appointment →” (Link to your /service-request page.)
Image description to add here: A photo of a customer unboxing an outboard in their garage — engine on pallet, straps being cut, cowling removed for inspection. Caption: “Inspect before you sign. Take photos. Call us if anything looks wrong.”
Section 7: Our Damage Rate — The Honest Truth
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What Happens When Something Goes Wrong
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I’m going to be straight with you. Even with our best efforts, things occasionally go wrong.
Our damage rate: Less than 0.5% of shipments (that’s 1 in 200 outboards).
Most damage is minor — a scratched cowling, a bent skeg guard, a broken trim tab. Major damage (cracked lower unit, bent prop shaft) is extremely rare — about 1 in 1,000 shipments.
What we do when damage happens:
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You call us immediately — Take photos, note damage on delivery receipt.
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We file a claim with the carrier — We handle all the paperwork.
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We send replacement parts — If it’s a minor part, we ship it same-day.
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We arrange repair or replacement — If the engine is damaged beyond minor parts, we work with you to make it right.
Our promise: You will not be left holding a damaged engine. We’ve been doing this since 2018. Our reputation matters more than one shipment.
What we can’t control: Carriers sometimes lose shipments, damage them despite our crating, or deliver late. When that happens, we fight for you. We’ve successfully recovered claims on every damaged shipment we’ve ever filed.
Image description to add here: A photo of a damaged crate (for illustration) with a note about claims process. Caption: “Damage is rare — less than 0.5% of shipments. But when it happens, we handle the claim for you.”
Section 8: Shipping Costs and Timing
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What You’ll Pay and When You’ll Get It
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Cost:
We offer free shipping on all outboards over $99 to the lower 48 states. That’s most of our inventory.
For outboards under $99 (parts, small accessories), shipping is calculated at checkout based on weight and distance.
For Alaska and Hawaii: We ship to both, but additional fees apply. Call us for a quote.
Timing:
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Order processing: 1-2 business days (we inspect, crate, and document)
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In transit: 5-7 business days on average
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Total from order to delivery: 7-10 business days
Expedited shipping: Available for an additional fee. Call us to arrange.
What affects timing:
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Your location (West Coast takes longer than Southeast)
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Weather (hurricanes, snowstorms, floods)
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Carrier volume (holiday seasons)
Pro tip: Order at least two weeks before you need the engine. That gives us time to crate it and the carrier time to deliver.
Internal link opportunity: Add: “See our full shipping policy for details →” (Link to your /shipping-policy page.)
Image description to add here: A map of the continental United States showing approximate shipping times from Florida (5-7 days to most locations). Caption: *”Free shipping to the lower 48. Most orders arrive in 7-10 business days.”*
Section 9: Customer Stories — When Shipping Goes Right
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What Our Customers Say About Delivery
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Customer Story 1: Mike in Cape Coral, Florida
“The outboard arrived on a pallet, strapped down like it was going to survive a bomb blast. The driver wheeled it into my garage. I had it unboxed and on my boat in an hour. Tom sent me a video of the engine running before they shipped it. That’s confidence.”
— Mike R. (2019 Yamaha 90 HP)
Customer Story 2: Sarah in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
“I was terrified of shipping damage. The Wave team sent me photos of the crated engine before it left. The carrier called me to schedule delivery. The driver was professional and careful. The engine was perfect. I’ll never buy an outboard any other way.”
— Sarah T. (2018 Evinrude 115 HP)
Customer Story 3: Dave in Portland, Maine
“The tracking number worked. I watched my outboard move from Florida to Georgia to North Carolina to Virginia to New Jersey to New York to Connecticut to Massachusetts to Maine. It arrived on the day they said it would. Not a scratch.”
— Dave K. (2015 Mercury 150 HP)
Image description to add here: A photo of a customer’s outboard being unboxed in their garage or shop — happy customer optional. Caption: *”2,800+ outboards shipped. 99.5% arrive without a scratch.”*
Section 10: Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping
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What Buyers Ask Us Most Often
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Q: Do I need to be home for delivery?
A: Yes. Someone needs to be there to sign for the delivery. The carrier will call you to schedule a window.
Q: What if I’m not home?
A: The carrier will leave a notice and attempt delivery again. After three attempts, the engine may be returned to us (additional fees apply).
Q: Can you ship to a business instead of my home?
A: Yes. Commercial deliveries are often easier and sometimes faster. Just give us the business address.
Q: Do you ship to a freight terminal for pickup?
A: Yes, if you prefer. Some customers pick up at the carrier’s terminal to save money or time. Just let us know when you order.
Q: What about international shipping?
A: We ship to Canada and Mexico on a case-by-case basis. Call us for a quote. We do not ship overseas.
Q: How do I track my shipment?
A: We email you a tracking number within 24 hours of pickup. Most carriers offer text updates.
Q: What if my engine arrives damaged?
A: Call us immediately. Take photos. Note damage on the delivery receipt. We handle the claim and make it right.
Q: Can I return an outboard after it’s shipped?
A: Yes, within 30 days. But you pay return shipping. See our return policy for details.
Internal link opportunity: Add: “See our return policy for details →” (Link to your /return-policy page.)
Image description to add here: A photo of a customer signing a delivery receipt while the driver looks on. Caption: “Sign only after inspecting. Note any damage on the receipt.”
Section 11: Final Thoughts — From Our Shop to Your Boat
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*We’ve Shipped 2,800+ Outboards. You’re in Good Hands.*
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Shipping an outboard across the country isn’t simple. If it were, every online seller would do it right.
But we’ve learned. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve improved. Today, we have a system that works — custom cradles, heavy-duty straps, trusted carriers, and a team that actually cares whether your engine arrives safely.
When you buy from Wave Outboard Riders, you’re not just getting an engine. You’re getting a team that will answer your calls, track your shipment, and stand behind every outboard we sell.
We have outboards in stock right now. Every one is inspected, crated, and ready to ship.
Call us: (555) 123-4567
Email: info@waveoutboardriders.com
Or browse our inventory below →
Image description to add here: A wide shot of the Wave Outboard Riders shop floor — multiple outboards on stands, crating materials in the background, team members visible. Caption: “From our shop floor to your boat ramp. We’ve got you covered.”
Section 12: Related Content
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More From Wave Outboard Riders
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[How to Do a Compression Test (And What the Numbers Mean) →] (link to your compression test blog post)
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[Evinrude E-TEC Buyer’s Guide: What to Know in 2025 →] (link to your Evinrude guide)
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[2-Stroke vs 4-Stroke: Which Is Right for You? →] (link to that blog post)
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[Shaft Length Guide: Measure Your Transom Correctly →] (link to that guide)
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[Our 73-Point Inspection Checklist (PDF Download) →] (link to PDF)
About the Wave Outboard Riders Team
Wave Outboard Riders is a family-owned and operated outboard dealership in Sarasota, Florida. Since 2018, we’ve sold and shipped over 2,800 inspected outboard motors to boaters across the country. Our team includes master mechanic Tom Wilkins (47 years experience) and certified Evinrude technician Maria Sanchez (10+ years). Every outboard we sell passes through our shop before it ships.
Connect with us: Email | Phone