buying a boat from east coast and need to ship it across to the west coast, anyone have any insight on getting it insured for transport. don t want no problems if something happens to it along the way. as they say, crap hapens.

Deal with a real boat hauler and his policy should cover the trip.

Sy, what is it we want to see from a hauler to confirm that coverage is in place sufficient to cover my boat in the event there's accident/damage in transit. Should they be able to provide a dec page or something?

Floaters insurance.

You need to request a copy of their cargo insurance.

Make sure it exeeds the total cost of your load and any other load they may be carrying.
I say that because if they are loading it on a trailer, they may take on additional cargo. Especially on a cross country haul.

It is not cheap, 3-5k+ per year so if they are not a registered hauler, they probably will not have it.

I have done a little uship towing but know my azz is potentially hanging out if things got ugly.
Only transport low $$ stuff but still.......

Make sure the seller has the load fully ready to go. Interior seats taped down or removed (or shrink wraped). Bow and stern ratchet tied down.
Lights, brakes, wheel bearings, tires etc if it is going to be towed.
Last thing the hauler wants to do is mess with preping a trailer or stopping along the way due to a burned up wheel bearing or rotted tire blowout.
The shipping agreement will probably stipulate costs and delays will be added to shipping costs (or not release the load until bills are settled)

Boat is winterized and shrink wrapped. its on a brand new trailer that is a week old.

You need a "CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE" normally written on a ACORD form showing that the hauler has cargo or freight insurance equal to or more than the value of your boat.