We have all dreamed of setting sail; new waters, fresh adventures. But before your boat gets anywhere near the ocean, there is one not-so-glamorous detail to deal with: shipping it there. Be it a sleek speedboat or a floating home, boat transport comes with questions and costs most of us never think about; until we have to. How much does it really cost? What if it is a houseboat? Who can you trust to haul it safely? In this post, we unpack everything you need to know; from measuring your boat to choosing the best boat transportation companies, understanding insurance, and preparing like an expert.
While it is crucial to know how much will your boat transport cost, it is imperative to measure your boat in a precise and standard way. Accurate measurements guarantee that you get the right quote, avoid delays, and meet transport regulations to move your boat across town. Here is how to do it:
Starting with length, measure from the tip of the bow to the furthest point at the back, like an engine or swim platform. Then getting the Width or Beam, you need to measure the widest part of the boat, usually near the center.
Now measure Height from the bottom of the keel to the highest fixed point; often the top of the cabin or radar. Lastly, to measure weight, check your manual or manufacturer’s website for the dry weight. Add the trailer weight if applicable.
The Cost to Transport a Boat depends on a few simple but important factors. Most companies charge per mile, which means long trips cost more. A small boat going 100 miles might cost around $300 to $500. If you are moving it across the country, expect $1500 or even more.
The size of your boat plays a huge role in final pricing. Larger boats need special trailers, permits, and sometimes escort vehicles too. This adds extra costs and planning time to your transport process.
Pickup and delivery locations also matter; remote areas may cost more.
Timing is another thing; last-minute requests usually mean higher prices. Extra services like wrapping or lift-on or lift-off will increase your total cost. To get an exact price, contact a trusted boat moving company to provide your boat’s size, type, and pickup and drop-off details.
Shipping a houseboat can usually cost more than your normal boat transport. That is because houseboats are bigger, heavier, and often taller than other boats. It all depends on the size and distance, costs can start from around $2000. If it is going to a remote destination, the price might reach $5000 or more.
The transport route matters; narrow roads and bridges may cause detours and fees. You will also need special permits for wide or tall houseboats during transit. Therefore, only a few car transport companies move houseboats safely. Make sure the company has experience with oversize loads and houseboat handling. They will help with permits, loading, and even recommend best travel times. When you ship in off seasons, it may help decrease the price a bit. Ask for a detailed quote and breakdown of all possible charges.
Choosing the right boat hauling service makes a big difference in your experience. Start by checking if the company is licensed and has proper transport permits. Always read reviews to see how they treat boats, and also ask your friends and family. Make sure they have moved boats like yours; size and type both matter here. Ask them what equipment they use for loading, securing, and unloading boats.
A good company will explain the process and guide you step by step. You can also use a Car Shipping Cost Calculator to get price ideas. Compare at least three quotes before deciding which service to choose but always enter the same query on every tool. Ask if they handle permits or if you must do that yourself. Clear communication is a big sign of a reliable and helpful team. Good companies will also help you prepare your boat before pickup.
When planning boat transport, many factors can affect time and cost. First, consider the size and weight of your boat. Bigger boats need special trailers, which often cost more to hire. Next, think about the route; steep roads or tight turns cause problems. Transporting through cities or mountains can also require detours or permits.
Distance matters as longer trips will always cost you more money. The season can impact pricing as summer is busier and usually more expensive. Fuel prices also play a big part in the overall quote. Pickup and delivery points matter due to remote areas that might add extra fees.
Make sure your boat is clean and empty to avoid transport damage. It is smart to check if they carry cargo insurance and what is covered. Reliable boat transport companies will walk you through everything ahead of time.
When considering boat transport across state lines, Boat Transport Insurance is something you cannot ignore. It is easy to assume the transporter covers everything, but that is not always the case. Before booking with them, ask what type of coverage they actually provide. Some carriers only offer limited protection or base coverage during transport. To stay safe, you should contact your own insurance company as well. They can tell you if your boat is already covered during the move. If not, you may want to add a temporary policy just in case. This helps protect your boat from damage, theft, or accidents on the road.
You must ask about deductibles and what exactly the policy has. Also, check if any items inside the boat are covered or excluded. Sometimes, high-value gear like GPS or electronics need separate protection. Keep a copy of all documents in case you need to make a claim. A reliable boat transporting service should walk you through the insurance process clearly.
Getting your boat ready for transport is just as important as picking a hauler. First, remove any loose or personal items from inside the boat’s cabin. Next, drain the fuel tank to reduce fire risks or leaks in transit. Also, disconnect the battery and secure all hatches, doors, and covers tightly. If your boat has a mast or tower, check if it needs to be lowered. Make sure everything that sticks out can be folded or removed if necessary.
You should clean the boat’s exterior to check for any current scratches or dents. Take clear photos of your boat before the move for insurance purposes. Then, label and store any small parts or accessories that were removed. It is also good to inspect the trailer if you are using one for the trip. Your boat shipping service should give you a checklist to follow step by step. When planning to ship car to another state too, prep it the same way.
When it comes to hiring the best boat transport, you need a company that is reliable, experienced, and easy to work with. That is exactly what you get with Bold Auto Transport. We are not just about cars; our team is trained and equipped to move all types of boats safely and efficiently. from having a fishing boat, speedboat, to something much larger, we treat every job with care.
At Bold Auto Transport, we know how important your boat is to you. So, we offer detailed guidance from start to finish. We will help you measure your boat, choose the right trailer, and make sure every step is easy to follow. Our team keeps you updated throughout the journey, so you always know where your boat is.
Getting started is simple. Just request boat shipping quotes on our website and get a clear breakdown with no hidden fees. We believe great service should also be affordable.
Typical boat transport costs range from $1 to $1.50 per mile, with peak rates reaching up to $3.67 per mile, while depending on boat size, distance, and seasonal demand.
Using an open trailer via a standard boat transport hauler during off-peak seasons offers the most savings. Be sure to request multiple boat shipping rates to compare and secure the best price.
To calculate houseboat boat transport costs: multiply mileage by per-mile rates which is often $1.25 to $15, then add oversize permits, pilot cars, and any specialized handling.
Most boat transport companies provide basic liability coverage, but additional insurance may be necessary for full protection against damage, theft, or accidents during transit.
Before boat transport, drain fluids, remove loose items, secure hatches, lower masts, and document boat condition with photos. This guarantees safety and simplifies claim processes if damage occurs.
Size, weight, distance, season, transport method, permits for oversize loads, pilot vehicles, and route complexity all significantly affect boat transport pricing.
Look for licensed boat transport companies with positive reviews, transparent quotes, proper permits, good communication, insurance coverage, and experience with your boat type and route.
