Tips and Advice for Preparing to Ship a Boat

Boat transportation costs can range from a few hundred dollars for local moves to several thousand dollars for cross-country or international shipments. The total cost depends on the boat's size, weight, transport distance, shipping method, permits, and seasonal demand.

Whether you're shipping a fishing boat, pontoon boat, sailboat, speedboat, or houseboat, understanding these cost factors can help you compare quotes and avoid unexpected expenses.

This guide explains average boat shipping costs, cost per mile, transportation methods, and ways to save money.

Average Boat Shipping Costs

*Actual costs vary depending on boat dimensions, route, permits, and carrier.

Boat Transport Cost Per Mile

Many transport companies estimate pricing partly based on mileage. In general, short-distance moves cost more per mile than long-distance shipments. Oversized boats or routes requiring permits and escort vehicles typically increase the cost per mile.

*Rates vary depending on boat size, permits, and transport company.

Factors Affecting Cost

1. Boat length
2. Boat weight
3. Boat height
4. Beam (width)
5. Trailer availability
6. Pickup and delivery location
7. Seasonal demand
8. Fuel costs
9. Oversize permits
10. Escort vehicles (if required)
11. Insurance coverage

Relative Transportation Cost

Larger boats generally cost more to transport because they may require specialized trailers, permits, route planning, or escort vehicles.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Houseboat?

Houseboats are among the most expensive boats to transport because of their size and weight. Many require specialized trailers, permits, route planning, and sometimes escort vehicles.

Transportation costs vary based on the houseboat's dimensions, distance traveled, and local permit requirements.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Boat and Trailer?

Transporting a boat on a roadworthy trailer can simplify loading and may reduce transportation costs. However, the trailer must be in safe operating condition, and oversized trailers may still require permits or escort vehicles depending on the route.

International Boat Transport Costs

International boat shipping typically costs more than domestic transportation because it may include:

• Ocean freight
• Port handling
• Customs clearance
• Documentation
• Marine insurance
• Destination charges

Costs vary depending on the destination country, boat dimensions, shipping method, and applicable port fees.

Cheapest Way to Ship a Boat

To reduce boat transportation costs:

• Compare multiple transport quotes.
• Ship during the off-season.
• Use your own trailer if possible.
• Be flexible with pickup dates.
• Remove unnecessary accessories before transport.
• Choose open transport when appropriate.

 How to Get an Accurate Boat Shipping Estimate

Before requesting quotes, have the following information ready:

• Boat make and model
• Length
• Weight
• Height
• Trailer availability
• Pickup ZIP code
• Delivery ZIP code
• Preferred shipping date

Plan Ahead to Ship your Boat 

The most important thing to remember is that if you have decided to ship your boat, then you must plan for it well ahead of time.  

The important thing is that the boat is delivered in the same shape and condition that it was in at the time of the pick-up. 

Shipping a boat requires a detailed and careful approach. In some cases, the boatyard professionals will handle your move and take care of everything.  

However, keep in mind that if your boat is not prepared according to requirements, then the boat is shipped "as-is," which means that the company is not responsible for damage during transit. 

Find a Reliable Boat Shipping Company 

Finding a boat shipping company should be approached in the same way that you would search for a moving company.  

As with any kind of move, you have to be cautious and compare multiple companies before choosing the best one for your situation. 

Moving companies that specialize in shipping boats are a bit harder to come by than your run-of-the-mill moving company, so finding one can be a tedious process.  

We suggest getting at least 3 different estimates.  

Choose the one which has an all-inclusive pricing policy. 

To ensure that you're receiving top-notch service, inquire if the driver and crew have complete working knowledge on all of the ins and outs of boat transportation.  

Select the company which has the most experience and has worked with the DOT, boatyards, ports and permit agencies.  

This experience is required to ensure that the boat is shipped properly and in a timely manner. 

The owner should take care of preparing the boat for the move, which includes taking measurements of the height and width of the boat, so that the shipper can obtain a trailer of the proper size to transport the boat on. 

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Boat From Florida to California?

Example:

Shipping a boat from Florida to California is considered a cross-country move and typically costs several thousand dollars. The final price depends on the boat's size, weight, trailer availability, permits, pickup and delivery locations, and seasonal demand.

Prepare your Boat for Transit 

The next and most important step in moving your boat is to prepare it for transportation.  

To do this, remove all of your personal items and anything else that will be thrown around during the move, which can damage the boat.  

Shipping a boat from Florida to California is considered a cross-country move and typically costs several thousand dollars. The final price depends on the boat's size, weight, trailer availability, permits, pickup and delivery locations, and seasonal demand.

• Valuable items 

• Antennas 

• Depth sounders 

• Anchors 

• Outriggers 

• Cushions or canvas covers 

• Screens 

• Windshields 

• Electronics items 

• Flagstaffs 

• Radar transmitters 

• Propellers 

All things inside and outside the boat should be removed prior to the move.  

You should also check there is no water anywhere on the boat, not only in the bilge but also in pumps, air conditioners and water systems. 

1. Follow your transport company's recommendations regarding fuel level. Many carriers recommend leaving only a small amount of fuel in the tank for transportation. Always follow your transport company's fuel requirements before pickup.

2. Close and secure any hatches by tying them or taping them
    
3. Cabin windows need to be latched and taped from the outside
    
4. Any doors or hatches that need to be locked should be, and the keys should be kept with you at all times
    
5. Provide a spare set for the movers in the event that they need to access the interior areas of the boat
    
6. Pick a marina or boatyard as a loading spot that has at least 14' clearance
    
7. Remove drain plugs from hull and drain all water systems, pumps or air conditioners
    
8. Disconnect batteries and secure the cables away from it to prevent any contact
    
9. Remove any valuable electronics and anchors from the deck, pad and secure what you can in the cabin
    
10. Secure anything large, like a dinghy, on board and make sure it is well-padded 

Protect your Boat During Transit 

If you are going to be moving the boat during the winter season, then winterize the exterior of the boat.  

You can also purchase a plastic covering or boat wrap to protect it from the elements that it may be exposed to during the move.  

Shrink wrapping the boat is more expensive, but it will protect your boat from rain, hail, freezing rain, snow, dust, dirt and bird droppings. 

Lastly, conduct a thorough check of your entire boat to make sure that everything is in good condition and that there are no issues that need to be addressed before the move.  

It is important that you clean your boat with hot water prior to the move and that you have maintained it up to code.  

Cleaning and preparing your boat before transport may help you comply with state and environmental requirements, especially when transporting boats between waterways.

TIP: Keep an eye out for zebra mussels, which are an invasive species of mussel that can clog drain scuppers, out-drives and other areas of attachment. 

Boat-Specific Transport Considerations

For wooden boats, it is suggested that the boat be carried out on its own custom cradle. 

This is recommended in order to balance out any structural weaknesses. For wooden boats, you also may need to sign a release of liability. 

For power boats and speed boats, confirm that the boat's windshield is tough enough to withstand strong winds that it will likely encounter during the move.  

Check that the seal and screws on all parts of the boat are tightly fixed. 

For international boat moves, there are three types of trailers which can be used to move your boat: 

• Roll-on/roll-off trailer 

• An enclosed container 

• A flat rack and submersion container 

Also remember to take pictures of your boat before you move.  

Documenting how your boat looks before you move will help you out if it gets damaged in transit.  

You will need proof that your boat was undamaged before the move, and a photo will help ensure that. 

Keep all documents safe by filing all of the important moving-related documents.  

This includes the bill of lading, insurance coverage policy and any pictures of the boat that you have taken as a proof for insurance. 

Know your measurements before finding a boat shipper.  

Accurate measurements help transport companies determine whether permits, specialized trailers, or escort vehicles are required, allowing them to provide a more accurate shipping estimate.

This will be the first question they ask you. 

• Overall length: Measured from the tip of the bow to the center of the stern. Include bow pulpits, swim platforms, motor brackets and the length of motors or out drives in the raised position. 

• Overall height: Measured from the bottom of the keel to the highest non-removable part of the boat. 

• Beam: Measured from the widest point of the boat, including the rub rail. 

Takeaway 

• Plan your boat shipment well in advance.
• Measure your boat accurately before requesting quotes.
• Remove loose, valuable, and fragile items.
• Secure doors, windows, hatches, and batteries.
• Choose an experienced, licensed boat transporter.
• Photograph the boat before pickup.
• Keep all transport and insurance documents.

Bottom Line 

Boat shipping costs vary based on the size of your boat, transport distance, permits, and the type of carrier required. Comparing multiple quotes from experienced, licensed transport companies and providing accurate boat dimensions will help you receive more reliable estimates and avoid unexpected transportation costs.

Before booking, verify that the transport company is licensed, insured, and experienced in moving boats similar to yours.