Boat Shipping Costs & Considerations

The cost of shipping a boat largely depends on the size of it. This is no surprise since a yacht can be anything from a 12-foot sailboat to a 50-foot yacht. You can probably guess which one will cost more to ship just based on size and weight alone.

Size & dimensions - As mentioned above, Yachts come in many different shapes and sizes, both of which (along with weight) are the main things that will drive the cost of moving up. Larger types of boats may require special equipment or trailers to transport, adding on to the base cost. For boats that won’t fit (or aren’t allowed to be hauled on a truck), this becomes particularly tricky (see below).

Location - Depending on the size of the boat, location can have a huge affect on the price you can expect to pay. Smaller yachts can be transported on a truck that is driven to the destination, but for larger yachts, they often have to be transported on a move. This means that a large boat being shipped from the West Coast to the East Coast has to make a much longer trip than would be the case on an overland carrier (transport truck).

Temporary storage - Short-term storage is available and, in most cases, necessary when having a yacht moved. Any established shipper will be able to coordinate storage on your behalf, generally for a small additional fee, at a local boatyard or harbor.

What Is Included In The Cost Of Shipping A Boat.

There is a bit of a process involved in shipping a boat, but luckily the movers handles most of the details. Things like loading and unloading, transport costs, and insurance are included in the price you pay. However, there are extra costs that can come along with that.

As mentioned above, if you need temporary storage of your yacht after it’s arrived, that carries an extra cost with it. Similarly, additional marine insurance price extra, though there is a minimum requirement for insurance that must be held by any transport company. The circumstances in which extra insurance is needed generally only apply to yachts and expensive or high-end boats.

One final note on things that can affect your hauling costs: dealing with a contractor. A contractor is someone who coordinates shipping between the customer and the shipper, more or less like a broker. While this is often a convenient, even preferable, alternative, contractors also take a cut so keep in mind that it will likely add to the price you pay.

Need an estimate on the cost of shipping a boat? Call us at the number at the top of the page and we’ll be happy to provide a FREE estimate to any location worldwide! We can also be reached through our online contact form if you have questions!