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How much does it cost to ship a boat across the United States?

Published by Joe Webster.

How much does it cost to ship a boat across the United States?

The cost to ship a boat across the United States can vary widely, with prices ranging from $1.25 to $15.00 per mile. This range depends on the boat's size and the total distance of the journey. As of May 1, 2023, it's crucial to gather quotes from multiple transporters to compare prices and services effectively.

Boat shipping rates seem complicated at first glance. Several factors come into play that determine the final cost you'll be charged for transporting your water vessel from one location to another place. It's not a flat rate, relying instead on many variables to formulate the price. Knowing these factors will help you understand the breakdown of these charges and navigate the process much easier.

Factors Affecting the Price of Boat Transportation

Boat transportation prices vary based on key factors. The shipping distance the boat needs to travel from the pickup point to the destination is a significant factor to bear in mind. Mileage and route difficulty are important factors. Shipping across the country is more expensive than local transportation. If the route is rugged, the boat transport cost may increase due to complications and risks.

white yacht

The boat's size (length, width, and height) and weight are important factors. Bigger boats need more resources for safe transportation, resulting in higher shipping costs. The chosen shipping method can also affect the price. Overland transportation using trailers can be cheaper but may not work for larger vessels. Lift-on/lift-off or roll-on/roll-off shipping is more expensive but can handle larger boats. Shipping during the peak season when demand is high for boat shipping can also lead to an increase in cost.

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The Role of Boat Size and Weight in Shipping Costs

Boat size and weight greatly impact shipping costs. Shipping heavier boats requires more resources. This increases equipment, fuel, and crew for safe transportation. Boat transport companies pay more for these requirements.

Consider handling and caring for expensive, larger boats. For example, transporting luxury yachts and large commercial vessels requires taking a step for extra care to avoid issues. Detailed requirements are expensive due to their size and weight. Heavy boat loading is complicated and time-consuming, increasing labor costs. Your boat's size and weight are essential for shipping estimates.

Relevant Statistics

  • On average, it costs $6,800 to ship a 30-foot sailboat from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States.
  • Approximately 75% of boat owners choose to ship their boats rather than sail them across the country.
  • The cost for transporting a 40-foot powerboat from Florida to California is typically around $11,500.
  • Around 90% of boat transport companies offer insurance coverage for any potential damages during transit.
  • The price for shipping a small motorboat (less than 20 feet) from New York to Texas ranges from $2,200 to $3,000, based on distance and other factors.

General Facts

  • The cost of shipping a boat across the United States depends on various factors such as the size, weight, and distance to be covered.
  • Different shipping companies may have different pricing structures and services available.
  • Additional costs may include insurance, permits, and any necessary special handling fees.
  • Shipping a boat overland typically involves the use of specialized trailers or transport carriers.
  • To get an accurate cost estimate, it is recommended to contact multiple shipping companies and provide them with specific details about your boat and intended route.

Pricing for Different Types of Boat Shipping Methods

Variables affect boat shipping costs. Transportation method impacts price. Boat transportation has various methods and pricing schemes. Common transport methods include RoRo, LoLo, flat rack, and container shipping. Propulsion systems have pros and cons that affect their cost-effectiveness and suitability for different boats.

RoRo is a cost-effective method for loading and unloading the boat on the carrier easily. This method is advantageous as it is easy to handle, reducing damages and insurance costs for your items. LoLo needs a crane for boat lifting, which increases the cost. A flat rack shipper is ideal for large, heavy boats. The boat's cost can increase due to its size and special equipment requirements. Container shipping is safe but has size limits for boats. Extra charges may be incurred for boat dismantling and reassembling, if necessary.

front view of a white yacht

Need a reliable boat transport company? Contact A1 Auto Transport. We are a professional boat shipping company with decades of experience serving boat owners and shipping boats to varying distances across the country and beyond. We have highly experienced drivers and experts who have been trained to take the utmost care in handling boat shipments even in the most difficult terrains. Call us to ask us about anything relating to boat or auto shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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It’s my number one pick in auto shipping to this day.
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...my choice in terms of auto transport has to be A1 Auto Transport. It’s in the name, but also in the quality with which they do their jobs. I’ve never had a problem with this company.
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You have my full support and recommendation!
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A1 Auto Transport... From the get go, they were very different from my past options. Their website was very professional and up to date, full of useful information. I requested a quote using their online form, and I got an email response within an hour. Surprisingly fast!
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I can safely say this is a legit company that will get the job done.
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There are a lot of options for auto transport these days, which surprisingly makes it harder to find a good company. I received more than 10 offers to ship my car, but I couldn’t decide on any of them... Fortunately, I made the right choice with A1 Auto Transport.
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We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10! We chose them to move our car from California to Vermont, since we needed professionals.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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