Whether you’ve purchased a boat in another state, are moving house, or transporting the vessel cross-country, the process can seem daunting. The first thing you need to do is decide whether you want road or sea transport. Usually, this choice is based on convenience, price, the boat’s size, etc. But this isn’t the only decision you’ll need to make.
Here, we’ll review the most popular ways to transport a boat cross-country, discuss the price, and offer tips to make the process easier.
There are several ways to transport your boat cross-country. Which one you choose depends on many factors.
1. Shipping a Boat Cross-Country Over Land
The most popular method for shipping a boat cross-country is over land. Here, you have several options to choose from.
The first option is shipping the boat on its trailer. If you’ve purchased a boat-motor-trailer package, you may be able to transport the boat on your own, without hiring a professional. While this method is cost-effective, transporting a boat by yourself can be risky, especially if you haven’t done it before.
First of all, you need to have a vehicle that can handle hauling the load. If you don’t, you can always rent a truck, but this leads to a higher total cost. Plus, transporting a boat on your own can be time-consuming. Many boat owners are uncomfortable with hauling the boat by themselves and decide to hire a professional.
Professionals can load boats on flatbeds or step-deck trailers and transport them from one location to another. To be hauled over land, your boat needs to fulfill certain requirements:
If your boat meets all the requirements, you can hire a professional to deliver it with a flatbed or multi-boat trailer. There’s another option if your boat is larger: transportation via truck. Because of the ship’s size, this method would be more expensive. You’ll need to pay for overweight or oversize permits and possibly escort vehicles.
2. Shipping a Boat Cross-Country by Ship
A yacht transport ship may be the best option for shipping large or high-end boats. This is a significantly more expensive option and involves a lot of paperwork. If you opt for this shipping method, be careful about the company you hire. The company should be experienced, reputable, and professional.
If you have a smaller boat, you can ship it inside an enclosed container or roll-on roll-off (RORO). The container option is great because it allows you to send other belongings besides the boat. The downside is that securing the boat inside the container can be tricky. Boats often shift during transit and get damaged in the process.
If you go for the RORO option, you’ll need to drive your boat to the agreed location, secure it, and pick it up at its final destination. This method is secure, and there’s less risk of damage, but it’s also more expensive.
Many boat owners decide to make an adventure out of transporting their boat cross-country. While this is a good option for short-distance trips, it can be challenging and time-consuming if you need to travel large distances.
There’s always the option of hiring a professional captain to transport your boat from point A to point B. Keep in mind that this can be expensive as you’ll need to pay for the fuel, insurance, and flying the captain home. Plus, you’ll need to be prepared for potential additional costs due to mechanical issues, severe weather conditions, etc.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Boat Cross-Country?
There’s no universal formula for calculating the cost of shipping a boat cross-country. The final cost depends on your boat’s size, the desired transportation method, the total distance, the season, etc.
If you want to get an estimate, you’ll need to provide the pickup and drop-off locations and exact boat measurements. Here are the measurements you’ll need:
Here are a few examples of estimated costs for shipping an 11-foot boat according to the A-1 Auto Transport website:
If you decide to hire a professional to transport your boat, you’ll need to prepare your boat before turning it over to the company.
First of all, you’ll need to ensure there’s no fuel in the tank. Then, you’ll need to disconnect all electrical components, including alarms. Since any loose items can get damaged during transportation, removing them is best. This includes electronics, antennas, valuables, anchors, etc. Most boat transportation companies won’t be responsible for any damage caused by loose items in your boat. Lastly, you’ll need to secure the doors, windows, and hatches inside the boat.
Keep in mind that the preparation process depends on the company you hire. If you’re not sure what to do, ask the employees to explain.
If you want to have peace of mind knowing your boat will reach the destination safely, hiring a professional boat transportation company is the best choice. However, finding the right company can be difficult.
The first thing you should look for is experience. You want to hire a reputable company that has completed hundreds of successful jobs and has many satisfied customers. Do your research online, read the reviews, and you’ll be able to determine whether a company is the right fit for you.
In addition, it’s essential to ensure the company does its business in line with the DOT regulations. You don’t want to encounter problems along the way because of missing paperwork, licenses, or insurance. Ask to see the company’s paperwork before hiring them.
Lastly, pay attention to how the employees treat you. They should be professional and ready to answer all your questions. If they are rude or unprofessional, the company may not be the best choice.
Although it may be tempting to transport the boat yourself to reduce costs, this isn’t the best idea, especially over long distances. Hiring professionals may be a more expensive option, but it has numerous benefits. They have the equipment, knowledge, and experience to transport your boat safely and quickly. Most importantly, you can be 100% sure your boat is in safe hands.
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