Matt Matasci · Updated February 4, 2025
Shipping a boat can be very expensive as it requires more equipment and planning than moving furniture or even a car. According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, boat and marine sales went up to $57.7 billion in 2023, meaning boat ownership is becoming more and more popular. This article will give you an idea about how much it costs to ship a boat and which factors are relevant in determining boat shipping costs.
Boat Shipping Cost Calculator
You can use our boat shipping cost calculator below to get an estimate for your boat and get actual quotes from professional transporters in minutes!
Recent Cost Trends
We’ve analyzed thousands of actual boat shipments from the CitizenShipper marketplace to provide you with the most up-to-date information. Our data shows that the estimated price for boat transport averages around $1.47 per mile in 2024. However, this can vary based on several factors:
- Size of the boat
- Seasonal demand (higher in spring and summer months)
- Fuel prices
- Overall transportation market conditions
Key Insights from our marketplace data, which you can read on the chart above:
1. Cost Range Variations:
- Typical boat transport costs stay between $1.00 to $1.50 per mile
- The higher cost range can reach up to $3.67 per mile (July 2024)
- The lower cost range generally stays a little above $1.00 per mile
2. Seasonal Patterns:
- Peak costs observed in spring and summer (April-July)
- More competitive rates are found in the fall and winter
- May 2024 shows median costs reaching $1.85 per mile
3. Cost Stability:
- The typical cost remains relatively stable throughout the year
- Most significant variations occur in the higher cost range
- The lower cost range shows the most consistency, typically staying between $1.00-$1.25 per mile
Factors Affecting Boat Shipping Costs
1. Boat Size
The size of your boat is a primary factor in determining shipping costs. Generally, larger boats cost more to ship per mile. Here’s what you need to measure:
- Length: From the bow’s tip to the stern center
- Height: From the keel base to the highest non-removable point
- Width (Beam): The widest points, including the rub rail
Note: Boats higher than 13’6″ may require specialized shipping options, and those with a beam over 8’6″ need an oversized load permit.
The chart below indicates estimated shipping rates for standard road transport based on the beam size of the boat:
Table 1: Boat Beam Size vs Shipping Cost Per Mile
| Beam (Width) | Estimated Shipping Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Over 12 ft. | $2.75 - $3.75 per mile |
| 12 ft. | $2.50 - $3.50 per mile |
| 11 ft. | $2.25 - $3.25 per mile |
| 10 ft. | $2.00 - $3.00 per mile |
| 9 ft. | $1.75 - $.75 per mile |
| Smaller sizes | $1.50 - $2.50 per mile |
2. Distance
Naturally, longer distances will increase the overall cost. However, long-distance transport can be cheaper per mile, while short-distance transport may cost more.
3. Season
Boat shipping costs fluctuate throughout the year. Summer months typically see higher prices due to increased demand. Consider shipping during off-peak seasons for potential savings.
4. Transport Method
The method of transport can significantly impact costs. Overland transport is generally the most common and cost-effective option, with prices typically ranging between $1.50 to $4 per mile.
Tips for Cost-Effective & Professional Boat Shipping
1. Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible
Boat hauling prices change depending on the demand and the season. Being flexible about the time of the year you have your boat shipped can save you money. Here are some tips:
- Contact different shipping companies ahead of your preferred shipping time; find out how their rates change seasonally.
- The shoulder seasons (i.e., just before summer and just after) are much more popular times and can cause prices to increase.
- If you can work with the shipping company’s schedule, you might be able to get a discount on your boat transport.
- Moving your boat outside of these times will likely be cheaper.
2. Choose the Right Hauler
The price of boat transport varies significantly from company to company. We recommend getting quotes from several shipping companies to get the best price possible. You could also ask the local boating community for recommendations on a high-quality transporter. Use the different quoted prices to negotiate with your preferred transporter.
However, cost is only one factor before hiring a boat shipper. Sometimes, it’s worth paying a little extra for a more experienced boat transport professional.
- You should also put up the details of your shipping on the platform of a marketplace provider like CitizenShipper.
- After posting about your boat, the route, and the time frame, available professional drivers will contact you with offers.
- You can check out each profile and compare the quality of their services and expertise in shipping your kind of boat and relate it to your offer’s price.
- This model is a fast and easy way to get a sense of a reasonable price for your specific transport job and find the right professional hauler for your boat.
- The competition between the different drivers keeps the price down.
3. Make a Binding Contract
It is essential that you have a clear contract with your boat shipping company to ensure peace of mind about the deal. Before signing anything, read the fine print carefully because many hauling providers include additional fees for circumstances like bad weather – don’t get caught up by unexpected fees and charges!
4. Other Factors to Consider
Besides the price, there are some central factors you should keep in mind in choosing the right transporter:
- Experience: You should only work with transporters who know their job and have demonstrated experience with shipping your kind of boat. If their web page or profile doesn’t show this, ask them directly about it; they may have more knowledge than is first seen.
- Reviews: Reviews are a great method of determining the quality of shipping services work. Ask within your local boating community for good experiences. Alternatively, check online for reviews from independent places such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot. Marketplace-based providers such as Citizenshipper usually include review systems in their platforms; this is helpful in seeing exactly when and where the latest jobs were completed.
- Insurance coverage: It doesn’t matter how fair the price is in the first place – Without the right insurance, a great offer can turn into a very pricey transport if anything happens to your boat. Ask each potential shipper about how they insure your boat on the road, as well as get advice from your regular boat insurance company on how your policy works while your vessel is on the road.
Content Writer at CitizenShipper. I’ve also been published on The Penny Hoarder, Mommy Poppins and mxdwn.
Marketing and product leader with over 14 years of experience, proficient in growth marketing, product management, and team development in fast-paced environments. Experienced in establishing and growing marketing functions and teams from the ground up.
