Patrick MacFarland · Updated April 10, 2023
Boat transport is a complex task that requires knowledge and experience in logistics. If you own a small boat, you may be wondering how much it costs to move it from one location to another. You also are probably wondering whether it’s easier and cheaper to transport a small one than a large one. We’ll explore various factors affecting boat transport costs and help you decide if a small boat is cheaper to ship.
Factors Affecting Cost to Ship A Boat
Several factors affect the cost of boat shipping from one location to another. These factors include:
1. Boat Type and Size
The bigger and heavier the boat, the more expensive it is to transport. This is because larger boats require specialized equipment and experienced personnel to load and unload them safely. Smaller boats, on the other hand, can be loaded onto a trailer and towed easily, reducing the transport costs significantly.
2. Transportation Distance
The distance between the pickup and drop-off locations also plays a significant role in boat transport costs. Shipping a boat locally is usually cheaper than shipping it across the country or overseas. In general, the longer the distance, the higher the transport cost, since boat transport costs in regards to distance is calculated per mile.
3. Time of Year
Summer is a peak season for boat transport as many boat owners choose to relocate or take their boats on vacation during this time. Due to high demand, transport costs are usually higher in summer than in other seasons. Conversely, winter is an offseason for boat transport, so if you don’t need to transport your boat in summer and can do it in winter, you may be able to negotiate a better deal during this time.
4. Mode of Transportation
There are different modes of boat transportation when it comes to boat transport. The most common modes are road transport, sea transport, and air transport. Road transport is the most economical way to transport a small boat, while sea and air transport are usually reserved for larger boats and international shipping.
Is a Small Boat Cheaper to Ship?
Now that we have established the factors affecting boat transport costs, let’s explore whether a small boat is cheaper to ship than a large one.
Generally, small boats are cheaper to transport than larger ones. This is because they can be loaded onto a trailer and towed by a truck or SUV. Additionally, small boats require less specialized equipment and fewer workers to load and unload them, reducing the transport costs.
Moreover, small boats are usually transported within the country, making road transport the most viable and economical option. On the other hand, large boats may require sea transport or air transport, which are usually more costly than road transport.
However, it’s worth noting that the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations, the time of year, and the mode of transportation may also affect the transport costs of a small boat. For instance, if you’re shipping a small boat overseas or during peak season, the transport costs may still be high.
Tips for Transporting a Small Boat
If you’re planning to transport your small boat, here are some tips to help you reduce the transport costs:
1. Choose the Right Boat Shipping Company
Choose a reputable and experienced boat transporter that specializes in small boat transport. Look for customer reviews and ratings to ensure you hire a reliable company that will transport your boat safely and efficiently.
2. Plan Ahead
Plan your boat transportation well in advance to avoid rush shipping and high transport costs. If possible, choose to transport your boat during the offseason or off-peak season when transport costs are lower.
3. Transport Locally
If you’re going to ship your boat across the country, road transport is the most economical option. Choose a transport company that is located close to your pickup and drop-off locations to avoid unnecessary transport costs.
Wrapping Up!
Transporting a boat from one location to another can be a challenging and costly task, especially if you own a large boat. In general, a small boat is cheaper to transport than a large one, as it requires less specialized equipment and fewer workers. However, other factors such as the transportation distance, time of year, and mode of transportation may also affect the transport costs of a small boat.
If you own a small boat and are planning to transport it, choose a reputable and experienced transport company, plan ahead, and transport locally to reduce the transport costs. With proper planning and execution, you can transport your small boat safely and efficiently without breaking the bank.
Patrick Macfarland has been a teacher, a candidate for public office, and a local tour guide. But now he dedicates his time writing full-time, currently at CitizenShipper and VeraContent.
