- Boat Transport Company
- Time & Cost To Transport A Boat
- The Basics Of Preparation | The Boat Shipping Process
- How To Properly Measure Your Boat Before Transport
- Top 10 Boat Transport Companies Of 2021
- Best Boat Transport Resources
- Related Information
Boat Transport Company
With over a decade of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to provide top notch service at an affordable price, no matter where your destination. We transport a wide variety of boats, ships and other watercraft including the following:
- yacht delivery
- motorboats
- jet skis
- sailboats
- charter ships
- catamarans
- fishing boats
- dinghies
- pontoon boats
- houseboats
- sport fishing boats
- oversize loads
- personal watercraft
If you're curious about the cost to ship a boat, we're always happy to offer FREE estimates to all prospective customers.
We offer a wide variety of full-service boat and yacht transport services, including shrink wrapping, RoRo shipping, overland transport and more! Here are the details of our more popular boat moving services:
- Shrink Wrapping: Prevents moisture from damaging your boat and keeps out salt, which can cause damage from abrasion, as well as harm the interior of watercraft.
- Roll On, Roll Off: Load your vessel onto one of our carriers with ease using the roll on, roll off method. This requires the boat be secured to a trailer which is then wheeled on to the transport carrier, delivered to its destination, and wheeled off.
- Overland Transport: If you need to ship a boat from an inland location to a shipping port, whether within the continental U.S. or to a port in another country, we can handle that too!
- Interstate Boat Shipping: We have a wide selection of state to state transport options, including flat rack coast to coast, long distance and cross country shipping, as well as door to door interstate haulers delivery to all 50 states.
- International Yacht Transport: We don’t just relocate boats in the United States, we also deliver to ports and shipping locations around the world.
- Full-Service Moving: We transport watercraft for private owners, dealers, corporate clients, brokerages, and manufacturers. We specialize in moving sail boats, power boats, and yachts, but we can accommodate shipping requests of any kind.
Call us to speak to a transport specialist or fill out our FREE online quote form to get an instant estimate sent right to your inbox! We offer discounts and competitive pricing within the United States and around the globe. If you're looking for a reputable company that provides the best boat transport service in the industry, look no further!
Need international boat transportation? Click here.
Time & Cost To Transport A Boat
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Transit Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to Las Vegas | $740 | 270 miles | 2-4 days |
| Chicago to Memphis | $1455 | 530 miles | 2-4 days |
| Atlanta to Detroit | $1995 | 725 miles | 3-5 days |
| San Diego to Dallas | $3740 | 1360 miles | 4-6 days |
| Phoenix to Seattle | $3920 | 1425 miles | 4-6 days |
| Houston to New York | $4480 | 1630 miles | 5-7 days |
| Miami to Denver | $5680 | 2065 miles | 6-8 days |
| Portland to Memphis | $6175 | 2245 miles | 6-8 days |
| Boston to Phoenix | $7285 | 2650 miles | 7-9 days |
| San Jose to Miami | $8440 | 3070 miles | 7-9 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. The cost to ship a boat depends on the season and the other factors that figure into the total shipping cost for boat transport.
*Rates are based on an 11 ft. boat.
*Call us for specific date requests and we'll have a crew member get back to you as soon as possible.
The Basics Of Preparation | The Boat Shipping Process
Before turning over your boat to a professional boat transport company, there are a few things you’ll need to do in order to prepare it for moving. The basics of what you’ll need to do are covered below to have your boat ready for transport.
*Always ask the boat transport company if you have any questions, or if you are unsure about any part of the preparation or process.
- Drain the fuel tank & disconnect any electronic components, including the alarm
- Remove or stow all loose items including the following: antennas, electronics, propellers, anchors, flag masts and valuables
- Secure all compartments, windows, doors and hatches inside the boat
- Accurately measure your boat (see below)
Zebra mussel advisory: Zebra mussels are an invasive species that not only wreak havoc in the ecosystems they infiltrate, but also cause considerable problems for commercial and industrial pipelines when they cluster. Check your vessel thoroughly or risk facing a hefty fine and possible jail time for spreading them. Zebra mussels are especially common in the Great Lakes area.
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Boat Shipping Quote.
Get my free quote now or call us to do it for you:
How To Properly Measure Your Boat Before Transport
In order to get an accurate quote for boat hauling, it’s important that proper measurements be taken so we can determine your specific needs, the cost to transport your boat, and provide the best service possible. If you need some guidance on what information we'll need, here's a simple breakdown of what's needed:
- Boat length should be measured from the front of the bow to the middle of the stern. This is an important measurement to have since it can impact the method of transport and the type of carrier that we use.
- Boat height is measured from the keel (the lowermost structural beam) to the highest part of the vessel. The highest point should not include any removable parts of the boat.
- Boat width, also known as a beam, is the distance between the widest part of the vessel and should include any railings or attachments.
A-1 Auto Transport is the best boat transport company in the business, whether you need a boat shipped from the East Coast to the West Coast, or if you need to ship a boat overseas. We're here to provide top-of-the-line service to or from any location around the world!
Top 10 Boat Transport Companies of 2021
Hiring a reliable boat hauling company is the best option to ship a vessel without any problems. While it may tempting to do the job yourself, especially if have your own boat trailer, shipping longer distances is best down with the help of professionals. Pro boat shippers have their own trailer that's specially designed for your particularly type of boat, as well as for the rigors of a long distance shipment.
Most boats are expensive and any valuable investment requires careful handling and attention during shipping, which is a service we have provided for many years. The job of any boat shipping company should be to help the owner to efficiently and safely deliver to the desired destination at a reasonable shipping cost.
Once you've determined your boat shipping needs and taken all necessary measurements, it's time to contact transport companies to get a price quote. With that in mind, here are the Top 10 Boat Transport Companies from 2021, including the most prominent names in the industry and the best in class services available.
Get a FREE, no obligation to buy price quote for your shipment. We are full service boat haulers with more than a decade of experience transporting boats to locations throughout the U.S. and overseas. Whether you need to transport a boat from Rhode Island to North Carolina, or from California to Spain, we're here for all your boat hauling needs!
Have questions about measuring your vessel or the cost of shipping it? Call us today at 1-800-452-2880 or fill out the online submission form to get an affordable, real-time price quote for FREE!
Best Boat Transport Resources
Boater Education - An active forum for boating enthusiasts that has helpful tips and advice, as well as information on clubs and boater safety. You'll find a wealth of information on this forum that covers everything from winterizing your boat to regional clubs and boating interests.
Boating Magazine - Information on boating news, equipment, repairs and more from one of the leading online voices in the boating community. Boating Magazine especially caters to those looking for reviews and boaters with an inclination towards do-it-yourself projects.
Boat Owners Association of the United States - An association of boat owners that advocates for the boating community across the United States. They provide services such as boat insurance, loans, discount programs, as well as a host of informational topics of interest to boaters.
Related Information
- Find reliable boat shipping and get an instant quote
- Learn about boat transport by sea before booking your transport
- Preparing for a professional boat transport by road
- The preparation required before shipping your boat through a transport company
- Those interested in hiring experienced boat transport can get an online quote
- What are my options when boat shipping from the USA to Canada
- What you should know about boat shipping from the USA to Europe
- Take advantage of boat shipping by train
- Hire the experts of transport for boat shipping from the USA to the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any size limitations or restrictions associated with shipping my boat?
A-1 has decades of experience as one of the best boat transport companies in the industry! We offer a variety of boat transport services that include boat hauling, overland boat transport, boat trailer transport, express boat transport, oversize boats, small boats, international shipping, and a host of services that you won't find with other companies.
In short, there is no boat shipment that we can't handle, regardless of the size of your boat or the distance you need it shipped. We are happy to provide boat shipping quotes to any interested parties, free of charge! Contact us today to learn more!
What measures will you take to protect my boat?
Your yacht or boat will be covered in shrink wrap so that both the exterior and interior will be protected from moisture, salt, and other debris. We also use an easy roll-on and roll-off loading technique to make sure that when we ship your boat, we ship your boat safely.
If you have any specific requests that pertain to the safety, protection, and overall process of boat shipping, we're happy to work with you to make sure that your boat transport needs are not just met, but exceeded.
Do you offer overland shipping?
Absolutely! We are a full service boat transport company and offer both overland transport and international boat shipping (also sometimes referred to as RORO boat transport)! We have specially designed boat trailers that are specifically made to ship your boat safely, no matter the distance or type of boat.
Even if you have your own trailer designed to transport a boat, you may still need to enlist the help of shipping companies if you need a boat transported over a long distance to ensure that it is handled as safely as possible. When it comes time to ship, we're happy to be there to provide whatever services and assistance we can.
How long will it take to ship my boat to its destination?
Shipping times will vary according to the size of your boat and how far you will be transporting it. There may also be some variance depending on the availability of the company you work with, as well as differences in shipping times during certain times of year. You can refer to the chart above for estimates or call us directly to receive a quote.
As we mentioned, different boat transport companies may have different delivery timelines than those listed above, but it provides a good general timeline you can work off of to determine how long it will take your boat to be delivered.
How far in advance should I schedule my boat transportation?
It is always a good idea to schedule your boat transportation as far ahead of time as possible. In most cases, you shouldn't have any issues if you book with a transport company at least six weeks out from your desired pick up date.
Giving the shipper several weeks of lead time will help ensure that you have plenty of time to get things in order and have your boat arrive in time for any trips you have planned. Having said that, there is no harm in booking your transport further out than six weeks if you know the shipping dates you'll need far enough in advance.
Can my boat be picked up from a dealer?
Yes, your boat, yacht, or other watercraft can be picked up from practically anywhere and delivered to your desired location and a dealer is no exception. Most shipping companies will be happy to accommodate your request and it's certainly a service that we offer.
In our experience, many boat dealers offer their own shipping service, but that doesn't mean you can't hire an outside company to do the job, especially if it can save you money.
What do I need to do to prepare my boat for shipping?
In order to prepare your boat for shipment, you will need to make sure that all the fuel has be and any other electronic components on the boat. We also recommend that you remove or secure loose items such as masts, flagpoles, valuables, etc.
Finally, be sure to close and lock all compartment openings, including doors and windows so that nothing shifts around during shipment with the potential to cause damage.
Will your insurance cover and protect my boat during shipping?
Yes, your boat will be covered by our liability insurance during the shipping process. We take pride in making sure your boat is delivered in good condition, which is something that applies anytime we ship boats. Insurance coverage is definitely a part of that process and any company that ships boats is legally required to offer a minimum level of insurance coverage.
You may want to contact your own insurance company when having a boat delivered and ask about any additional converge they may offer since the minimum doesn't generally cover the full value of the boat. Insurance from third parties can provide additional coverage beyond the basic liability insurance, offering more protection against mishaps and accidents when your boat is in the care of a shipping company.
What kind of paperwork will I need to present before shipping?
We will help walk you through the paperwork process and provide you with a bill of lading. This document provides a detailed outline of any items being transported on a cargo ship and is a key part of any boat hauling service.
There is a lot of information listed in the bill of lading, all of which pertains to the specifics of your shipment, including cost, cargo description, and the condition of your boat when it was picked up.
What kind of experience do you have with shipping boats?
We are an experienced boat shipping company that has been transporting boats of all sizes to locations around the world for over 25 years. Throughout our years of experience, we've done everything from transport boats from city to city, or all the way across the U.S.
We also offer overseas transport if you have designs to explore other boating hot spots around the world. We are among the most reliable and trusted boat movers in the industry and are happy to help with all the factors that are involved in boat transport, including assistance with any special permits that may be needed.
Will I be notified when my boat is shipped?
Yes, you will be contacted 24 to 48 hours before your boat arrives so that you can make any necessary arrangements for delivery. While we can’t guarantee a specific delivery time because variables like the weather may cause delays, we always do our best to promptly deliver your boat.
Do I need to be present when my boat is picked up or delivered?
Yes, either you or a designated representative will need to be present in order to sign certain documentation, including the bill of lading, when your boat arrives. If you are unable to be present upon delivery, it is important that you contact us and let us know who will be serving in your place.
Will I be able to track my boat shipment?
As a full service boat transport and shipping company, we offer satellite tracking so that you will always know the status of your shipment any time you want to check it. If necessary, you can also contact the shipper directly for a status update.
Is my pick-up or delivery date guaranteed?
Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee delivery dates, as is the case with all interstate haulers . However, we always do our best to accommodate your needs and make sure that your boat is delivered as close to the estimated delivery time as possible.
What are the advantages of having my boat shipped?
Shipping a boat can be a stressful and time consuming undertaking, particularly if you're going about it on your own. Enlisting the help of a professional boat transportation company can take the stress out of this process and make sure that your boat arrives safely at your desired location.
We strive to provide the best service in the industry, whether it's for jet skis, large boats, or anything in between. Not only does it save you the time and stress of doing it yourself, but you can rest assured knowing that your boat is in the hands of experienced professionals and your shipment is covered by insurance.
What should I do if my boat hasn’t arrived on time?
Don’t worry. Anything from weather to mechanical malfunctions can cause delays for interstate haulers. Also, remember that you can track your boat shipment with your satellite tracking services. If you have any additional questions, simply contact our customer service department. They will be able to provide you with additional details and accommodate any other needs.
What payment methods do you accept?
We are always working to find ways to best serve our customers. That is why we offer a variety of payment options and we can always be flexible when it comes to payment methods.
If you have any special requirements relating to payment, please contact us and we'll be happy to work with you to figure out the best approach.
Who is a good candidate for boat shipping?
Anyone who is moving, going on vacation, and/or wants to avoid having to make a long trip is a great candidate for boat shipping. Many of our customers are being relocated for new jobs or military orders. Our goal is to make your shipping experience as stress-free as possible any time we transport a boat.
Do you offer international shipping services?
Yes, we can pick up and deliver your boat to and from any location around the world.
What should I look for in a boat shipping company?
As you research different boat shipping companies, you want to make sure that you are seeking out those that are fully insured, properly licensed, and have the necessary experience to transport your boat wherever it needs to go.
If you're shipping long distance or overseas, it's especially important to make sure that the interstate hauler you work with has experience transporting boats in that part of the world.
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