The average cost for shipping boats over 12 feet in length ranges from $2.75 to $3.75 per mile.
Our boats can bring us to all sorts of places, but sometimes you’ll find yourself in need of shipping the boat itself. Unfortunately, the number of factors that need to be accounted for will drown people in too much detail.
We put together this short guide on how much to ship a boat and trailer to help you along. We’ll cover how to make an estimate of shipping costs so you can have a better idea of what to plan for.
Keep reading to learn more.
Table of Contents
Shipping Cost
There are many factors that come into calculating the cost for shipping a boat and trailer. However, there are two factors that usually make up the bulk of the entire cost for shipping by land. These are boat size, and shipping distance.
Below is a chart of estimated boat shipping costs by length. These boat shipping rates are only estimates, however, and it’s important to remember that they may not accurately reflect current shipping costs.
Estimated Price Chart (Per Mile)
Over 12 feet: $2.75 to $3.75 per mile
12 feet: $2.50 to $3.50 per mile
11 feet: $2.25 to $3.25 per mile
10 feet: $2 to $3 per mile
9 feet: $1.75 to $2.75 per mile
Below 9 feet: $1.50 to $2.50 per mile
It’s a good idea to take note of the type of boat and its shape. Always remember that the length and width of a boat, as well as its weight, contribute to the price. Don’t expect a pontoon boat to be priced the same as a fishing boat.
If you’re shipping a boat and trailer together, it would be a good idea to look for companies that offer some sort of package deal. That may be cheaper compared to having to pay the additional trailer shipping cost.
International Shipping
International shipping costs can range from $3000 to $15000, but there are also many factors that affect the price. Mode of transport and cradles are a couple of things that affect international shipping costs.
Just remember to include land transport costs to bring your boat to the shipping company’s port of origin. There may be companies that offer deals for transporting boats to ports as well, so consider this when choosing which shipper to use.
Sample Estimate
Let’s calculate the cost to ship boat across country. We’ll use the max rate of $3.75 per mile. However, we don’t need the straight line distance but the travel distance by using roads. For something like this, a number of websites and web applications can help such as Google Maps.
For this exercise, we’ll calculate the distance to travel from Long Island in New York to South Beach in Miami. Because of the map detail in Google Maps, we’ll be able to see what route was used for mapping the travel and compare it with what route we expect shippers to use.
Google Map shows a total distance of 1342 miles. Multiplied by the maximum rate, that would be $5032.50. Again, this is just the base cost, and you’ll also have to consider other travel costs like tolls or other shipping fees.
In the end, the only way to get an accurate price would be to ask for a quote from a shipping company, but this should at least prepare you for what to expect. For this sample, don’t expect something far below $5000.
Factors That Affect Shipping Cost
1. Size of boat or trailer
The length of the boat directly impacts the boat transport cost. While a longer boat will usually be more expensive to ship, don’t expect that always to be the case. Weight also needs to be factored into the cost.
The width of a boat needs to be considered as well. General estimates for costs usually consider boats of standard widths. If your boat is wider than other boats of its length, that could increase shipping prices as well.
2. Origin and destination
Point of origin will need to be determined aside from the destination. You have to remember though that there are points of transit that are to be determined. These points include ports for International shipping.
Different shipping companies also have access to different ports, so you’ll have to consider which port is available to your shipper of choice. If a shipping company’s available port is farther from you than a competing shipper’s port, that could drive up the price as well.
For international shipping, which country you’ll be shipping to also affects the price greatly. Shipping to a country in Europe that is considered a prime shipping destination will cost less compared to shipping to a country in Asia.
3. Time of shipping
The time you choose to ship will also affect the boat shipping cost. The busier it is during a certain time, the more expensive it will be. Since summer is a popular boating season, expect prices to go up during this time.
For international shipping, it is worth noting that not all countries have the summer season begin in June. You should consider the summer season in your destination country as well.
Another point to consider would be the holidays. While winter may not be such a popular time for shipping boats, the holiday season does keep shipping lines busy and this could affect prices as well.
4. Additional services
Different shipping companies offer different services, and these all come at different prices. You will have to reach out to different shipping companies to determine whose prices are most reasonable.
If your boat requires certain arrangements such as the use of a cradle, these will need to be accounted for as well, so don’t forget to consider this expense.
Tips for Shipping
- Shipping prices always change
- Make sure to get a reliable insurance
- Consider fees for customs clearance, handling, and storage as well
Conclusion
Hopefully, we were able to give you a good idea of what to consider when planning to ship a boat. Just remember that any estimate will not be as accurate as a professional quote, so don’t be afraid to reach out to shipping companies to get more accurate pricing.
Did you find this guide on how much to ship a boat and trailer useful? If you did, please share it with others and leave your comment below.
Don’t forget to boat safely.
“I am James Harvey – founder of Boating Basics Online. It is established with the drive to help out first-time boaters, which are those desiring to explore their way through the water. So if you are new to boating, start from here with me. “