Are you worried that shipping your boat will drain your savings? If you’ve ever wondered, “How much will shipping a boat cost?” you’re not alone. It’s true that the cost of transporting your boat from one point to another can add up quickly. But we can save you from that stress with some easy ways to keep those costs within your budget and still get your boat where it needs to go.
In this blog, you’ll find out the cheapest way to ship a boat and the cost-saving strategies to save money during boat transport.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship My Boat?
When you’re moving your boat, the first big decision is how to do it. Figuring out which method fits you matters a lot because not all methods cost the same. Picking the right one is key to finding the cheapest way to ship a boat.
Hauling the Boat Yourself
If you already own the trailer and a capable tow vehicle, hauling the boat yourself can be the lowest-cost option.
The pros: You’re in control, and you save the big carrier fee.
The cons: You must know how to tow safely and check the legal rules on width, height, and weight. Only use this method when you have the proper knowledge and expertise to handle the equipment, to avoid mishaps.
Professional Overland Hauler
Hiring a professional means taking the stress off your shoulders. But it usually costs more than DIY boat hauling. You can still save money by choosing an off-peak season. For example, you can move your boat in early spring rather than during peak summer. Also, you can group your boat with others and choose easy-to-access pickup or drop-off locations.
The pros: Less stress, professional handling. You don’t need to worry about route planning or permits.
The cons: It’s generally more expensive than towing yourself, and costs can rise if your route is long, remote, or during peak season.
On-Water Delivery
If your boat can handle high tides and water challenges, moving it on the water can be a wiser decision than shipping it on a big cargo ship. You may still have to pay for fuel, experienced staff, and you might face weather risks. With proper planning and a professional team, you can find out the cheapest way to ship a boat for certain routes.
The pros: You usually don’t need large trailers or permits. It’s perfect for coastal or nearby moves.
The cons: Weather delays and other factors can increase costs. You’ll also need to hire a qualified boat transport team if you’re not moving the boat yourself.
Yacht Transport Ship
It’s generally the most expensive method, and most transporters opt for this when other options won’t work. It’s usually best when you have a very large boat, or for international routes. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship your boat, you can opt for this boat shipping method.
The pros: Safest and most convenient for large or luxury boats, especially for international moves. Minimal wear and tear on your vessel.
The cons: It’s comparatively more expensive and requires advance scheduling. This method is not ideal for short or domestic routes.
Strategies to Move Your Boat Affordably
Here are five straightforward tips you can use:
- Be flexible with timing. If you can move your boat just before or just after peak season, you’ll often find lower rates.
- Pick easy and accessible pick-up or drop locations. A marina that’s close to major roads is cheaper to reach than one tucked away.
- Prepare your boat well. Remove valuable items, drain water and fuel tanks, and reduce height or width. It will help you avoid extra fees.
- Opt for shared transportation when more transporters are moving other boats near your route.
- Get price quotes from multiple companies and gain clarity on what is included. Make sure you know what you’re paying for.
- Beware of hidden fees, so you really find the cheapest way to ship a boat.
You can protect your boat and save money by choosing a transporter who is honest, experienced, and transparent. At Set Sail Boat Transport, we’ve helped many owners make wise decisions, plan their route, and avoid costly mistakes. Consider reaching out to plan your move with us.