You should be careful when thinking about boat shipping coast-to-coast. It can get heavy on your budget if you don’t have the right information.
It is a long journey, roughly 2,200 to 2,800 miles. You need to understand the cost to ship a boat from Florida to California and the factors that can cause the pricing to fluctuate.
At Set Sail Boat Transport, we have handled many cross-country boat moves, and we know what it takes to calculate costs, secure permits, and make sure that your boat arrives safely.
In this guide, we will explain pricing, compare trailer transport types, and go through state-specific rules.
What Influences Transport Costs?
Before we talk about the boat transport cost, we need to first understand what really influences it.
We all know that distance is the main thing to consider, but apart from that, what are the other factors that affect the cost to ship a boat from Florida to California?
- Your boat's size and weight.
- The trailer type you choose.
- Permits and state regulations that apply to your boat.
- Season and demand in which you transport your boat.
- Extra insurance coverage and proper boat preparation.
On average, the rates can range from $5 to $16 per mile according to all these factors.
How to Estimate the Cost to Ship a Boat from Florida to California
We have written down sample estimates based on boat size and transport complexity to give you an idea:
- A small boat that is about 16 ft to 25 ft tall and has a standard width.
Rate per mile: $5 to $6
It will cost you $12,500 if your boat travels 2,500 miles.
- A medium boat that is around 26 ft to 35 ft tall and has a wider beam.
Rate per mile: $7 to $10
It will cost you between $17,500 and $25,000 if your boat travels 2,500 miles.
- A large yacht that is above 40 ft. It is oversized and heavy.
Rate per mile: $10 to $16
It will cost you between $25,000 and $40,000 if your boat travels 2,500 miles.
These are just rough figures. Of course, the cost depends on your boat’s size, permits, insurance, etc., but there are more factors that affect actual costs. We have discussed them for you below.
Florida and California Boat Transport Rules You Must Know
Knowing the rules of both Florida and California will help you understand how the cost is calculated and where you might need to pay extra. Let's quickly go through the points:
Florida
- Boats that are above 8’6″ wide or 13’6″ tall need FDOT oversize permits.
- Boats that are wider than 12 feet may require pilot cars.
- Weight restrictions on single-axle trailers may need multi-axle setups for larger boats.
- Some counties, including Miami-Dade and Broward, have extra road restrictions for oversize loads.
California
- Caltrans oversize permits are required for boats that exceed the standard width or height.
- Pilot cars are required, especially through mountainous regions or high-traffic highways.
- Some highways, like parts of I-5 or rocky routes, have seasonal or route-specific restrictions.
- Full cargo insurance is strictly needed due to the long distance and potential road hazards.
Is Open Trailer Transport Better or Enclosed Trailer Transport?
Choosing the right boat trailer type can affect both cost and safety. Here’s a quick comparison:
Open Trailer Transport
Open transport is a popular choice for many boat owners because it’s more affordable and easily available, and it also gives you faster scheduling. It’s a practical option when you want to move your boat quickly and without going over your budget.
But it does have a few downsides. Your boat remains exposed to weather, debris, and road dirt throughout the trip. This brings a little bit of risk of minor cosmetic damage.
Overall, this method works best for small- to mid-size boats, aluminum boats, or sailboats with removable rigging.
Enclosed Trailer Transport
Enclosed transport gives your boat the highest level of protection during transit. It covers your vessel from weather, road debris, and even minor bumps that can happen along the way. This option is the best for luxury yacht transport or boats with sensitive electronics.
The only drawback is the cost. Enclosed transport is more expensive, and it may require specialized equipment to handle larger or custom builds.
Still, it’s the top choice for high-value boats, large sportfishing yachts, or vessels that demand extra care.
Choosing between the two really comes down to your budget, the value of your boat, and how much risk you are willing to take. At Set Sail Boat Transport, we help you pick the best transport option according to your vessel’s size, build, and handling needs.