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When availing of sailboat transport services, one of the most common questions people ask is whether the cost per mile increases with distance. Surprisingly, the answer is no, at least not in the way you’d expect. Though the overall cost does increase, affordable hauling companies decrease the per-mile rate if you reach more than a certain distance.
That said, certain factors play along, some of which are dependent on how the company provides the services, and some are dependent on how you avail yourself of the services. But what exactly are these factors?
The biggest concern regarding sailboat transportation services, contrary to what many people believe, is that they are different from other boat transport services. What takes a normal boat up to 500 miles can easily stretch up to 700-800 miles for a sailboat, increasing the boat transport cost per mile, just because of its mast due to height restrictions. Additionally, sailboats are generally bigger than other boats, even with the mast off, and require special permits for size and weight, adding to the total cost.
Given that, sailboat transport services vary massively from other boat hauling services. The company you hire should be careful with the transport, specifically with the per-mile cost, to reduce the overall amount as much as possible. So, what are the factors that affect the cost per mile of a boat transport service?
Believe it or not, both the company and the service consumer are responsible for affecting the per-mile cost for boat transportation. Both are equally important and need separate discussion. Here are four of the company-side factors that affect the cost per mile of sailboat transport services:
A sailboat transport isn’t like driving a car on a long route, in which you only need to open Google Maps and follow it for the shortest or quickest transit. It requires proper planning due to height and width restrictions, and the boat transportation services providing company must take that into account.
The type and condition of transport equipment are directly dependent on the kind of company you choose. If you choose an experienced company like Set Sail Boat Transport, you not only ensure your sailboat’s safety, but also a reduced overall price. On the other hand, scammers charge more after the contract and also damage your vehicle.
Licensing, insurance, and escort coordination are necessary documents that a boat or sailboat transporter must fulfill. If a company doesn’t comply with those documentations, it means they are a red flag.
Some transport companies reduce costs if they can haul multiple boats in one trip, or find a return load (backhaul) after delivering your sailboat. These logistics reduce empty miles and spread operational costs across multiple clients, which means lower per-mile charges. Companies with large networks can arrange this better than small one-truck operations.
While the season and route planning are the company-side factors that affect boat transport cost per mile, some consumer-side factors also affect the per-mile cost for sailboat hauling. Four of these factors are discussed below:
Getting your sailboat ready for transport isn’t just the hauler’s responsibility, but it's yours too. This includes removing the mast, securing rigging, and clearing personal items from the cabin. If your boat isn’t properly prepared when the transporter arrives, you may face delays or extra labor charges, both of which increase your cost per mile.
Providing accurate specifications, such as length, width, height, and weight, is critical when requesting quotes or permits. If the transporter discovers that your boat is larger or heavier than you initially reported, they may require new permits or specialized equipment, which can increase the per-mile cost or delay your move entirely.
Your selected pickup or drop-off locations matter. If you choose a tight marina, remote dock, or an area with low-hanging wires, narrow roads, or no crane access, the transporter may need special handling equipment or extra hours to complete the task, increasing your overall cost.
If you need your sailboat transported on very specific dates or within a tight window, you might be charged on the higher end of the market rate for the sailboat transport services, which is $5.00 a mile to $16.00 per mile. Flexible scheduling allows haulers to fit your transport into existing routes and share costs across multiple jobs, keeping the boat transport cost per mile lower.
There are some external factors in sailboat transport services. Five of these factors are:
While the factors that affect the boat hauling services are divided into company-based, consumer-based, and external factors, choosing the right boat transportation services is totally in your hands. There are certain tips that help you find the right company, which are:
The per-mile cost is the highlight cost of both the boat and sailboat transport services, and understanding it better eases the searching process for you. But following both the company and consumer-side factors is not enough, and you also need to know specific tips to choose the right sailboat hauler, like choosing an experienced and DOT-compliant hauler. Therefore, choose the right company carefully and have peace of mind.
Does the cost per mile for sailboat transport always stay the same regardless of distance?
No, it doesn’t. Though some haulers do, most sailboat transport services reduce their prices if you travel more than a certain distance. The overall cost still increases, but it does reduce the final cost massively compared to what you could have paid if it hadn’t been reduced.
Why is sailboat transport more expensive than transporting other types of boats?
That’s because of their unique shape and size. While a normal boat only requires loading, transportation, and unloading, sailboats require additional requirements in the form of permits and extra steps. One of those extra steps is mast removal and reinstallation, which can increase the price considerably, though not by a lot.
How can I reduce the cost per mile when hiring a sailboat transport service?
You can reduce the boat transport cost per mile massively and easily by performing the following actions:
This can massively reduce the overall boat transportation cost.
What’s included in a typical quote for sailboat transport services?
A typical sailboat transportation services quote usually includes the per-mile cost, permits and escort fees, fuel surcharges, insurance coverage, and equipment used. It might also include loading and unloading fees, but it is optional. But regardless of what’s additionally included in the quote, make sure to get an itemized quote.