When you’re planning to move your boat across the states or any other country, one question that you might be thinking constantly is “how much will I have to pay per mile?” It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a long-distance adventure, selling or relocating your boat; you can avail of better prices if you’re well aware of the boat transport cost per mile and set a realistic budget.
We have provided some tips to help you plan your budget efficiently, calculate a rough estimate of all your expenses, and understand what you can expect from boat transport services so that you can avoid last-minute surprises.
If you don’t know what cost-per-mile is, here’s your answer. Simply put, with a cost-per-mile estimate, you can know how much you'll pay for each mile your boat is hauled over land. If you’re thinking that it's just a matter of distance, you might not be entirely correct, as there are several aspects to consider.
On average, the boat transport cost per mile can range from $5.00 to $16.00, but you should remember that the price can fluctuate depending on:
You should also remember that the transport provider you choose will have a major impact on your budget. For instance, some companies can provide comparatively low prices, and vice versa. However, you should make sure to select a transport partner that offers well-skilled expertise rather than opting for low-cost services, as these may result in mishandling and other costly mistakes during your transit. If you’re choosing a reliable provider, you can also try to negotiate the prices without sacrificing quality.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for you to estimate how much you will need to budget when planning your vessel’s transportation across state lines or even when you’re moving to a different country:
Your boat’s width, height, and total weight will significantly impact the price calculation. The reason is that oversized boats typically require specialized expertise for handling, escorting vehicles, and additional permits, which are not included in the general price quotes. It means you’ll have to pay extra for this additional assistance, which increases the cost per mile.
After you’ve finalized all the measurements, the next step is calculating the distance of your boat’s transportation with the help of GPS and other route-planning tools so that you can calculate an accurate mileage count. You should be clear that boat transportation companies may not always opt for the shortest route, but instead, they choose legal routes that are safe and accurately accommodate the size of your boat. This way, you can ensure that your boat transportation isn’t breaking your bank.
When you plan a route that involves narrow roads, bridge height restrictions, and construction detours, you may need to choose alternative routes, which not only take up more time but also result in additional charges. Therefore, ensure you plan an accurate route; alternatively, consider seeking help from a professional boat transportation company.
Since different states have varying transportation rules and regulations, it is essential to confirm that you comply with all applicable laws and regulations of your state. You can assume the cost to range from $25 to over $100, and if you’re moving your boat across multiple states, you may require more than one permit.
The best way to request an affordable price quote is to get quotes from multiple boat transport service providers so that you can get a realistic idea of the possible expenses. With this, you can estimate your budget, including all necessary costs, to avoid any last-minute budget overexpenditures.
When you’re requesting quotes for boat transport cost per mile, you may encounter some of the additional charges, mainly including:
You can simply calculate the cost by accurate measurements of your boat and the total distance. Then include all applicable charges, such as insurance, permits, and escorts. For a more precise estimate, you can contact a boat transport company.
You may encounter delays due to weather conditions, road closures, or permit issues. In some cases, you may need to choose an entirely different route if your route involves areas with landslides, construction, or road closures.
The average cost, which ranges from $5.00 to $16.00 per mile, depends on the route, vessel size, and other services such as escort cars or insurance. If you move a larger boat or choose complex routes, you’ll need comparatively more resources, which can increase your cost per mile.
Boat moving is not a crucial task when you have a precise budget estimate. When you understand the factors and choose a trustworthy boat transport provider, you can confidently prepare your budget and timeline. If you’re still unsure where to start when planning your budget, you can reach out to Set Sailboat Transport. Our expert boat transport services can help you move your boat, either across the states or out of the country, without exceeding your budget.