loader image
set sail logo no contact
18 july
July 18, 2025

Ways to Avoid Hidden Fee Scams When Hiring Yacht Transport Companies

It’s a fact that hiring a yacht company is one of the major investments, especially when you’re moving your yacht across the country or even out of the United States. Since you value your yacht so much, it’s crucial to make sure that you’re getting reliable price quotes without falling into any scams related to hidden fees. When investing in international sailboat shipping solutions, ensure you avoid unexpected charges by carefully planning and selecting the right option among the thousands of yacht transport companies.

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling into the scam of boat moving companies that offer low costs but trap you with “additional charges” in the future.

1. Clearly Understand What Your Price Quote Will Include

One of the major mistakes that many boat owners make is assuming that everything will be covered in the initial quote. When you choose a trustworthy yacht transport company, they will provide you with a detailed and accurate price quote. It will include all factors, such as basic insurance, loading and unloading procedures, route planning, and mileage.

However, if you work with an inexperienced company, there is a chance that they might omit some of the crucial services, and you might have to pay unexpected charges in the end. To ensure you’re on the right track and have chosen a reliable option among the boat moving companies, you can ask some essential questions, such as:

  • What will happen if the permits are delayed or need modifications?
  • Will the cost of police escorts or pilot cars be included in the pricing quote?
  • Are detours due to accidents or mishaps included in the quote?

You should not think of cross-country boat transport as a “fixed-price” service, as fluctuations in the prices are generally normal and even predictable when you use additional services or special requirements, for instance, pilot cars for oversized vehicles.

2. Request for a Written Contract

You might think it’s not necessary, but it can genuinely save you from several costly mistakes, especially when hauling a long-distance boat. Most transport companies will not hesitate to offer you a clear and transparent contract that specifies all relevant costs, including permit fees, estimated fuel charges, and additional expenses. escort charges (in case you’re hauling a larger vessel), and insurance limitations.

If your selected boat transporter isn’t offering you a written contract or is not including some of the most important charges in the pricing quote, you must change your decision and opt for a reliable boat transportation provider.

3. Avoid Opting for the “Too Good to be True” Price Quotes

Does your price quote seem suspiciously low compared to other boat-moving and yacht-transport companies? Then there’s something fishy. Some boat moving companies offer strangely low prices when compared to other providers, but there's a high chance that you might have to pay for everything from oversized load permits to escort vehicles and other extra charges.

Keep in mind that your average per-mile budget can range from $5.00 to $16.00. But if your provider is offering a low price or is unable to explain the fee calculation, you might be falling into a scam.

4. Be Clear About What’s NOT Included

There is a common misconception among many boat owners that they expect cleaning services to be included in the price quote. You should be aware that almost every transport boat moving or yacht transport company does not include cleaning services before or after your vessel’s transit. You will need to manage the cleaning on your own, or you can also opt to pay for cleaning services from the marina where your vessel will be delivered, even when you’re paying for international sailboat shipping solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why do some reputable yacht transport companies charge extra fees after you’ve received the quote?

You may notice additional charges in your pricing quote based on certain factors, such as unplanned escort vehicles, additional permit requirements, and extra fuel charges. To maintain transparency, many transportation companies clearly outline these expenses in the initial agreement.

  1. Do international sailboat shipping solutions include boat cleaning services?

No, most of the boat transportation providers do not include cleaning as part of their service. But it’s true that your boat might get dirty during the transit, so you can schedule a cleaning service at your vessel’s receiving marina.

  1. How much will boat or yacht transport cost on average?

You can expect the average cost per mile of your boat’s transportation to be $5.00 to $16.00. But make sure to keep in mind that these costs may increase or decrease depending on your boat's size, insurance coverage, and the route you select for boat or yacht transportation.

Ensure You Don’t Fall into the Hidden Fee Scams

When you’re choosing a reliable option among thousands of boat moving companies, it’s better to make sure that they offer transparent price structures, along with considering other factors. With careful planning and understanding what you’ll have to pay, you can make a wise decision and guarantee that you’ve chosen the right provider. These tips can not only help you avoid falling into costly scams but also save your vessel from any mishaps or accidents during your boat’s entire transit journey.

If you haven’t found any reputable transport providers yet, you can opt for boat moving services from Set Sailboat Transport so that you can ensure that your boat or yacht is handled with extra care.

← Go Back Read More →
Copyright 2025 © All Rights Reserved