Boat Shipping
A boat can ship a few genuinely different ways depending on its size and your destination, and one specific rule, based on width, affects both cost and logistics more than most people expect.
Three Ways a Boat Can Ship
Overland by trailer or flatbed
The standard method for most boats, loaded onto a trailer or specialized flatbed depending on size.
On its own bottom
For larger vessels capable of open-water travel, a delivery captain sails or pilots the boat itself to its destination rather than transporting it over land.
Overseas by RoRo, flat rack, or container
For international shipments, boats move by the same general ocean freight methods as vehicles, adapted to the vessel's size and shape.
Which method applies depends entirely on your boat's size, whether it's capable of open-water travel, and where it's headed.
The 8'6" Rule
Any vessel wider than 8 feet 6 inches at the beam (the widest point) is legally classified as an oversize load for road transport, which means individual state permits are required, and the route may need to be planned around height and width restrictions like low bridges or narrow roads. This isn't a minor technicality. It affects cost, timeline, and which carriers can even handle the shipment, so it's worth knowing your boat's exact beam measurement before requesting a quote.
What It Costs
- Local (under 100 miles): roughly $300 to $1,000, or $3 to $8 per mile.
- Regional (100 to 500 miles): roughly $600 to $2,500, or $2 to $5 per mile.
- Cross-country (1,000+ miles): roughly $1,500 to $6,000 or more, or $1.50 to $3 per mile.
- Small boats (under 20 feet): roughly $300 to $1,500.
Size and weight matter here. A 40-foot boat generally weighs between 15,000 and 30,000 pounds depending on whether it's a sailboat (heavy ballast and keel), a motor yacht, or a lighter center console, and heavier, larger vessels cost more to move. Oversize permits, trailer type, and whether the route requires special routing around restrictions all factor into the final cost beyond just distance.
Preparing Your Boat for Shipment
- Confirm the exact beam width, length, and height on the trailer, since this determines permit requirements and carrier eligibility.
- Secure or remove loose equipment, electronics, and personal items.
- Check that the trailer (if using your own) is road-ready: tires, lights, and hitch all in working order.
- For overseas shipments, the same general RoRo preparation principles apply as with a vehicle: clean, secured, and documented for both export and import customs steps. See our RoRo vs. container guide
Shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico
Boats headed to Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico follow the same ocean-freight fundamentals as a vehicle shipment to these destinations: real distance, limited carrier options, and the same general preparation standards. See our Hawaii shipping guide See our Alaska shipping guide See our Puerto Rico shipping guide
Who It's Best For
This applies to any boat relocation, whether you're moving a small fishing boat on a standard trailer, a larger vessel that qualifies as an oversize load, or shipping overseas as part of an international move. The single most important thing to know before requesting a quote is your boat's exact beam width, since that one number determines which rules and carriers apply to your shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my boat need a special permit to ship?
If it's wider than 8'6" at the beam, yes, it's legally an oversize load and requires state permits for road transport. Boats narrower than that generally ship like standard oversized cargo without the same permit requirements.
How much does it cost to ship a boat?
Local moves under 100 miles generally run $300 to $1,000, regional moves of 100 to 500 miles roughly $600 to $2,500, and cross-country moves roughly $1,500 to $6,000 or more, with small boats under 20 feet starting around $300. Oversize permits add to the cost if your boat exceeds the 8'6" beam threshold.
Can a boat ship overseas?
Yes, including sailboats and yachts, by RoRo, flat rack, or container depending on size, the same general ocean freight principles as shipping a vehicle internationally. See our international shipping guide
What's the difference between shipping a boat overland and "on its own bottom"?
Overland means the boat travels by trailer or flatbed on a truck. "On its own bottom" means a delivery captain actually sails or pilots the boat itself to its destination, an option for larger vessels capable of open-water travel.
Shipping a boat?
Get a quote with your boat's dimensions, especially the beam width, so we can determine the right transport method.