How to Ship a Boat: The Real Process
Shipping a boat is one of the more complex specialty freight tasks in domestic transport. Boats are oversize by default — anything over 8'6" beam is wider than a legal load, anything over 13'6" tall on a trailer requires permits, and anything over 50,000 lbs requires heavy-haul equipment. The right method depends on whether the boat has its own trailer, its beam and height, the route's bridge clearances, and whether the boat needs to ship in or out of the water.
ATI ships boats through three main methods: boat-on-trailer transport (boat sits on its own trailer, pulled by a contracted truck), flatbed/heavy-haul transport (boat loaded onto a flatbed without a trailer), and dry-dock-to-water transport with crane services at both ends. Below is the step-by-step process for picking the right method, calculating costs and permits, and prepping the boat for transit.
Cost ranges: Boat shipping costs typically run $2.00-$15.00 per mile depending on size, transport method, and oversize permit requirements. Boat under 8'6" beam, on its own trailer, cross-country: $2,500-$7,500. Boat 8'6"-12' beam (oversize): $4,500-$15,000 with permits and pilot cars. Yacht-class (12'+ beam, heavy haul): $15,000-$50,000+ with heavy-haul equipment and route surveys.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Boat
- 1. Measure the boat accurately — Beam (width at widest point): critical for oversize determination. Anything over 8'6" is a wide load and requires permits. Length on trailer (LOA): includes outboard motor in down position. Height on trailer (deck or windshield to ground): includes any T-top, hardtop, or radar arch. Get tape-measure accurate dimensions before quoting — eyeball estimates lead to surprise oversize permit costs.
- 2. Decide on-trailer vs flatbed transport — On own trailer: boat sits on its own trailer, contracted truck hooks up and pulls. Cheapest, requires the trailer to be DOT-legal (current registration, working lights, tires within spec). Flatbed transport: boat loaded onto a flatbed (no trailer). More expensive but faster loading, fewer DOT issues with old trailers. Right when the trailer isn't road-legal or doesn't exist.
- 3. Verify oversize permit requirements — Beam over 8'6": wide load — permit in every state of travel ($100-$300/state). Beam over 12': super-load — pilot car required, route survey required ($500-$2,000/state). Height over 13'6": tall load — permit and route survey for bridge clearance. Length over 80 ft on trailer: long load — additional permits. ATI's compliance desk handles all permits.
- 4. Check the destination port or marina — If shipping boat-to-water (e.g., shipping to a marina for launch), confirm the destination has a launch ramp or travel-lift rated for the boat's weight. If shipping to a winter storage yard, confirm yard access and unloading capability. Some destinations require advance notice for crane reservations.
- 5. Prepare the boat (winterize if applicable) — For shipping in cold weather or to cold-climate destinations, winterize: drain water systems, add antifreeze to engine cooling, drain bilge, remove batteries (or disconnect), fog the engine. Even for warm-weather shipping: disconnect batteries, remove valuables, secure loose interior items, lock companionways. Remove or lower antennas, radar mounts, and tall accessories.
- 6. Photograph existing condition (40+ photos) — Bow, stern, both sides, deck, helm, engine compartment, prop and lower unit, hull bottom if accessible, trailer condition (tires, wiring, hitch), every existing scratch and gel-coat repair. Boats develop minor surface damage quickly in transit; photos establish baseline.
- 7. Secure or remove loose equipment — Remove or stow: T-tops, biminis, canvas covers, radar arches if removable, propellers (large boats), navigation gear, fishing tackle, anchors. Anything that adds height should be removed if possible. Anything that adds weight should stay (helps secure the load).
- 8. Cover or shrink-wrap the boat — Boat cover (canvas or polypropylene) for shorter, regional moves. Shrink wrap for cross-country or international moves — full-coverage shrink wrap protects from road grime, UV, and rain. Shrink-wrap services run $300-$1,200 depending on boat size.
- 9. Complete the pickup inspection (BOL) — Driver completes BOL inspection noting every gelcoat scratch, prop ding, trailer light condition, and existing damage. Walk the boat with the driver. Sign only after personal verification. Get a signed copy. For trailered boats, also document trailer condition (tire DOT date codes, registration status).
- 10. Inspect at delivery — Walk the boat with the driver. Compare against pickup BOL and your 40+ photos. Note any new damage on delivery BOL before signing. Check the hull bottom for trailer-strap rub damage (most common in-transit damage). For shrink-wrapped boats, inspect through any tears or open sections. File claims within 15 days with photos and marine surveyor estimate if claim exceeds $5,000.
FAQ — How to Ship a Boat
How much does it cost to ship a boat cross-country?
Boat under 8'6" beam on its own trailer (cross-country, 2,000 mi): $2,500-$7,500. Boat 8'6"-12' beam (oversize permits required): $4,500-$15,000. Yacht-class (12'+ beam, heavy haul): $15,000-$50,000+. Add shrink wrap ($300-$1,200), oversize permits ($100-$2,000/state), and pilot cars ($500-$1,500/state) where applicable.
On own trailer vs flatbed transport — which is right for my boat?
On own trailer: cheapest, requires DOT-legal trailer (current registration, working lights, in-spec tires). Right if the trailer is road-ready. Flatbed transport: 30-50% more expensive but faster loading, no trailer DOT issues. Right when the trailer isn't road-legal, doesn't exist, or for high-value yachts where extra protection justifies the cost.
Do I need oversize permits to ship my boat?
Beam over 8'6" requires oversize permits in every state of travel. Beam over 12' adds pilot car and route survey requirements. Height over 13'6" on the trailer requires bridge-clearance route survey. Most center-console fishing boats, ski boats, and runabouts are under 8'6" and don't need permits; most cabin cruisers, larger sport fishers, and pontoon boats exceed 8'6" and require permits.
Related Services and Guides
Get a Binding Quote for Shipping a Boat
One call, one carrier, one accountable party. ATI dispatchers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Binding rates, real-time GPS, FMCSA-licensed direct service. Call (786) 574-5774 or email rates@ship-ati.com for a quote on shipping your boat.