How to Transport a Boat After You Buy It
You found the right boat – but it is sitting in a marina far from home. Getting it back is the next challenge. There are three ways to do it, and each comes with its own costs, logistics, and trade-offs. Understanding all three will help you make the right call for your boat and your budget.
Option 1: Sail It Down Yourself
If you have the experience and the time, delivering the boat yourself is the most hands-on option. You will get to know your new vessel firsthand, and it carries the lowest out-of-pocket delivery cost – though you will need to account for fuel, provisions, marina stops, and travel back home afterward.
Best for:
- Sailors with offshore delivery experience
- Buyers who want to learn the boat during the trip
- Those with flexible schedules
Option 2: Transport It by Truck
Trucking is quicker than sailing and can be easier on the boat – particularly for smaller vessels – since it keeps the hull out of the water for the duration of the journey.
However, trucking becomes increasingly complicated and expensive as the boat gets larger. Large boats are subject to oversized load restrictions that vary by state, often requiring escort vehicles, special permits, and route pre-approval. These logistics add significant cost on top of already expensive over-the-road freight rates.
There are also costs that are easy to overlook when reviewing a trucking quote. You will need to budget for haul-out and re-launch fees at both ends of the trip, plus the cost to unstep and re-step the mast. These line items can add quite a bit to the total.
Real-World Example: 42 ft boat, Boston to California – approximately $22,000
Best for:
- Smaller boats where oversized restrictions are not a concern
- Situations where speed is the top priority
- Buyers who want to minimize time on the water
Key considerations:
- Every state has different oversized load requirements
- Escort vehicles may be required and add to total cost
- Haul-out, launch, and mast fees apply at both ends
- Over-the-road freight rates have become very expensive
Option 3: Hire a Professional Delivery Crew
For larger boats, hiring a professional captain and mate is generally the recommended approach. It is typically less expensive than trucking for bigger vessels, and it comes with a meaningful added benefit: a good delivery crew will shake down the boat during the trip, identify any issues they find, and walk you through their findings upon arrival.
The boat does experience some wear and tear during a coastal delivery, but this is widely considered a useful break-in period for a newly purchased vessel. You will know exactly what needs attention before you begin using the boat.
If you purchased through a broker, ask them for referrals – brokers typically have relationships with delivery captains they have worked with and trust. You can also find crews through an online search.
Daily Rate: $500 to $1,000 per day, depending on boat size, complexity, and destination
Example Trip: 40 ft boat, Boston to Florida – captain + mate, approximately $7,000
Best for:
- Larger boats where trucking costs are prohibitive
- Buyers who want a shakedown report on a new vessel
- Those who prefer to avoid managing permits and logistics
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Option | Best For | Typical Cost | Speed | Key Risk |
| Sail It Yourself | Experienced sailors with time | Fuel + expenses | Slowest | Offshore experience required |
| Truck It | Smaller boats (< ~40 ft) | Very high for large boats | Fastest | Permit complexity; high cost |
| Delivery Crew | Larger boats; most buyers | $500–$1,000/day | Moderate | Some wear; weather delays |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a delivery crew?
Delivery crew rates typically range from $500 to $1,000 per day, depending on the size and complexity of the boat and the destination. As an example, a 40-foot boat delivered with a captain and one mate runs approximately $7,000.
Is trucking or a delivery crew the better option for a large boat?
For larger boats – roughly 40 feet and up – a professional delivery crew is generally the recommended choice. Trucking a large boat triggers oversized load requirements that vary by state, can require escort vehicles, and often results in costs that far exceed a water delivery. Trucking works well for smaller boats where those complications do not apply.
What costs are easy to overlook when trucking a boat?
Beyond the freight quote itself, you will need to budget for haul-out and re-launch fees at both ends of the trip, plus the cost to unstep and re-step the mast. For larger boats, escort vehicles and state-by-state permits add further to the total. These items are easy to miss when doing an initial cost comparison.
How do I find a reliable boat delivery captain?
If you purchased your boat through a broker, ask them for referrals. Brokers typically maintain relationships with captains they have worked with and trust. You can also search for delivery crews online – there are many professional services available.
Does a water delivery cause damage to the boat?
A water delivery does put some hours and miles on the boat and exposes it to the elements. However, this is generally considered an acceptable and even useful break-in period for a newly purchased vessel. A good delivery crew will document what they find along the way and walk you through anything that needs attention when they arrive.
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