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What Is The Cheapest Option for Boat Hauling?

Boat hauling is an inevitable task for every boat owner, but it can also be an expensive one. Whether you need to relocate your vessel for repairs and maintenance, or require boat transportation to a long-distance slip on the eastern shore, you’re looking at a significant investment. If you undertake the task completely by yourself, you’ll be shouldering the entire boat hauling effort, but there’s a better option to save you time and money.
Instead of contracting a traditional boat transportation company for an extensive boat towing excursion, you can hire a local boat hauling organization like Tyler’s Hauling. As the name implies, we’re a dedicated hauling company, not a boat towing operation. Instead of towing your boat on the water, we offer land-based boat transportation that’s more time and cost-effective. This method is not only easier, but safer, and more advantageous for you as a boat owner.

In this post we’ll look at:

  • Boat hauling vs boat transportation
  • What are some boat shipping logistics
  • What are boat transport costs like
  • Why local boat hauling options offer more savings
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What is Boat Hauling?

Boat hauling, which we offer at Tyler’s, usually refers to an overland transportation of your boat from one location to another. Boat hauling is done on land instead of in the water because it saves time and mitigates transportation risks. Boat hauling is done by loading your boat onto a trailer or truck, securely fastening it, and then driving to your desired location.

What is Boat Transportation?

You may have seen ads for boat transportation services offered by companies that specialize in boat shipping or transport. Boat transportation is simply broader than boat hauling, in that it offers typical land-based boat hauling services and/or water-based delivery depending on your location or preferences. The distinguishing factor is the inclusion of on-water travel; in this case, the provider will use boat towing to transfer your boat to your desired port. If your destination is very far, boat transportation companies could deliver your boat via barge or freight, but at a much higher cost. Some smaller companies, like Tyler’s, can offer boat hauling or towing transportation options.

What Are Some Boat Hauling and Transportation Logistics?

Whether you choose boat hauling on land or via the water, the logistics can vary based on your budget, distance, and methodology. What’s important to consider is that if you haul your boat (on land or sea) by yourself, all the costs and risk factors will fall on you. The beauty about white-glove boat transport services like Tyler’s Hauling is that we take these logistics on ourselves, freeing your time and providing better peace of mind.

Here are the essential logistics to consider with boat hauling.

Boat Preparation

If you’re considering DIY boat hauling, you’ll need to fully plan and prepare your boat. This means accounting for the boat’s size and weight requirements to rent a trailer or truck. You may also be required to get an oversized load permit and then pack and properly secure your boat accordingly.

Routing

If you take your boat transportation solo, you’ll need to plan the best, safest route to your destination. If you’re hauling your boat on land, you’ll need to identify ideal routes for you to drive safely while you tow your boat behind your vehicle. If you’re transporting your boat by water, this becomes more complicated. You’ll need to use an additional boat, securely attach your boat to it, and then plan your nautical journey. Of course, there are no road signs, lights, or ready help on the open waters. If you’re not experienced in long-distance sailing, this offers several more logistical challenges and safety risks.  

Transportation Risks

Hauling a boat isn’t like hitching a small trailer to your car or driving a truck. Even a small boat is likely considered a heavy load and will affect how you drive your vehicle. If it’s not secured properly, it can become loose and cause damage to the hull, and even put you and others on the road in danger. Transporting a boat via water has risks, too. There are water currents to be aware of, as well as other weather and natural occurrences you must experience in order to navigate around safely. Boat transportation on the water also carries a greater risk of becoming lost too.

Timing

Boat hauling yourself will likely require a full day or more, depending on your experience level and distance from the destination. And this is not counting the time needed for preparing and arranging for your boat’s transportation. You may have a slip reserved for a certain time or a repair appointment. If you choose to haul your boat alone, you may risk delays that could cause you to miss these appointments, potentially costing you more money.

Personal Expenses

Before we delve into the financial costs of boat hauling to a location like the Eastern Shore, you need to know what that looks like if you go the DIY route. If you rely on professional boat haulers like Tyler’s Hauling, or a more prominent boat shipping organization, it’s pretty simple. You’re basically just paying a set fee, which may include additional costs like gas mileage. If you haul your boat yourself, all the preparation and expenses fall on you, which can actually be more expensive. Some of the cost factors include:
  • Trailer/truck rentals
  • Gas
  • Equipment rentals
  • Permits (based on boat and location)
  • Emergency supplies
  • Your own time
  • Boat services prior to moving
  • And more

All of these expenses will compound, and on top of that, you’re adding precious personal time and stress to the project. Given the increased risks and specialized equipment needed for boat hauling, hiring professionals is the most cost-effective option.

What Are Boat Transport Costs Like?

Boat transportation and boat hauling costs will vary depending on your location, the size of your boat, the distance to the destination, and the individual organization you engage. Different organizations will give you estimates based on these factors. To give you a sense of the price ranges to expect, here are some general pricing rates and some of their key factors.

What’s the Difference Between Boat Hauling and Boat Transportation?

While they sound similar, boat hauling and boat transportation can differ based on methodology. It’s important to consider all your options in order for you to make the best decision possible, so let’s break them down.

Boat Hauling Services Cost Key Factors
Local Hauling Company $1.00 – $1.50 per mile Local haulers like Tyler’s bring familiarity with local routes and regulations, and the equipment needed to haul your boat. This is a cost-effective option for medium-length boat hauling operations. Because we don’t specialize in boat transport, we do offer more cost-effective rates. However, we still bring hands-on boat hauling experience.
National or Official Boat Hauler $2.00 – $3.50 Higher costs due to more established reputations and specializations in boat transport. These are ideal for cross-country or international boat hauling. Boats that are significantly larger than 40 feet might be best served by a dedicated boat transportation franchise.
DIY Transport Varies This option is definitely more time-consuming, with out-of-pocket costs that will likely increase as you go. This also carries more risks and time commitment from you personally.

Save Time and Money with Local Boat Hauling

Local boat transportation, regardless of your preferred method, is the cheapest option for boat hauling. In addition to offering professional junk removal services, Tyler’s Hauling brings the same professionalism and precision to your boat hauling project to help you haul your boat safely while still saving money. Fully equipped, licensed, and insured for both boat hauling and boat towing on the water, we are your local, cheaper alternative to more costly boat transportation companies. If your boat is between 30-40 ft., we can handle your project! Ready to get your boat moved safely and efficiently? Get a free quote today!
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