YW delivery estimate is real?

Several times during my search, I see boats in far away states and I am not sure what to think of the shipping estimate on YW? For example, a boat of a size 48' gives my an estimate around 4-5K from Florida to WA. Is this real? The cost comparison lists similar boats with this price range shipments.
However, I have seen delivery prices mentioned here in the forum and those were way higher, around 20-50K, depending on the size. How can I get a realistic estimate for a shipment from another state?
Thanks.

utazo89 said:

Several times during my search, I see boats in far away states and I am not sure what to think of the shipping estimate on YW? For example, a boat of a size 48' gives my an estimate around 4-5K from Florida to WA. Is this real? The cost comparison lists similar boats with this price range shipments.
However, I have seen delivery prices mentioned here in the forum and those were way higher, around 20-50K, depending on the size. How can I get a realistic estimate for a shipment from another state?
Thanks.

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I would say worth somewhat less than zero. The estimates come from uShip and I can't imagine getting a large boat shipped through them. I got under $4,000 to ship a 52' Swift Trawler from Miami Beach to Seattle.

I sure would not put any faith in those estimates. For a 58' from Miami to Vancouver via ship, deck cargo, the cost was over $50K. Several here have shipped 40+ boats over substantial distances, they could give you a decent idea along with some recommendations for carriers. I don't think a 48 footer could be shipped via truck. Even if it could, I would be amazed at anything less than about $25K overland.

That est seems out of line for that size & distance

When I was looking I contacted a respected shipper and got budget est $/mi for shipping.
You will need to add prep, load, unload but you should be able to get a reasonable est.
For longer distances a factor will be if they can arrange a return load or not... flexibility on timing can make a difference.
They will need an approx description of the size / type of boat you are looking at as escort vehicle reqm'ts vary by state and add $.
I chose a shipper near my home port as I wanted to contact local customers for input and I wanted to be able to meet them in person (and follow-up if any issues)

My opinion is... Choose a reliable shipper that comes w/ good recommendations.
A few extra boat bucks may be a good value vs the low bidder

utazo89 said:

Several times during my search, I see boats in far away states and I am not sure what to think of the shipping estimate on YW? For example, a boat of a size 48' gives my an estimate around 4-5K from Florida to WA. Is this real? The cost comparison lists similar boats with this price range shipments.
However, I have seen delivery prices mentioned here in the forum and those were way higher, around 20-50K, depending on the size. How plus can I get a realistic estimate for a shipment from another state?
Thanks.

Click to expand...

when i sold my 40 ft trawler it went to austrailer on a ship and it was 28000.00f from fortlaurdale

A generic price like that seems a little low even for a narrow beam boat that will fit under highway bridges. Wider beam boats will need two escort trucks front and back. Most trawlers are too wide and too high. Removing the flybridge can be done for some of them, and that can be expensive.
Shipping as deck cargo is more common, prices depend on length, beam, height, weight and value (for shipping insurance.) Typical pricing from Florida to Europe or British Columbia is around $1,000 per foot. Add in travel costs, and the lower pricing of boats in Florida will not save much money.
I delivered an 80 foot trawler to be loaded on a ship August 25 headed to British Columbia, foreign flag ships cannot go from one US port to another US port. The new owner arranged for the shipping after he was told the boat would be loaded around June 1st and he sent a deposit. Maybe the agent thought there would be a ship available maybe he just want a non refundable deposit for a ship that would leave two and half months later.

In 2010 it cost me $20,000 to ship my boat from Detroit to Portland, OR. It's 58' long x 15'6" wide. The fly bridge was removed and set on its own cradle and towed by its own truck.


Funny thing--the load broker said he'd hauled several of these Sea Rays and that the bridge could be placed on the bow. Couldn't happen, didn't fit, so he had to pay for the second truck/trailer and to have the cradle built. He also ended up having to pony up extra bucks because the weight of the load required Supermax weight permits instead of the normal weight loads.


I don't think he made a lot of money on that haul.

Thanks All.
My suspicion was right, YW gives your false estimates. They seem to be way off the reality! lol

utazo89 said:

Thanks All.
My suspicion was right, YW gives your false estimates. They seem to be way off the reality! lol

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It would be interesting to see one actually submit one of those boats through uShip and see the responses.

BandB said:

It would be interesting to see one actually submit one of those boats through uShip and see the responses.

Click to expand...

You'll get all kinds of responses and quotes from true professionals to some red neck with a 30 yr old pick up looking for extra gas money for his dream trip.