Boat Transport UK

Compare Rated UK & International Boat & Yacht Movers

Need to move a boat or yacht? Delivery Quote Compare connects you with specialist boat transport companies across the UK. Whether you need road haulage for a powerboat, sea delivery for a sailing yacht, or international shipping for a cruiser, you can compare quotes from rated movers in minutes.

Organising boat transport does not have to be complicated. Submit your vessel details once and receive competitive quotes from specialist road haulage companies, crewed sea delivery providers and international boat shippers.

• Road haulage for powerboats, RIBs, sailing yachts and canal boats
• Sea delivery with professional MCA-qualified captains and crew
• Specialist low-loaders and wide-load permits for larger vessels
• International boat transport and customs support
• Goods in Transit insurance included on all quotes
• Rated boat transport companies with verified customer reviews

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How Much Does Boat Transport Cost? (2026 Price Guide)

On average, UK boat haulage costs between £1.50 and £3.00 per mile. Smaller boats on trailers are more cost-effective, while larger yachts requiring wide-load permits and escort vehicles will be at the higher end of the scale. Sea delivery costs are typically quoted as a fixed price based on distance, crew requirements and passage conditions.

Prices are guide estimates. Final quotes depend on vessel dimensions, weight, route and transport method. Escort vehicles, crane lifting and marina fees may add to the total cost.

Boat Haulage vs Sea Delivery

The best method for boat transportation depends on your vessel's size, type and destination. Both methods have distinct advantages depending on the circumstances.

Boat Haulage (Road Transport)

Road haulage is ideal for inland moves, cross-country transit and shorter coastal relocations. Specialist boat haulage companies use dedicated trailers, hydraulic cradles and wide-load equipment to move vessels safely by road. Our boat haulage companies have experience working with major UK marinas and ports and ensure your boat is secured in accordance with GOV.UK towing and transport standards.

Road haulage is also typically faster and more flexible in terms of scheduling than sea delivery, as it is not dependent on tidal windows or weather conditions.

Sea Delivery (Crewed Passage)

Sea delivery is the preferred option for larger yachts and cruisers that are not practical to transport by road, or for vessels moving between coastal ports or internationally. We match you with fully qualified captains or MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) certified crew who manage route planning, weather monitoring and passage safety.

Sea delivery costs are typically quoted as a fixed price and depend on crew size, passage distance, weather windows and the specific requirements of the vessel.

Types of Boat We Can Transport

Powerboats and RIBs

Smaller powerboats and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are among the most straightforward vessels to transport by road. Most can be moved on a standard trailer without specialist wide-load requirements, making them one of the more cost-effective categories.

Sailing Yachts

Sailing yachts require specialist low-loaders with cradle supports to keep the keel correctly supported during transit. Yachts over 2.9 metres wide are classified as abnormal loads and require escort vehicles and advance notification to the relevant highways authority. Always declare the beam (width) and air draft (mast height if not unstepped) when requesting quotes.

Canal Boats and Narrowboats

Canal boats and narrowboats are regularly transported between waterways, dry docks and storage facilities. Due to their length, specialist trailers and careful route planning are required. Declare the exact length and beam when requesting quotes.

Motor Cruisers and Large Yachts

Larger motor cruisers and yachts are often best transported by sea delivery or via specialist wide-load haulage. For vessels requiring crane lifting at launch or recovery, confirm crane availability at both the collection and delivery marina before booking.

What Affects Boat Transport Costs?

• Vessel dimensions — beam (width), length and air draft all directly affect transport method, permit requirements and cost.
• Transport method — road haulage is generally cheaper than crewed sea delivery for vessels that can be moved by road.
• Distance — longer routes cost more, though per-mile rates often reduce on longer journeys.
• Wide-load requirements — vessels over 2.9 metres wide require escort vehicles and abnormal load permits, adding to the overall cost.
• Crane and lifting fees — if the vessel needs to be craned in or out of the water at either end, crane hire and marina lifting fees add to the total.
• Urgency and timing — flexible collection dates can improve pricing, particularly for sea delivery where weather windows affect scheduling.
• International customs — international boat transport may involve customs documentation, import duties and additional handling fees.

Preparing Your Boat for Transport

Good preparation before collection reduces the risk of damage and avoids delays on the day.

• Clear the interior — remove all loose items, equipment and personal belongings to prevent internal damage during transit.
• Secure all hatches and doors — lock or lash all hatches, companionways, lockers and portholes.
• Lower or remove the mast — for road transport, masts must typically be unstepped and stowed. Confirm with the transport provider what is required before collection.
• Drain water systems — empty the bilge, freshwater tanks and holding tanks before transport.
• Remove fuel where required — for air freight or certain international shipments, tanks may need to be empty or near-empty. Confirm with your transport provider.
• Disconnect battery — isolate the battery to prevent drain during transit.
• Photograph the vessel — take clear photos of the hull, deck, interior and any existing damage before handover. This protects you in any damage claim after delivery.
• Confirm marina access — notify the transport provider of any restrictions at the collection or delivery marina, including tidal access windows, crane availability and berth dimensions.

Legal Requirements for Boat Transport by Road

Boat transport by road is subject to UK road transport regulations. Key requirements include:

• Abnormal load notification — vessels wider than 2.9 metres are classified as abnormal loads. The transport company must notify the relevant highways authorities and police in advance.
• Escort vehicles — loads wider than 3.5 metres typically require an escort vehicle. Wider loads may require police escort.
• Speed restrictions — abnormal load vehicles are subject to reduced speed limits on UK roads.
• Route planning — the transport company must plan a route clear of low bridges, weight-restricted roads and narrow lanes before the move.

Your boat transport provider will handle all permit applications and notifications as part of the service. For full UK abnormal load guidance see GOV.UK abnormal loads guidance.

International Boat Transport

Moving a boat internationally? We can arrange international boat transport via our international shipping network. Options include containerised sea freight, RoRo (Roll on Roll off) vessel shipping and crewed sea delivery for self-propelled vessels.

International boat transport typically requires customs export documentation, import duty payments at the destination country, and in some cases a temporary import certificate. Your transport company will advise on the specific requirements for your destination before quoting.

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Boat Transport FAQ

How much does boat transport cost in the UK?

UK boat haulage typically costs between £1.50 and £3.00 per mile for road transport. Smaller powerboats and RIBs on standard trailers start from around £1.20 per mile. Larger yachts requiring wide-load permits and escort vehicles cost more. Sea delivery for larger vessels is typically quoted as a fixed price based on crew requirements and passage distance.

What is the difference between boat haulage and sea delivery?

Boat haulage involves transporting your vessel by road on a specialist trailer. Sea delivery involves a professional captain or MCA-certified crew sailing or motoring your vessel to its destination. Road haulage is generally faster, more flexible and cheaper for smaller vessels. Sea delivery is preferred for larger yachts or port-to-port moves where road transport is impractical.

Is my boat insured during transport?

Yes. All specialist boat transport companies on the platform carry Goods in Transit insurance covering your vessel during the move. Always confirm the specific cover level before booking, particularly for high-value yachts or classic vessels.

Do I need to unstep the mast before road transport?

For most road transport, yes — the mast must be unstepped and stowed to comply with height restrictions. Confirm the specific requirement with your transport provider when requesting quotes, as it depends on the mast height and the planned route.

Can you transport a canal boat or narrowboat?

Yes. Canal boats and narrowboats are regularly transported between waterways, dry docks and storage facilities by specialist haulage companies. Declare the exact length, beam and any access restrictions when requesting quotes.

What is an abnormal load permit for boat transport?

Vessels wider than 2.9 metres are classified as abnormal loads on UK roads. The transport company must apply for an abnormal load permit from the relevant highways authority, plan an approved route and in some cases provide escort vehicles. Your transport provider handles all of this as part of the service.

Can you arrange international boat transport?

Yes. International boat transport can be arranged via containerised sea freight, RoRo shipping or crewed sea delivery. Customs documentation and import duty requirements vary by destination. Your transport company will advise on the specific requirements before quoting.

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Boat Transport Related Links

• Yacht delivery