Maine’s rugged Atlantic coastline, pristine harbors, and countless islands make it one of the most beloved boating destinations on the East Coast. From the rocky shores of Acadia to the historic ports of Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine offers endless opportunities for maritime adventure. However, moving your vessel to or from these coastal treasures requires careful planning and expertise that only experienced boat movers can provide.
At Interstate Haulers, we’ve been helping customers transport boats nationwide since 1997. Maine presents unique challenges that require specialized knowledge—from navigating narrow coastal roads to managing unpredictable weather conditions. Our nearly three decades of experience as a family-owned boat transport company mean we understand exactly what it takes to move your vessel safely through Vacationland.
Who We Are as a Boat Transport Company
Interstate Haulers has proudly served as a trusted boat transportation provider since 1997. As a family-owned business, we’ve built our reputation on personal service, safety-first operations, and the kind of reliability that comes from treating every vessel like our own. Our experienced drivers understand that your boat represents a significant investment, and we handle each transport with the care and attention it deserves.
What sets us apart from other boat transporters is our commitment to comprehensive service. We don’t just move boats—we provide peace of mind. Our fleet is equipped with the latest safety equipment, our operations are fully insured, and our drivers receive ongoing training to stay current with industry best practices. If you’re exploring reliable and affordable boat transport options, know that when you trust us with your boat, you can rest assured it will be handled with care every step of the way.
Our extensive network covers destinations nationwide, including challenging routes through Maine’s coastal regions. Whether you’re shipping a powerboat from Miami to Bar Harbor or moving a sailboat from Portland to Rhode Island, our team has the expertise to navigate the complexities of boat transportation across the country.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Transport a Boat?
Many boat owners consider handling transportation themselves to save money, but this approach often proves more costly than hiring professional boat transporters. DIY boat transportation requires significant investment in equipment, permits, and preparation that many overlook in their initial calculations.
When you handle boat transportation yourself, you’ll need to secure or rent appropriate trailers, obtain oversize load permits for larger boats, plan routes that accommodate your vessel’s dimensions, and cover fuel costs for potentially thousands of miles. Additionally, you’ll need insurance coverage for transit, proper tie-down equipment, and the expertise to safely secure your boat for highway travel.
Professional boat movers like Interstate Haulers already have the necessary permits, equipment, and expertise. We provide accurate quotes upfront with no hidden fees, allowing you to budget effectively. Our comprehensive service includes route planning, permit handling, and proper securement—services that would cost significantly more if handled separately.
We know cost matters, which is why we provide transparent pricing from the start. When you request a free quote, you’ll receive a detailed breakdown of all costs involved, ensuring no surprises on delivery day.
How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Boat Per Mile?
Boat transportation pricing varies significantly based on several key factors. Distance plays a major role, but it’s not the only consideration when calculating your final cost. The dimensions of your boat—including length from bow to stern, overall width (beam), and height—directly impact pricing since larger vessels require specialized equipment and permits.
Your boat’s origin and destination locations also affect pricing. Remote Maine islands or harbors with limited access may require additional planning and resources, while major ports with established boat transport infrastructure typically offer more competitive rates. The specific route between pickup and delivery points influences costs, as some roads have restrictions for oversized loads.
Industry averages for boat transportation typically range from $1.25 to $15.00 per mile, but these figures represent a broad spectrum. Smaller boats on shorter routes fall toward the lower end, while larger vessels requiring specialized heavy equipment and permits command higher rates. Additional factors like seasonal demand, fuel costs, and regional permit requirements can also influence final pricing.
At Interstate Haulers, we believe in complete transparency. We’ll break down your pricing clearly so you know exactly what to expect, with detailed explanations for each component of your transport cost.
How Much to Transport a 40 ft Boat?
Transporting larger boats like 40-foot vessels presents unique challenges that require specialized expertise and heavy equipment. These boats typically exceed standard transportation dimensions, necessitating oversize load permits and careful route planning to avoid low bridges, narrow roads, and weight-restricted areas.
The complexity of moving larger boats extends beyond simple size considerations. Powerboats, sailboats, and yachts each have specific requirements for secure loading and transit protection. Sailboats require mast removal and specialized cradles, while powerboats need careful attention to hull support and engine protection. Yachts often require additional services like shrink-wrapping to protect expensive finishes and equipment.
Loading and unloading 40-foot vessels requires experienced crews and proper heavy equipment. Our team uses specialized trailers designed for larger boats, with hydraulic systems and adjustable cradles that accommodate different hull shapes and sizes. Proper weight distribution and securement are critical for safe transport, requiring knowledge that only comes from years of experience.
Whether you’ve got a 20-foot fishing boat or a 40-foot yacht, our fleet and team are ready to accommodate your needs safely and smoothly. We maintain relationships with crane operators and marina facilities throughout Maine and nationwide, ensuring professional handling at every step of your boat’s journey.
How Much Can You Make Transporting Boats?
The boat transport industry requires significant investment in specialized equipment, proper licensing, and ongoing training. Professional haulers must maintain heavy-duty trucks capable of pulling substantial loads, acquire various trailer types for different boat sizes, and obtain permits for oversize loads across multiple states.
Successful boat transporters invest in proper equipment, including hydraulic trailers, adjustable cradles, and securement systems designed specifically for marine vessels. They must maintain commercial insurance, stay current with Department of Transportation regulations, and possess the mechanical knowledge to operate and maintain complex equipment safely.
The business requires expertise in route planning, understanding bridge heights and weight limits, coordinating with marinas and boat yards, and managing the logistics of cross-country transportation. Professional drivers must be skilled in backing large trailers into tight spaces, understanding tidal schedules at coastal facilities, and handling boats worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When you hire us, you’re hiring seasoned professionals who do the job right. Our investment in proper equipment, ongoing training, and comprehensive insurance protects your valuable asset throughout transport. The peace of mind that comes with professional service far outweighs any potential savings from attempting DIY transport.
Preparing Your Boat for Transport
Proper preparation is essential for worry-free boat transportation. Start by accurately measuring your boat’s dimensions, including overall length, beam (width), and height from the lowest point to the highest non-removable component. These measurements are critical for permit requirements and route planning.
Remove or secure all personal belongings and valuable electronics. Items left aboard should be properly secured to prevent damage during transit. Disconnect the battery and secure all cables to prevent electrical issues. If your boat has canvas covers or bimini tops, remove or secure them according to your transporter’s recommendations.
For sailboats, all sails, rigging, and removable equipment should be removed from the mast. Many boat transporters provide detailed preparation checklists specific to your vessel type. Powerboats require attention to engines, outdrive units, and any projecting equipment that might be damaged during transport.
We’ll guide you step by step so your boat is ready for a worry-free trip. Our experienced team provides detailed preparation instructions tailored to your specific vessel, and we’re available to answer questions throughout the process. Proper preparation protects your investment and ensures smooth loading and unloading operations.
Why Choose Interstate Haulers for Maine Boat Transportation?
Our nearly 30 years of experience as a family-owned company give us deep knowledge of the unique challenges presented by Maine’s coastal geography. We understand the quirks of Maine’s harbors, the seasonal considerations that affect transportation, and the regulatory requirements for moving boats through New England.
Maine’s maritime environment presents specific challenges that inexperienced transporters often underestimate. Tidal access at many facilities requires precise timing for loading and unloading. Seasonal weather can affect road conditions and create delays. Some of Maine’s most beautiful harbors are accessible only via narrow, winding roads that require careful navigation with oversized loads.
Our capability extends far beyond Maine’s borders. We handle everything from small fishing boats to large yachts, with experience in tugboats, sailboats, and powerboats of all sizes. Our network provides nationwide coverage and international boat transport services, including destinations in Canada, Florida, the West Coast, and Rhode Island.
We pride ourselves on professional, worry-free service from start to finish. Our clients choose us because we combine small-company personal attention with the resources and expertise of a major transportation provider. When you work with Interstate Haulers, you’re partnering with professionals who understand both the technical requirements of boat transport and the emotional value of your vessel.
Resources About Boats, Maintenance, and Boat Transport
Expand your knowledge about boats, their upkeep, and safe transport by exploring these helpful resources:
International Boat Shipping Guide – Get insights on preparing your boat for overseas transport and ensuring a smooth delivery process.
Regular Engine Maintenance – Guide to maintaining boat engines to ensure peak performance and longevity.
Seasonal Boat Storage Tips – Learn how to store your boat properly during the off-season to protect it from environmental damage and ensure it’s ready for use when the season returns.
Safety Equipment Checklist – Explore the essential safety equipment every boat should have to comply with regulations and prioritize safety on the water.
Boat Maintenance Basics – Discover essential tips for maintaining your boat to keep it in excellent condition year-round.
Understanding Boat Transport and History of Boat Transport – Learn more about boat hauling and the history of boat transportation.
Safety Guidelines for Boat Owners – Access best practices for boat safety and regulations from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Boat transportation doesn’t have to be costly or stressful; even yacht transport can be efficiently and affordably done with the right hauling company. With Interstate Haulers, you’ll get professional service, reliable communication, and peace of mind knowing your vessel is in experienced hands. Our transparent pricing, comprehensive insurance, and decades of experience make us the smart choice for Maine boat transport.
Whether you’re moving a fishing boat to Portland, transporting a yacht to Bar Harbor, or shipping a sailboat from Maine to warmer waters, we have the expertise and equipment to handle your transportation needs. Our commitment to safety and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted partner for boat owners throughout Maine and beyond.
Your boat, RV, or trailer—delivered safely, every time. Get a quote today by filling out our online form or calling (910) 295-2244. Let us show you why Interstate Haulers has been the preferred choice for discerning boat owners for nearly three decades.
