
Rhode Island Boat Transport Company
Overland Vessel Hauling
Professional boat shipping services for all vessel types with the right trailer, clear scheduling, and experienced handling from pickup to delivery.
★ Insured Transport ★ Nationwide Coverage
★ Permit Coordination ★ Trailer matching for all Vessel Types
Rhode Island Boat Transport Experts
Moving a boat through the Ocean State takes planning, skill, and the right equipment. Fortunately, our specialists make boat transport simple from the first phone call to delivery. As a dependable boat transport company in Rhode Island, we safely relocate vessels of all sizes, from small dinghies to massive cruisers. In addition, our localized experts know every harbor, bridge, and back road from Westerly to Woonsocket. Call (877) 330-0051 for a Rhode Island overland boat hauling quote.
How Boat Shipping Works

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Boat Transport Services for Every Vessel in Rhode Island
Shipping a boat should feel exciting, not stressful. That is why our boat transport services handle every situation an owner can have. For example, we offer local boat transport for quick trips across town. We also offer long-distance boat hauling for buyers who need to move a vessel that is far from home. Meanwhile, our cross-country boat transport routes connect New England to the West Coast. Need to go even farther? International boat shipping moves vessels to Canada, Mexico, and beyond. Additionally, state-to-state boat transport remains a favorite for snowbirds who head south each winter. Anyone searching for boat hauling near me will find our boat haulers throughout the state.
Many people choose door-to-door boat transport because it removes launch-day stress. Others prefer marina boat transport, where crews load and unload at the dock. Some owners rely on boat hauling to local full-service marinas along Narragansett Bay. Each spring and fall, our local marina hauling specialists handle Rhode Island boat transport for seasonal marina-to-marina moves. Likewise, we partner with boatyards, marinas, and yacht clubs for the seasonal hauling, launching, and transport of boats.

Vessels We Haul Across Rhode Island
We Will Transport It provides boat transportation for all types of vessels. For instance, small fishing boat shipping helps weekend anglers, while large yacht transport serves luxury owners. Pontoon boat hauling, motorboat transport, and sailboat shipping are often required during the summer. Beyond that, our specialists handle jet ski shipping, bass boat transport, and center console boat hauling. Safe houseboat shipping is also offered.
Shipping cabin cruisers requires experience, so our drivers pad and strap the load to ensure it moves without issues. Luxury yacht transport for overland hauling uses padded cradles and slow speeds. Meanwhile, bowrider hauling keeps family fun right on schedule when moving boats between a home and storage.
Overland Boat Shipping Rates in Rhode Island
Rhode Island boat transport costs start at $2.00 to $5.00 per mile for standard loads. Meanwhile, overland boat hauling for a short distance ranges from $150 to $300. The quote is based on total distance, weight, beam width, and trailer requirements. Our boat shipping cost calculator on our website provides an instant estimate. Boat shipping rates for state-to-state moves change with fuel prices and the season. We compare routes carefully. Rhode Island boat transport prices remain fair year-round. Affordable boat hauling never means cutting corners, either. Instead, we hand out the best boat transport quotes with zero hidden fees.
Hauling Oversized Boats in Rhode Island
Hauling oversized vessels requires permits, escorts, and route surveys. Our experienced specialists for oversized boats handle all the paperwork. Oversized boat shipping also relies on specialized trailers and pilot cars. When hauling larger vessels under low bridges, our drivers map every inch so the boat is not harmed.

Permits Needed for Boat Transport in Rhode Island
Moving a boat down the highway is not as simple as hooking up a trailer and going. Boats are wide, tall, and heavy. Once a load exceeds certain legal limits, Rhode Island requires a special permit from the state Department of Transportation.
In Rhode Island, a load is considered legal if it does not exceed 8 feet 6 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches tall, or 80,000 pounds. Many boats go past those limits. A cabin cruiser or a sailboat on a trailer often measures 10 or 12 feet across the beam. That means a permit is required.
Rhode Island Permits for Boat Hauling:
- Single-Trip Oversize Permit: This permit handles one move from the pickup to destination, and remains valid for 5 days. The fee starts at around $20. Our specialists apply through the state permitting system and provide the exact route used, load size, and the dates for the move.
- Annual Blanket Permit: Companies that move boats year-round can get this permit instead of paying for each transportation. It costs around $100 per year and handles repeated moves within the state, as long as the load stays under the set size limits.
- Multi-State Consortium Permit: Rhode Island teams up with Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont on a shared permit program. One application handles travel through all the member states. This saves time when a boat travels from Rhode Island to a marina in another part of New England.
- Extra-Large Load Permit: Loads that exceed the normal permit limits require additional review. State engineers check the route for any low bridges and weak spots. The application must be submitted at least 5 working days before the vessel move can begin.
Rules That Come With the Permit
Large loads must display bright orange or red flags at the corners and hang large signs that read “Oversize Load” on the front and back. Very large boats also require escort cars to drive alongside and warn traffic. Travel happens only during daylight hours, and the state does not allow oversized moves on weekends and major holidays.
The route rules are also important. Some bridges and construction zones in the state have strict width and weight limits, so drivers must follow the exact path listed on the permit.
Our specialists handle all this paperwork before the boat leaves its location. The permit process keeps roads safe, protects bridges, and makes sure every boat reaches the water in one piece.

Major Routes for Boat Hauling in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a long coastline for a small state. Boats move across the state every week, headed to marinas, boatyards, dealers, and ports. Since the state is small, a drive from one end to the other usually takes no more than an hour. Still, our specialists choose which road to take with care. A boat on a trailer is tall and wide, so the route must provide sufficient clearance and maneuvering room.
The Main Roads Our Haulers Use:
- Interstate 95: This highway is the most commonly used route for boat transport in the state. It goes from the Connecticut line, through Providence, and up to Massachusetts. Haulers use it to reach the Port of Providence and to move boats in and out of New England.
- Route 4: This road branches off I-95 and heads south toward the coast. It gives drivers a fast link to the Quonset area and the Port of Davisville, where many boats get built, stored, and shipped.
- Route 1: Known locally as the coast road, Route 1 follows the southern shoreline. Drivers take it to reach Point Judith, Galilee, and many marinas spread across South County.
- Route 138: This route crosses the bay over the Jamestown and Newport bridges. It moves boats to and from Newport, one of the busiest sailing towns in the country. The bridges offer plenty of height, but wind and traffic can slow down a wide load.
- Interstate 295: This goes around the west side of Providence. Haulers use it so they do not go through city traffic when a boat needs to pass through the area without stopping.
- Interstate 195: This highway goes east from Providence toward Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Right now, the Washington Bridge on this route has strict weight limits and blocks oversize loads during normal hours, so many haulers plan around it until repairs are finished.
Get a Free Rhode Island Boat Transport Quote Today
Rhode Island boat hauling season fills up fast, and our boat moving specialists offer effortless boat transport solutions for any budget. With careful transportation for various types of vessels. Call (877) 330-0051 and transport your vessel safely and efficiently with our expert services.
What is the cost of moving a 40-foot boat?
The cost of transporting a 40-foot boat by road is typically between $2.75 and $3.75 per mile. If you’re shipping the boat, the cost can range from $1 to $3 per mile for distances under 1,000 miles. Crewing a ship can be a more cost-effective option, with the cost per mile ranging from $0.50 to $1.50. However, this option requires more time and effort.
How much does it cost to ship a boat from Florida to California?
Base rates for shipping boats between Florida and California range from $3,000 to $5,000—shipments by road and rail cost between $1.50 and $3.75 per mile. Depending on your boat’s size and the distance it needs to travel, shipping by sea can cost between $1.25 and $15.00 per mile.
What is the best way to move a 40-foot container?
Moving 40ft shipping containers with cargo inside is best accomplished with a crane. It can lift heavier loads than an average forklift. Forklifts require certified operators to operate them safely, so if you need to be certified, you would be better off hiring a professional.
Shipping a boat job completed for us

2022 Midnight Express 43 shipping from Portsmouth, RI 02871 to North Miami Beach, FL 33154. The vessel had five engines, 43 ft long, 12.6 beams, and 12.6 high, and the customer needed a million dollars in insurance since it was valued at over 1.1 million dollars. The route was approximately 1,525 miles. Once we pulled permits and got our escorts in line, we forwarded over our insurance and made arrangements at the marina to pick them up. It took our driver three days to deliver.


Our company ships boats across the country
Rhode Island Ports That Handle Boat Transport
Main Ports for Boat Transport
- Port of Providence: This is the largest deep-water port in the state. It is located at the top of Narragansett Bay and handles heavy cargo, large yachts, and commercial vessels. Cranes at this port can lift large boats on and off ships and trucks.
- Port of Davisville at Quonset: Located in North Kingstown, this port is one of the busiest auto and cargo ports on the East Coast. It also handles the boat building industry nearby, so our specialists move new and used vessels through this area often.
- Newport Harbor: Newport is famous for sailing and hosts some of the world’s largest regattas. The harbor has marinas, boatyards, and travel lifts, making it a common pickup and drop-off location for sailboats and motor yachts.
- Point Judith at Galilee: This port in Narragansett supports one of the largest fishing fleets in New England. It also handles ferries and smaller recreational boats, and haulers use its ramps and yards for loading.
- East Greenwich and Warwick Harbors: These locations on the western side of the bay are home to many marinas. Local transport companies pick up boats here during the spring launch season and fall haul out season.




