boat delivery services comparison guide

Getting a boat from A to B demands judgment, not luck. I weigh options by risk, cost, and control. A brief comparison helps you decide fast - without skipping diligence.

Options compared

• Captained delivery: vessel moves under its own power; flexible, but weather windows and wear apply.
• Overland transport: faster for smaller beam; permits and haul-out needed; no engine hours added.
• Freight/cradle: long-range, predictable; scheduling and fees may swell.

How I evaluate

1. Credentials: license, logbook, references, and insurance endorsements.
2. Route and weather: conservative plans, bail-out ports, fuel math.
3. Comms: AIS links, daily logs, photos.
4. Contract: scope, liability, exclusions, payment triggers.

Last spring in Annapolis, I watched a skipper delay 36 hours; the front passed, and a 32-foot sloop arrived on schedule.

Practical steps

Define scope, document condition, and agree spares. Ask for a written passage plan and a simple go/no-go rule. Costs vary with fuel and forecasts; ranges are sound, yet totals can shift. Finish with a post-delivery walk-through.

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