Boat transport in Michigan — any distance, any vessel

Most boat hauling jobs in Michigan run between $2.50 and $5.00 per loaded mile, depending on boat size, weight, and whether the route needs a wide load permit. A short haul from Detroit to Traverse City will cost less than a run to the Upper Peninsula or out of state. Oversized boats and tight delivery locations push the price up.

Michigan requires an oversize permit any time a load exceeds 8.5 feet wide on state roads. Most boats over 20 feet trigger this. Hansons Boat Removal pulls the correct Michigan DOT permits before the truck moves, so the haul is legal from the first mile. Some routes near Grand Rapids or the Straits of Mackinac may need a pilot car as well.

Yes. Hansons Boat Removal handles long-distance overland transport out of Michigan to any state. Each state along the route has its own permit requirements, and Hansons Boat Removal coordinates all of them before departure. Common runs include Michigan to Florida for winter storage, Michigan to the Carolinas, and cross-country hauls for buyers who purchased a boat remotely.

Michigan roads allow loads up to 14 feet wide with the right permits and escort vehicles, though anything over 12 feet wide gets complicated fast. Hansons Boat Removal has moved boats up to 50 feet in length through Michigan, including through tight corridors in Marquette and along US-31 near Petoskey. Width and height both factor into what equipment and route are required.

Two to three weeks out is a safe window for most Michigan boat hauling jobs. Spring launch season, roughly late April through June, books up fast across the state, especially for marinas around Lake St. Clair and Little Traverse Bay. If you're moving a wide load or planning a long-distance haul, give Hansons Boat Removal a month to line up permits, equipment, and scheduling.