Professional boat shipping in Chicago and throughout the Great Lakes region — seasonal haul-outs, yacht transport, marina pickups and interstate or long-distance moves.
Nationwide Boat Shipping provides reliable Chicago boat transport for powerboats, sailboats and oversize vessels. We manage local moves along Lake Michigan, interstate routes to Detroit, Minneapolis and New York, and seasonal repositioning to Florida. Our team coordinates marina pickups, yard loading, permitting and insurance documentation.
We move luxury and oversized boats using specialized trailers, permit coordination and route surveys. Crews handle cradle placement, securement and scheduling for yard launches and haul-outs at Chicago harbors including Burnham, DuSable, Belmont and Montrose.
We offer free quotes, clear pricing and tracking. Before pickup we verify measurements, plan protective preparation (canvas, electronics, masts) and review timing around yard capacity and seasonal demand.
Local knowledge of harbor schedules, bridge clearances and seasonal haul-out congestion matters. We use vetted carriers, marine-grade cradles and proper securement to protect your vessel door-to-dock.
We coordinate cargo insurance, measurement verification and dedicated support—trusted for dependable scheduling, fair pricing and careful handling.
We run regular Great Lakes and nationwide routes with expedited options. Whether regional repositioning, cross-country or staging for the Intracoastal, we tailor solutions.
Transporting a boat in the Chicago area requires timing around harbor haul-out schedules, weather windows and inland routing constraints. Our logistics team knows seasonal demand spikes and Great Lakes conditions that influence planning.
Moving or buying a boat in Illinois? We provide general guidance to help you prepare documentation and timing. Always confirm with state agencies or marine professionals.
Disclaimer: Nationwide Boat Shipping provides transport services and general information only. Consult appropriate Illinois or Coast Guard resources for legal/tax advice.
Sample transport costs from Chicago. Quotes vary with vessel dimensions, prep needs and route specifics.
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Boat Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL 60601 | Detroit, MI 48226 | 280 miles | 25' Powerboat | $1,800 - $2,200 |
| Chicago, IL 60601 | Minneapolis, MN 55401 | 410 miles | 30' Cruiser | $2,600 - $3,200 |
| Chicago, IL 60601 | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | 1,360 miles | 34' Express | $6,200 - $7,800 |
| Chicago, IL 60601 | Seattle, WA 98101 | 2,050 miles | 36' Sailboat (mast down) | $8,900 - $10,700 |
| Chicago, IL 60601 | New York, NY 10001 | 790 miles | 40' Motor Yacht | $6,000 - $7,400 |
Pricing updated October 2025. Request a tailored quote for your exact specifications.
We manage oversize and superload movement exceeding standard limits:
We handle winter repositioning to southern states and spring returns to Chicago harbors.
| Answers | |
|---|---|
| How much does it cost to ship a boat from Chicago to Detroit? | A 25-foot powerboat typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,200. Size, weight, prep needs (mast, canvas removal) and yard access affect the final price. |
| Do you handle winter haul-out and transport? | Yes. We schedule around fall haul-out peaks, coordinate shrinkwrap, draining systems and secure transport staging for efficient departure. |
| Can you move sailboats with the mast unstepped? | Absolutely. We arrange mast unstepping, padding, banding and secure placement on the trailer with cradle adjustments as needed. |
| What Chicago marinas do you service? | Burnham Harbor, DuSable Harbor, Belmont Harbor, Montrose Harbor, 31st Street Harbor, Jackson Park Inner/Outer and suburban yards. |
| When is the best time to transport a boat out of Chicago? | Late September to early November avoids deep winter conditions; spring returns often target April–May after ice-out and before peak launch congestion. |
Hours:
"...The driver communicated their arrival time and our boat arrived on time and in good shape."
— Ben Straub
