🌸 Seasonal Spring Transport (March–May)
Spring Florida to Great Lakes Boat Transportation
Peak season boat shipping from Florida to Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Expert handling for the spring migration to the Great Lakes.
Peak season boat shipping from Florida to Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Expert handling for the spring migration to the Great Lakes.
Every spring, thousands of boats make the journey from Florida winter storage back to the Great Lakes region. Boat owners from Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin rely on professional transport services to reunite them with their vessels for the upcoming boating season on Lakes Michigan, Erie, Huron, and Superior.
Nationwide Boat Shipping understands the unique timing requirements of Great Lakes boating. Ice-out dates vary by lake and location, and launch schedules at northern marinas fill quickly. Our team coordinates with Great Lakes marinas to ensure your boat arrives exactly when you need it—ready for spring commissioning and launching.
The Great Lakes boating season is short but spectacular. Rather than leave boats unused during harsh winters, many owners winter their vessels in Florida marinas where they can access year-round fishing and cruising. Spring transport brings boats home in time for walleye runs, salmon fishing, and summer cruising on America's inland seas.
Peak transport season runs late March through May, coordinating with ice-out dates across the Great Lakes region. Book your spring transport early—March slots fill by January! Call (877) 278-3135 to reserve your spot.
We transport boats from all major Florida locations to Great Lakes destinations. Here are the most popular seasonal routes:
Florida to Michigan
Miami to Detroit: ~1,400 miles | $2,100 - $3,500
Fort Lauderdale to Traverse City: ~1,500 miles | $2,250 - $3,750
Tampa to Grand Haven: ~1,250 miles | $1,900 - $3,100
Florida to Illinois
Jacksonville to Chicago: ~1,050 miles | $1,600 - $2,600
Miami to Waukegan: ~1,450 miles | $2,200 - $3,600
Florida to Ohio
Fort Lauderdale to Cleveland: ~1,300 miles | $1,950 - $3,250
Key West to Sandusky: ~1,550 miles | $2,300 - $3,900
Florida to Wisconsin
Miami to Milwaukee: ~1,450 miles | $2,200 - $3,600
Tampa to Green Bay: ~1,350 miles | $2,000 - $3,400
*Seasonal rates apply March–May. Book by February for best availability. Actual costs vary based on boat size, weight, and specific locations.
Southern Great Lakes (Lake Erie, southern Lake Michigan) typically see ice-out by late March to early April. Northern waters and upper lakes may remain frozen into May. We coordinate your transport with local ice-out conditions and marina launch schedules to ensure perfect timing.
Transit time: 3-6 days from Florida to most Great Lakes locations. Expedited service available for time-critical deliveries.
Great Lakes boats range from fishing vessels to luxury cruisers. We handle all types heading north for the season:
Center consoles, walleye boats, and Great Lakes fishing vessels are our specialty. Many tournament anglers winter in Florida and transport north for spring walleye and early salmon runs.
Power cruisers and trawlers heading to the Great Lakes for summer cruising receive expert handling. We coordinate with destination marinas for launching and commissioning services.
Great Lakes sailors often winter in Florida. We transport sailboats of all sizes, coordinating mast-stepping and rigging at northern destinations for the spring sailing season.
High-performance boats and ski boats need specialized transport. Our carriers use proper cradles and securement for sensitive hulls during the journey north.
We monitor Great Lakes ice conditions and coordinate delivery timing with local conditions, ensuring your boat arrives when marinas can receive it.
We handle hundreds of Florida-to-Great Lakes transports each spring. Early booking ensures your preferred dates during this busy season.
