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Whether you're moving a fishing boat across Minnesota, bringing a cruiser home after buying it out of state, or sending your boat south for the winter, the process is the same: describe your boat and route once, and we pass your request to up to three independent boat transporters who serve Minnesota.
Where boats move in Minnesota
Boat transport requests in Minnesota commonly involve:
- Lake Minnetonka and the Twin Cities metro lakes
- Brainerd Lakes and Gull Lake
- Lake Mille Lacs
- Lake Superior's North Shore (Duluth)
- the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers
Best time to ship a boat in Minnesota
With a short open-water season, Minnesota moves bunch up in spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Snowbird moves to Florida, Arizona and Texas are common in autumn.
Typical boat transport costs from Minnesota
Indicative ranges for common moves out of Minnesota, from our boat shipping cost calculator. Distances are approximate road miles between state centres, so your actual route may differ. These are not quotes.
| Route | Approx. miles | 20 ft boat on own trailer | 26 ft, 8.5 ft beam | 34 ft, 11 ft beam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota → Florida | ~1,720 | $1,950–$4,250 | $2,950–$5,300 | $4,850–$10,150 |
| Minnesota → Wisconsin | ~290 | $350–$750 | $550–$950 | $900–$1,800 |
| Minnesota → Iowa | ~360 | $450–$950 | $700–$1,150 | $1,100–$2,250 |
| Minnesota → Michigan | ~610 | $800–$1,600 | $1,150–$2,000 | $1,900–$3,800 |
| Minnesota → Arizona | ~1,480 | $1,700–$3,650 | $2,550–$4,550 | $4,150–$8,700 |
| Minnesota → Texas | ~1,270 | $1,450–$3,150 | $2,150–$3,900 | $3,550–$7,500 |
Ranges use published 2026 per-mile rates with adjustments for width and trailer. See how the calculator works.
Minnesota's lake boat moves
Minnesota has more than 10,000 lakes and one of the highest rates of boat ownership in the U.S. Most moves involve pontoons, fishing boats and wake boats moving between lakes, to and from dealers, or south for winter.
When boats move in Minnesota
| Period | What's moving |
|---|---|
| April–June | Ice-out launches, dealer deliveries, boats returning from the south |
| June–August | Lake-to-lake moves and private sales |
| September–October | Haul-outs, moves to storage, snowbird moves to Florida, Arizona and Texas |
| November–March | Limited moves; winter roads and storage access can slow pickups |
Popular routes from Minnesota
- Minnesota → Florida: about 1,500–1,800 road miles, a common snowbird move.
- Minnesota → Arizona: lake boats heading to Lake Havasu and Lake Pleasant for winter.
- Minnesota ↔ Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas: regional lake moves and private sales.
Permits and restrictions in Minnesota
MnDOT issues oversize permits. Its standard oversize permit covers loads up to 12 ft wide; wider loads need route approval, and MnDOT's escort requirements apply to the widest loads. Oversize loads can face time-of-day restrictions in the Twin Cities and Duluth metro areas, and spring load restrictions can limit heavy loads on some roads during the thaw. Official information: MnDOT escort requirements.
Pontoons and lake access
Many Minnesota pontoons are exactly 8 ft 6 in wide and travel without permits, but larger tritoons are often wider. Lake cabins often have narrow, unpaved access roads and private ramps, so describe access when you request quotes. See pontoon boat transport.
Pickup and delivery tips for Minnesota
Many Minnesota boats are pontoons and fishing boats on their own trailers, which are often the cheapest boats to move. Make sure the trailer is road-ready for a long trip.
How to get boat transport quotes in Minnesota
- Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes and boat details in our quote form.
- We share your request with up to three suitable transporters.
- Compare their quotes, check their USDOT/MC authority and insurance, and choose.
Boat transport in other states
Florida · Texas · Michigan · New York · North Carolina · California · All states
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a boat from Minnesota?
It depends on distance, boat size and width. For example, our calculator estimates $2,950–$5,300 to move a 26 ft, 8.5 ft-wide boat from Minnesota to Florida (about 1,720 miles). Get real quotes for an exact price.
Do I need a permit to transport my boat in Minnesota?
If the loaded width is over 8 ft 6 in (102 in), or the height or weight exceeds legal limits, an oversize permit is needed in Minnesota and in every other state on the route. Professional transporters obtain these permits.
Can you move a boat within Minnesota?
Yes. You can request quotes for in-state moves as well as interstate moves to or from Minnesota.
Last reviewed 2026-11-15.