.jpg){kind=link}
Whether you're moving a fishing boat across Texas, 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 Texas.
Where boats move in Texas
Boat transport requests in Texas commonly involve:
- the Gulf Coast (Galveston, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, South Padre)
- Houston-area lakes such as Lake Conroe
- Dallas–Fort Worth lakes (Lake Lewisville, Lake Texoma)
- Central Texas lakes (Lake Travis, the Highland Lakes)
- East Texas reservoirs (Lake Fork, Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend)
Best time to ship a boat in Texas
Texas has a long boating season, so boat moves happen year-round, with a spring peak before the summer lake season. Moves along I-10 to Louisiana and Florida, and north to Oklahoma and the Midwest, are common.
Typical boat transport costs from Texas
Indicative ranges for common moves out of Texas, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas → Florida | ~1,300 | $1,500–$3,250 | $2,200–$4,000 | $3,650–$7,650 |
| Texas → Louisiana | ~520 | $650–$1,350 | $1,000–$1,700 | $1,600–$3,200 |
| Texas → Oklahoma | ~360 | $450–$950 | $700–$1,150 | $1,100–$2,250 |
| Texas → Arizona | ~890 | $1,150–$2,350 | $1,700–$2,900 | $2,800–$5,500 |
| Texas → Colorado | ~750 | $950–$1,950 | $1,450–$2,450 | $2,350–$4,650 |
| Texas → Tennessee | ~960 | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,800–$3,100 | $3,000–$5,950 |
Ranges use published 2026 per-mile rates with adjustments for width and trailer. See how the calculator works.
Texas: big distances, year-round boating
Texas boating runs from Gulf Coast saltwater fishing to huge inland reservoirs. Because of the state's size, an in-state move can be as long as many interstate moves. Houston to El Paso is about 750 miles, Dallas to Corpus Christi about 400.
Popular routes to and from Texas
- Texas ↔ Florida along I-10: one of the busiest Gulf Coast corridors, roughly 900–1,400 miles depending on the cities.
- Texas ↔ Louisiana: short hops for fishing boats and bay boats.
- Texas → Oklahoma, Arkansas and the Midwest: lake boats and pontoons moving north.
- Texas ↔ Arizona and Colorado: lake boats heading west on I-10 and I-40.
Texas permits, explained simply
Texas issues oversize permits through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). For boats, the main thresholds are:
- Over 8 ft 6 in wide: an oversize permit is required.
- Wider loads: TxDMV's escort requirements depend on width, length and road type. For example, TxDMV lists one escort for loads over 16 ft up to 18 ft wide, and other requirements for long loads.
- Holidays: Texas restricts movement of some oversize loads around certain holidays.
Your transporter obtains the permits and chooses a permitted route. For the official rules, see the TxDMV escort and equipment requirements.
Gulf Coast logistics
Coastal boats are often stored at dry-stack marinas or on lifts. Pickups in Galveston, Port Aransas, Rockport and South Padre usually happen at a marina or ramp. Hurricane season (June–November) can affect scheduling along the coast.
Common boats moved in Texas
Bay boats, center consoles and flats boats on the coast; bass boats, pontoons and wake boats on the lakes. Most are trailerable and within legal width, which keeps costs down. See trailerable boat transport.
Pickup and delivery tips for Texas
Texas distances are long: Houston to El Paso alone is about 750 road miles. In-state moves can therefore cost as much as some interstate moves, so get an estimate before assuming a move will be cheap.
How to get boat transport quotes in Texas
- 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 · Michigan · Minnesota · New York · North Carolina · California · All states
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a boat from Texas?
It depends on distance, boat size and width. For example, our calculator estimates $2,200–$4,000 to move a 26 ft, 8.5 ft-wide boat from Texas to Florida (about 1,300 miles). Get real quotes for an exact price.
Do I need a permit to transport my boat in Texas?
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 Texas and in every other state on the route. Professional transporters obtain these permits.
Can you move a boat within Texas?
Yes. You can request quotes for in-state moves as well as interstate moves to or from Texas.
Last reviewed 2026-11-15.