Ship a Catamaran Boat Across Country Quickly, Safely, and Affordably

Catamaran Boat Dimensions: How Length, Beam, and Weight Affect Shipping Costs

The length, beam (width), and weight of your catamaran are key factors in determining how much it costs to ship a catamaran. Larger boats cost more to transport due to specialized equipment and permits that need to be used.

Catamarans range from 10 to 200 feet in length, with beams spanning 7 to 30 feet. The bigger the catamaran, the higher the transport fees, especially for wide-beamed models that are classified as oversized loads.

Getting accurate measurements help us select the safest and most efficient transport method. We offer a range of trailers designed for all catamaran sizes, including transport on your own trailer. When booking, provide your vessel’s exact dimensions so we can match it with the right equipment for secure Catamaran boat Shipping.

Oversized Catamaran boat Shipping: Why Width Often Increases Costs

Because of their double-hulled design, most catamarans qualify as oversized loads for transport. A beam wider than 8.5 feet (a common trait for catamarans) is what triggered the classification in most states.

Oversized shipping requires: Special permits. Pilot cars or escorts for safety and Specialized trailers or route planning. These extras add to the overall catamaran boat transport cost, but means that your catamaran boat will be safely delivered. Oversized rules vary by state, so we handle all compliance to avoid delays or fines.

Quoting Process for Catamaran Boat Hauling 

Upon calling Heavy Equipment Shipper, be prepared to answer the following questions about your Catamaran boat hauling:

1. What is the length, beam (width), height, and weight of the vessel?
2. Where does the catamaran need to be picked up?
3. Where does it need to be delivered?
4. Will the catamaran be on a trailer? If so, is the trailer operational?

How to Prepare Your Catamaran for Transport: Step-by-Step Guide

Before your Catamaran boat shipping begins, it’s important to properly prepare your catamaran for shipment. Proper preparation will help you avoid delays, extra fees, and any potential damage. Catamaran boat Shipping services like oversize load hauling, and heavy equipment transportation follow strict requirements to ensure safe and compliant delivery.

1. Before moving your catamaran, make sure to take off and safely store any items that could easily come loose. This includes things like antennas, radar devices, outside electronic equipment, draining tanks, and fishing gear.
2. We advise that you keep your fuel level around a quarter of a tank. This will help reduce weight and ensure that the bilge (the area where water collects) is empty.
3. Detach the battery.
4. Before transporting a catamaran, taking notes and photographs of the boat’s condition is essential. This practice allows for a detailed record of how the boat appears prior to pickup and upon arrival at its destination. A bill of lading will be generated both at the time of pickup and delivery, ensuring that the boat reaches its destination in the same condition as when it was dispatched. This documentation is crucial for tracking and accountability throughout the transportation process.
5. The catamaran’s mast must be removed and secured prior to shipment. We can assign a company to assist you in this if needed. 
6. It’s a smart move to clean and care for your boat and its outside surfaces before moving it. Doing this makes the transport process go more smoothly and allows you to easily spot any damage.

Shipping a catamaran boat on a cradle

Many catamarans need a cradle during transport because of their twin-hull design. What is a cradle? A cradle is a support frame, made from sturdy metal or treated wood, that distributes weight evenly across the hulls. Proper cradling prevents damage during storage, lifting, overland transport, or ocean shipping.

• Smaller catamarans may be transported directly on trailers, but larger or wider catamarans require 
• custom cradles.
• For international shipping, certified cradles are mandatory. They secure the catamaran against movement at sea and are required by insurance or ship owners.
• The boat and cradle are placed on a flat platform, either for roll-on/roll-off (RORO) transport or loading onto a ship.