Need help? Our experts are ready to find the solution you need.
Shipping a Boat to Alaska or Hawaii
Shipping your boat to and from Alaska or Hawaii is easy with Alaska Marine Lines. Our barge service is a reliable and economical option for those interested in traveling, fishing, or looking to relocate to Alaska or Hawaii. Our knowledgeable and friendly team will answer any questions and make sure your boat is transported safely.
We offer regular service between Seattle and Southeast Alaska, Central Alaska, and Hawaii, as well as seasonal service to Western Alaska and locations in the Arctic region. Boats can also be shipped between Hawaii and Alaska. We recommend shipping your boat on a trailer, but if not possible, please check with our local Service Center on boat lifting options.
What you need to know:
- We provide transportation of your boat between our Service Centers only. View a list of our locations.
- Shipper must furnish necessary skids, cradles, chocks or other devices necessary to ensure safe handling. Alaska Marine Lines does not provide boat cradles but can refer customers to a third-party.
- Boat dimensions are determined by measuring the width of the boat at its widest point by the length of the boat at its longest point. This may include trailers, railings, motor, propellers, masts, swim steps, etc. For a boat on a trailer, this includes the tongue or hitches (tip of the tongue to back of the bumper).
- Boats requiring a crane for loading must be scheduled in advance with a third party. A waiver is required and additional charges will apply.
- A signed waiver is required prior to shipping.
- Customers shipping to Alaska – Personal effects are allowed in the boat, but are only accepted at a release valuation of $0.10 per pound. This means if the personal effects are damaged in transit, the maximum coverage offered is $0.10 per pound. The weight of the personal effects must be noted on the bill of lading for this coverage to apply.
- Customers shipping to Hawaii – Personal effects are prohibited from being loaded into the boat.
- Exceptions may apply and will be provided at time of booking.
Follow these instructions for shipping your boat
- Boats on trailers must be securely strapped down to the trailer for handling.
- Tongue and swing hitches should be folded, if possible. Alaska Marine Lines cannot perform this task for liability reasons.
- Household goods/personal effects are allowed to ship within boats, to Alaska locations only. Items loaded cannot exceed the height of the boat. Household goods are covered by cargo liability not exceeding $0.10/lb.
- Hazardous materials are not allowed inside the boat. This includes but not limited to such items as fire extinguishers and propane tanks.
- An exemption from Washington sales tax may be available for residents of Alaska and Hawaii. Learn more
- Your boat shipment must be booked in advance. To request a booking number, please submit our form or contact us.
- Please provide your booking number when dropping your boat to our Service Center. For hours of operation and other information view a list of our locations.
- View our sailing schedules to get sailing dates, transit time and cargo cutoff times.
- Track your shipment with the AML tracking number, or booking number, in our tracking center.
- Receive automatic email notifications with Shipment Updates when your shipment departs origin, arrives at destination, and the date it will be available for pickup.
- Note: after the barge arrives at its destination please allow time for unloading before your shipment is available for pickup. Our team will contact you by phone or email to let you know when your shipment can be picked up.
Our team will contact you by phone or email to let you know when your shipment can be picked up. View a list of our Service Centers for address information and hours of operation to pick up your boat.
We have the equipment experience solutions for your freight needs!
Get a Quote
Submit a request to receive a personalized quote from one of our freight professionals.
Book a Shipment
Complete our form to book your shipment. Include your quote number if you have one.