I've shipped by common carrier by just wrapping the boat with bubble wrap and stretch wrap. This way the boat was still light enough to be moved by hand instead of getting prodded at by a forklift. I have also crated a boat for shipment overseas. The crate weighed 350 lbs (contents 35 lbs). This puts it into a whole-nuther catagory. The trick to getting the best price is the proper freight classification. I forget the classification, but I think it was something like "350".

The other option is to check with your local kayak shop and see how they recieve their inventory. There are some guys in the business of transporting canoes and kayaks. You may be able to add your boat to their load.

: I need to ship a boat from Cleveland to southern New Hampshire. Anybody have
: any experience with shipping boats? Any recommendations or caveats?

: I'm going to check with some common carriers, such as Yellow Freight. Does
: anyone know if moving companies like Mayflower or United Van Lines will
: take an item like a kayak along with other shipments?