BOAT vs VTI
SonicShares Global Shipping ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. BOAT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BOAT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $86M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.35% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +60.44% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +71.43% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.04% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +26.28% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Lucania Investments LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 3, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
BOAT vs VTI Performance
SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) is a ETF from Lucania Investments LLC and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BOAT returned +71.43% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, BOAT is up 60.44% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, BOAT compounded at +32.04% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +26.28% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BOAT has the edge at +27.45% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BOAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.3% compared with 15.3% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -33.9% for BOAT and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOAT charges 0.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOAT currently yields 6.35% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
BOAT and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2839 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BOAT or VTI?
BOAT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOAT or VTI?
Over the past year BOAT returned +71.43% vs +22.17% for VTI, so BOAT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BOAT annualized +27.45% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOAT or VTI?
BOAT has been the more volatile fund at 27.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: BOAT -33.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both BOAT and VTI?
BOAT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BOAT and VTI?
BOAT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2839 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOAT or VTI?
BOAT yields 6.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BOAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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