Shiply: Simplifying Boat Transport in Durham!
Reasons to Choose Shiply for Boat Transport
Shiply aims to alleviate the hassle of boat transport by assisting you in discovering an economical and dependable service that suits your needs. Simply post a listing on our platform and relax as transport providers approach you with offers to relocate your boat. Once you find a quote that appeals to you, contact the driver, confirm the details, and await the collection of your boat.
Shiply can help, regardless of whether you require transportation for a narrowboat, sailboat, small boat, or yacht. Perhaps you've recently purchased a new boat and need it delivered, or you need to get your boat to an inland destination. Maybe it's too sizable for you to transport on your own. Whatever the circumstance, Shiply can aid you in finding a trustworthy and professional company to ship your boat at a fair price.
Benefits of Selecting a Specialized Boat Hauler
Opting for a specialized boat hauler will ensure you're in capable hands. Boat haulage companies in the UK and internationally are well-versed in working with boats, marinas, and ports, and should assist you with all aspects of the transportation process.
By listing your boat transportation on Shiply, our network of transport providers will provide you with price quotes. You simply need to complete a form with basic information about the boat to be transported, and you will receive complimentary quotes in pounds sterling or euros, depending on your location. After receiving multiple quotes, you can compare companies based on their qualifications, customer reviews, and prices.
Factors Influencing Boat Transport Costs
The expense of boat transport will vary based on several factors, but on average, you can anticipate paying between £100 to £260 for shorter distances and between £450 and £750 for longer journeys. In the UK, the average cost per mile for standard boat transport is approximately £1.50, but as mentioned, this can fluctuate depending on the boat's size.
The dimensions of the boat being transported will significantly impact the cost. For instance, small boat transport is straightforward as they can often be hauled by road, whereas larger vessels like sailboats or narrowboats will require special attention and likely incur higher transportation costs. A narrowboat may necessitate specialized narrowboat movers due to its unique size.
Whether the boat needs to be transported domestically within the UK or internationally will also influence the pricing, as international boat transport will be considerably more expensive and may require different companies than those in the UK that specialize in road transport.
Utilizing Shiply to Locate a Boat Transporter
To create a listing on Shiply, you only need to complete a brief form with details about your boat, as well as the pick-up and drop-off dates and locations. Once your listing is posted, you will start receiving complimentary quotes from various transport providers. Some may reach out to you to better understand the required services, enabling them to provide an accurate quote for the job.
There are two primary methods of boat transportation, and the method you choose will depend on your boat's destination. If your boat needs to be transported in a specific manner, please indicate this in your Shiply listing.
- By road - If your vessel needs to be hauled within the same country, road transportation is likely the best option. If you're moving only parts of a boat or a non-operational boat, transportation by road is your sole choice.
- By sea or river - If your craft needs to be sailed from port to port, you can hire a crew to accomplish this. Crews should inspect your vessel, plan routes, and check shipping forecasts on your behalf.
After receiving quotes, be sure to verify the credentials and feedback of any skippers and crew members by viewing the transport providers' company profiles on Shiply. If you're transporting a sailboat, look for crews with RYA or MCA accreditation.
Regardless of the type of transportation, it's crucial to check the level of experience and professional insurance coverage they offer (do not accept personal insurance) to make the most informed decision for your specific situation.
Don't hesitate to ask the companies any questions about the transportation process, as they often have extensive experience.
Finding the right boat transport service can be overwhelming if you plan to compare all the prices and credentials. Larger companies might offer lower prices, while smaller, family-run transporters could provide a more personalized service.
Readying Your Boat for Transport
If your vessel is being transported by land, there are several preparatory tasks to ensure a smooth transportation process. Plan as far in advance as possible to allow sufficient time for preparation and finding a suitable transport service. Boat deliveries can be carried out in various ways, but regardless of the method, ensure your boat is properly prepared to prevent damage, leakage, or dangerous loose ends during the journey.
- Assess the condition - Thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your vessel for any pre-existing damage. This way, you can determine if it sustains any damage during transit. Consider taking photographs of the condition before its journey.
- Remove valuables - Remove any valuable items from your boat before transportation, as these will not be insured.
- Empty the bilge, water, refuse stores, and most of the fuel - Pump out wastewater and other liquids. Empty any freshwater tanks and garbage, disconnect fuel tanks, and remove most of the gasoline to make the boat lighter for delivery and prevent potential leakages during transport.
- Disconnect battery and tidy cables - This precaution will help avoid draining the battery and any electrical shortages. Despite being a waterborne vehicle, your boat might be exposed to different weather conditions when traveling on a trailer. Ensure that all exposed electronics are covered and battery cables are tucked away.
- Secure items - If they aren't traveling separately, stow all accessories and life jackets in lockers. Secure all doors and compartments in the galley and washrooms. Also, ensure that the canopy is extra secure, as it might not be built to travel at the same speeds as a trailer.
- For sailboats - Removing all winches, rigging, etc., from the mast is important (also provide padding for points at which the mast will be tied down). Only remove pulpits, stanchions, and lifelines if they will make the boat too large to transport easily.
Consult with your boatyard for any additional precautions they consider important for safe transport. If your boat is going to be sailed to its destination, arrange with the captain what preparations need to be made before the handover.
Once your boat is ready, all that remains is waiting for the transporter to arrive. After accepting a quote on Shiply, you can communicate with the transport provider to arrange the final details.
If any changes occur that may differ from what your transport provider expects, ensure they are contacted and informed so they can plan accordingly.
Finalizing Your Boat's Transportation
When your vessel safely reaches its destination on the delivery date, your boat transporter should assist you with unloading or docking and may help with other aspects of maintenance and checks (depending on what you agreed upon). If there are any additional services you need assistance with, specify them at the beginning of the process when listing your required service on Shiply.
In any case, it's important to inspect your craft post-transit to ensure it hasn't been damaged and ask the transporter about any discrepancies so they can be resolved promptly.
Once your boat is safely docked or secured, remove the tape and other securing materials, refill water tanks, reattach batteries and motors, or re-rig your sailboat so it's ready for use again.
When you're satisfied that the transportation job has been completed, please leave a review for the service you used on Shiply on their company profile. Providing feedback is extremely helpful to us, as it assists other users in choosing a transport provider for their own job and helps transporters continuously improve their service.
Reasons People Frequently Move Boats to and from Durham
Durham, situated in County Durham, UK, is a favored destination for boat enthusiasts. Many individuals opt to move their boats to and from Durham for various reasons. The city is located on the River Wear, which offers excellent opportunities for boating and water activities. Moreover, Durham is home to several marinas and boatyards that provide storage, maintenance, and repair services for boats of all sizes.
Another reason people move their boats to Durham is to explore the stunning surrounding areas. The city is situated close to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which boasts breathtaking landscapes and scenic routes for boating enthusiasts. The nearby coastline also offers ample opportunities for sailing and other water activities.
Furthermore, Durham is a historical and cultural hub, with numerous attractions and events that draw visitors from across the UK and beyond. Moving a boat to Durham allows owners to enjoy these attractions while also having easy access to their vessel for leisure activities.
Whether you're relocating to Durham, visiting for a holiday, or simply need to transport your boat for maintenance or storage, Shiply can assist you in finding reliable and affordable boat transport services to and from this charming city in County Durham, UK.
