Shiply Simplifies Boat Transport
Shiply eliminates the stress of boat transportation by assisting you in locating a dependable and cost-effective service. Simply post your boat on our website and wait for transport companies to provide you with estimates. Once you discover a quote that appeals to you, reach out to the transporter, verify the specifics, and await the collection of your boat.
Reasons for Requiring Boat Transport
Whether you need to transport a narrowboat, sailboat, small boat, or yacht, Shiply can help. Perhaps you've recently acquired a new boat and need it delivered? Or maybe you need to get your boat to a land-based location? It might be too large for you to move on your own. Regardless of the circumstance, Shiply can assist you in finding a professional and reliable company to transport your boat at a fair price. Opting for a specialized boat hauler will ensure that 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 support you throughout the entire transportation process.
Factors Influencing Boat Transport Costs
The expense of boat transport varies based on several aspects, but on average, you can anticipate paying between £100 and £260 for shorter distances and between £450 and £750 for longer trips. The average cost per mile for standard boat transport in the UK is around £1.50, but this can fluctuate depending on the boat's size. Small boat transport is more straightforward as they can often be hauled by road, while larger sailboats or narrowboats require special consideration and may be more expensive to move. Narrowboats may need specialist narrowboat movers due to their unique dimensions. International boat transport will be significantly more costly than domestic transport within the UK.
Utilizing Shiply to Locate a Boat Transporter
To create a listing on Shiply, simply complete a brief form with information about your boat, pick-up and drop-off dates, and locations. You'll begin receiving free quotes from various transport providers, some of whom may contact you for additional details to provide an accurate estimate. If you require your boat to be transported in a specific manner, please indicate this in your Shiply listing.
There are two primary methods of boat transportation, and the method you choose will depend on where your boat needs to go:
1. By road - If your vessel needs to be hauled within the same country, road transportation is likely the most suitable option. If you're moving parts of a boat or a non-starting boat, transportation by road is your only choice.
2. By sea or river - If your craft needs to be sailed port-to-port, you can hire a crew to do this. Crews should inspect your vessel, plot courses, and check shipping forecasts for you.
When you receive quotes, check the credentials and feedback of any skippers and crew hands on the transport providers' company profiles on Shiply. If you're moving a sailboat, look for RYA or MCA accredited crews. Always check the level of experience and professional insurance cover (do not accept personal insurance) to make an informed decision.
Don't hesitate to ask the companies any questions about the transportation process, as they often have a high level of expertise. Finding the right boat transport service can be overwhelming if you compare all the prices and credentials. Larger companies might charge less, while smaller family-run transporters could offer a more personalized service.
Readying Your Boat for Transport
If your vessel is being transported by land, there are several preparatory tasks to ensure smooth transportation. Plan ahead to give yourself enough time to prepare and find a suitable transport service. Regardless of the delivery method, make sure your boat is prepared correctly to prevent damage, leakage, or dangerous loose ends during the journey.
1. Check the condition - Thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your vessel for any previous damage. Take photographs of the condition before its journey.
2. Remove valuables - Take anything valuable off your boat before transport, as these will not be insured.
3. Empty the bilge, water, refuse stores, and most of the fuel - Pump out wastewater and other liquids. Empty freshwater tanks and rubbish, disconnect fuel tanks, and empty most of the gasoline to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leakages during transport.
4. Disconnect battery and tidy cables - This precaution helps avoid draining the battery and any electrical shortages. Cover all exposed electronics and tuck away battery cables.
5. Secure everything - If accessories and life jackets aren't travelling separately, stow them away in lockers. Secure all doors and compartments in the galley and washrooms. Ensure the canopy is extra secure, as it might not be built to travel at the same speeds as a trailer.
6. For sailboats - Remove all winches, rigging, etc. from the mast and 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 other precautions they recommend for safe transport. If your boat is being sailed to its destination, arrange with the captain what preparations need to be made before the handover.
Once your boat is ready, wait for the transporter to arrive. If any changes occur that may differ from what your transport provider expects, contact them and make them aware 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 with unloading or docking and may help with other maintenance and checks, depending on what you agreed. If you need help with any other services, specify this at the beginning of the process when listing your required service on Shiply.
Check your craft post-transit to ensure it hasn't been damaged and ask the transporter about any discrepancies so they can be sorted out quickly. 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 to be used again.
When you're satisfied that the transportation job is complete, please leave a review for the service you used on their Shiply company profile. Leaving 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.
Boat Transport in Hereford, Herefordshire, UK
Hereford, situated in Herefordshire, UK, is a sought-after destination for boat owners. Many individuals frequently move boats to and from Hereford for various reasons, such as acquiring a new boat, relocating, or participating in boating events. The city's proximity to the River Wye and other waterways makes it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts.
If you require boat transport in Hereford, Shiply can connect you with reliable and experienced boat transport providers in the area. Whether you're moving a small boat, yacht, or narrowboat, our network of transporters can handle your specific requirements. Simply create a listing on our platform, and you'll receive competitive quotes from Hereford boat transport companies ready to assist you with your boat transportation needs.
