Economical & Dependable Boat Shipping Simplified
Shiply eliminates the inconvenience of boat transportation by linking you with cost-effective, trustworthy services tailored to your needs. Merely create a posting on our site & relax as transport companies send you estimates to ship your boat. Once you discover a quote that appeals to you, contact the transporter, verify the details, & await the collection of your boat.
The Importance of Expert Boat Shipping
Whether you require the transportation of a narrowboat, sailboat, small craft, or yacht, Shiply can help. Perhaps you've recently acquired a new vessel & need it delivered? Maybe you need to transport your boat to a land-based destination? It might be too sizable for you to move on your own? Regardless of the circumstance, Shiply can assist you in finding a dependable & professional company to ship your boat at a fair price. Opting for a specialized boat hauler will ensure your vessel is in capable hands. Boat haulage firms in the UK & globally possess the knowledge to collaborate with boats, marinas, & ports and should guide you through all facets of the transportation process.
Posting your boat transportation needs on Shiply will grant you access to our network of transport providers who will offer you price estimates. Simply complete a form with essential information about your boat & you'll receive complimentary quotes in pounds sterling or euros, contingent on your location. After receiving multiple quotes, you can evaluate companies based on their qualifications, customer reviews, & prices.
The Expense of Boat Shipping
The expense of boat transportation varies based on several aspects, but on average, you can anticipate paying between £100 to £260 for shorter distances & between £450 & £750 for longer trips. The average cost per mile for standard boat shipping is approximately £1.50 per mile in the UK, but this can fluctuate based on the boat's size. Small boat transportation is relatively straightforward as they can often be hauled by road, whereas larger sailboats or narrowboats necessitate special attention & will likely incur higher transportation costs. Narrowboats may require specialized narrowboat movers due to their distinctive size. International boat shipping will cost substantially more than domestic transport & may necessitate different companies that specialize in international shipping.
Utilizing Shiply to Locate a Boat Transporter
To create a listing on Shiply, simply complete a brief form with specifics about your boat, pick-up & drop-off dates, & locations. Once your listing is finalized, you'll begin receiving complimentary quotes from various transport providers. Some may contact you for additional information to better comprehend the required services & provide an accurate estimate.
There are two primary methods of boat transportation, & the approach you select will depend on where your boat needs to go. If your boat requires a specific transportation method, 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 optimal choice. For non-starting boats or boat parts, transportation by road is your sole option.
By sea or river – If your craft needs to be sailed port-to-port, you can hire a crew to accomplish this. Crews should inspect your vessel, plot courses, & check shipping forecasts on your behalf.
After receiving quotes, verify the credentials & feedback of any skippers & crew members by viewing the transport providers' company profiles on Shiply. If you're moving a sailboat, seek RYA or MCA accredited crews.
With any type of transportation, it's crucial to check the level of experience & professional insurance coverage offered (do not accept personal insurance) to make the most informed decision for your situation.
Don't hesitate to inquire with the companies about any aspects of the transportation process, as they often possess a high level of expertise.
Finding the ideal boat transport service can be daunting if you intend to compare all the prices & credentials. Larger companies might charge less, while smaller family-run transporters could provide a more personalized service.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
If your vessel is being transported by land, there are several preparatory tasks to ensure smooth transportation. Plan ahead to allow yourself ample time to prepare for the transport & find a suitable transport service. Boat deliveries can be carried out in various ways, but regardless, ensure your boat is prepared correctly to prevent damage, leakage, or dangerous loose ends during the journey.
Assess the condition – Thoroughly examine the interior & exterior of your vessel for any pre-existing damage. This way, you can determine if it sustains any during transit. Consider capturing photographs of the condition before its journey.
Remove valuables – Take anything valuable off your boat before it's transported, as these items will not be insured.
Empty the bilge, water, refuse stores, & most of the fuel – Pump out wastewater & other liquids. Empty freshwater tanks & rubbish, disconnect fuel tanks, & remove most of the gasoline to make the boat lighter & prevent potential leakages during transport.
Disconnect battery & tidy cables – This precaution helps avoid draining the battery & any electrical shortages. Despite being a waterborne vehicle, your boat might be exposed to different weather conditions when travelling on a trailer. Ensure all exposed electronics are covered & battery cables are tucked away.
Secure everything – If accessories & life jackets aren't travelling separately, stow them away in lockers. Secure all doors & compartments in the galley & washrooms. Ensure the canopy is extra secure, as it might not be built to travel at the same speeds as a trailer.
For sailboats – Remove all winches, rigging, etc. from the mast (also provide padding for points at which the mast will be tied down). Only remove pulpits, stanchions, & lifelines if they will make the boat too large to transport easily.
Check with your boatyard for any other precautions they might think 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 prior to the handover.
Once your boat is ready, all you need to do is wait for the transporter to arrive. After accepting a quote on Shiply, you'll be able to communicate directly with the transport provider.
If any changes occur that may differ from what your transport provider is expecting, make sure to contact them & make them aware so they can plan accordingly.
Finalizing Your Boat's Shipping
When your vessel safely reaches its destination on the delivery date, your boat transporter should assist you with unloading or docking & may help with other aspects of maintenance & checks (depending on what you agreed). If there are any other services you need assistance with, specify these at the beginning of the process when listing your required service on Shiply.
It's important to examine your craft post-transit to ensure it hasn't been damaged & ask the transporter about any discrepancies so they can be resolved promptly.
Once your boat is safely docked or secured, remove the tape & other securing materials, refill water tanks, reattach batteries & motors, or re-rig your sailboat so it's ready to be used 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. Leaving feedback is extremely helpful to us as it assists other users when choosing a transport provider for their own job & helps transporters continuously improve their service.
Boat Shipping in St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK
St Albans, a historic city in Hertfordshire, UK, is a popular location for boat owners. Many people often move boats to & from St Albans for various reasons, such as purchasing a new boat, relocating, or participating in boating events. The city's proximity to the River Ver & the Grand Union Canal makes it an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts.
When transporting a boat to or from St Albans, it's essential to choose a reliable & experienced boat transport company. Shiply can help you find the right transporter for your needs, whether you require road transport for a small boat or specialist narrowboat movers for a larger vessel. By using Shiply's platform, you can easily compare quotes & services from multiple transport providers, ensuring you get the best value for your money & a stress-free boat transportation experience in St Albans & beyond.