Save up to 75% off standard rates

Getting Boat Transport Quotes is Easy on Shiply

Current Location

Current Location

Millions of people use Shiply

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.

Millions of people use Shiply

Fast and Easy

Fast and Easy

Complete one simple form and quotes come to you via email. Hassle-free, no phone calls required.

Trustworthy

Trustworthy

All delivery companies on Shiply are feedback rated for your peace of mind.

Great Prices

Great Prices

As Shiply's delivery companies are already making similar trips, quotes are up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.

Helpful

Helpful

Need assistance? Email or call us. We are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shiply Cover My Area?

Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.

Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?

There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.

How Can I Contact Shiply Support?

Shiply Support is available from 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday. You can send an email to .

Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?

Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.

When Will I Receive A Quote?

You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.

How Many Quotes Will I Receive?

Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.

Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?

If your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.

Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?

Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.

Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?

Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.

Can I Travel With My Goods?

The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.

What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?

If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.

Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?

If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .

Do I Need To Take My Boat Anywhere?

Typically, boat transporters on Shiply will be able to pick your boat up from wherever it is located and will use special boat trailers to do so. If your journey is strictly overseas then it may be cheaper to drive to the port yourself, but boat transporters will always be able to collect your boat, wherever it is.

Can I Keep Items In My Boat During Transportation?

This will likely be up to your boat transporter's discretion, so make sure to ask! One thing to note is that the items will likely not be covered by the insurance that covers the boat, so don't leave anything in there you cannot easily replace.

How Shiply works

How Shiply Works

How Shiply Works

  • 1

    Request quotes from our 452,788 rated transport providers.

  • 2

    Compare prices and read previous customer feedback to pick the right delivery quote for you.

  • 3

    Sit back and relax while your item is safely delivered by your chosen transport provider.

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How Shiply Helps The Environment

By utilising spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to transport the item.

3 0 6 9 1 3 2 5 0 Kg/CO2 Saved

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