Discover Budget-Friendly & Dependable Boat Transport Services with Shiply
Shiply eliminates the stress of boat transportation by linking you with cost-effective, trustworthy services that cater to your requirements. Simply create a listing on our platform & relax as transport providers send you quotes to relocate your boat. Once you discover a quote you prefer, reach out to the driver, verify the specifics, and await the collection of your boat.
Reasons You May Require Boat Transportation
Whether you need to transport a narrowboat, sailboat, small craft, or yacht, Shiply can help. Perhaps you've recently acquired a new vessel and need it delivered, or maybe you need to get your boat to a destination on land. It could be too sizable for you to transport yourself. Regardless of the reason, Shiply can assist you in finding a dependable & professional company for shipping your boat at the appropriate price.
Opting for a specialist boat hauler will guarantee your vessel is in secure hands. Boat haulage companies in the UK and internationally are well-acquainted with working with boats, marinas, & ports and should support you with all aspects of the transportation process.
Obtaining Quotes for Boat Transport on Shiply
When you list your boat transportation needs on Shiply, our network of transport providers will offer you quotes. Simply complete a form with essential information about the boat to be transported, & you'll receive complimentary quotes in pounds sterling or euros, depending on your location. Once you've obtained several quotes, you can compare companies based on their qualifications, customer feedback, and prices.
The Expense of Boat Transport
The expense of boat transport varies depending 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. The average cost per mile for standard boat transport is around £1.50 per mile in the UK, but this can fluctuate based on the size of the boat.
Small boat transport is relatively straightforward as they can often be hauled on the road, whereas larger sailboats or narrowboats require special attention and will likely cost more to transport. Narrowboats may necessitate specialist narrowboat movers due to their unique size. International boat transport will cost significantly more than domestic transport and may require different companies that specialize in international shipping.
Utilizing Shiply to Find a Boat Transporter
To create a listing on Shiply, simply fill in a brief form with details about your boat, pick-up and drop-off dates, & locations. Once your listing is complete, you'll start receiving complimentary quotes from various transport providers. Some may reach out to you for more information to better comprehend the required services and provide an accurate quote.
There are two primary methods of boat transportation, and the method you choose will depend on where your boat needs to go. If your boat requires a particular transportation method, please specify this in your Shiply listing.
- By road – If your vessel needs to be hauled within the same country, road transportation is likely the optimal option. For non-starting boats or when moving only parts of a boat, transportation by road is your sole choice.
- 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, & check shipping forecasts for you.
After receiving quotes, check the credentials and feedback of any skippers and crew hands by viewing the transport providers' company profiles on Shiply. If you're moving a sailboat, look for RYA or MCA accredited crews.
Regardless of the transportation type, it's crucial to check the level of experience and professional insurance cover offered by the company (do not accept personal insurance) to make the most informed decision for your situation. Don't hesitate to ask the companies any questions about the transportation process, as they often have a high level of expertise.
Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, UK: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
Airdrie, situated in North Lanarkshire, UK, is a favored destination for boat owners seeking to transport their vessels to and from the area. The town's proximity to several marinas and waterways makes it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts. Many people relocate their boats to Airdrie for storage during the off-season or to have them serviced by local marine professionals. Additionally, Airdrie's central location within Scotland makes it a convenient starting point for boating adventures in the surrounding lochs and coastal areas.
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 ahead to give yourself ample time to prepare for the transport and find a suitable transport service. Boat deliveries can be carried out in various ways, but regardless of the method, ensure your boat is prepared correctly to prevent damage, leakage, or dangerous loose ends during the journey.
- Check the condition – Thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your vessel for any pre-existing damage. This way, you can determine if it suffers any damage during transit. Consider taking 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 and other liquids. Empty any freshwater tanks and rubbish, disconnect fuel tanks, and drain the majority of the gasoline to make the boat lighter to deliver and prevent potential leakages during transport.
- Disconnect battery & tidy cables – This precaution will help avoid draining the battery and any shortages in electronics. Despite being a waterborne vehicle, your boat might be exposed to different weather conditions when it travels on a trailer. Ensure all exposed electronics are covered and battery cables are tucked away.
- 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.
- 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, and lifelines if they will make the boat too large to transport easily.
Consult with your boatyard for any additional precautions they recommend 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 will 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 and keep them 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 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 help with, specify these at the beginning of the process when listing your required service on Shiply.
It's essential to check your craft post-transit to ensure it hasn't been damaged. 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 & 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 in choosing a transport provider for their own job and helps transporters continuously improve their service.
With Shiply, finding reliable and affordable boat transport in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, UK, has never been simpler. Create your listing today & let our network of experienced transport providers help you get your boat where it needs to go, stress-free.