Why You Might Require Boat Transportation Services
Regardless of whether you possess a sailboat, yacht, narrowboat, or small vessel, Shiply can assist you in arranging transportation. Perhaps you've recently purchased a new boat and need it delivered to your location. Maybe you need to transport your boat to a specific destination on land. It could be that your boat is too large for you to move on your own. No matter the circumstance, Shiply can help you find a trustworthy and professional boat shipping company at a competitive price. Opting for a specialized boat hauler ensures that your vessel is in capable hands. Boat haulage companies, both in the UK and internationally, are well-versed in working with marinas, ports, and boats in general. They should be able to guide you through every step of the transportation process.
When you list your boat transportation needs on Shiply, our network of transport providers will provide you with quotes. Simply fill out a form with basic information about the boat you need transported, and you'll receive free quotes in your local currency (pounds sterling for the UK or euros for other European locations). After receiving several quotes, you can compare companies based on their qualifications, customer reviews, and prices.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Boat Transport
The expense of boat transportation varies based on several factors. On average, you can anticipate paying between £100 and £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 this can fluctuate depending on the boat's size. The dimensions of the boat being transported significantly impact the overall cost. For instance, small boat transport is relatively straightforward, as they can often be hauled by road. However, larger vessels like sailboats or narrowboats require special attention and may incur higher transportation costs. Narrowboats, in particular, may necessitate the services of specialist narrowboat movers due to their unique dimensions. Another factor influencing the price is whether the boat needs to be transported within the UK or internationally. International boat transport is 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
Creating a listing on Shiply is a simple process. You only need to complete a brief form with details about your boat, including the pick-up and drop-off dates and locations. Once your listing is live, you'll start receiving free quotes from various transport providers. Some may reach out to you directly to better understand the required services and provide an accurate quote for the work.
There are two primary methods of boat transportation, and the one you choose will depend on your boat's destination. If you require your boat to be transported in a specific manner, please make sure to specify this in your Shiply listing.
By road - If your vessel needs to be transported within the same country, road transportation is likely the most suitable option. If you're only moving parts of a boat or a non-operational boat, road transportation is your sole choice.
By sea or river - If your boat needs to be sailed from port to port, you can hire a crew to handle this task. The crew should inspect your vessel, plan routes, and review shipping forecasts on your behalf.
After receiving quotes, be sure to verify the credentials and feedback of any skippers and crew members by reviewing the transport providers' company profiles on Shiply. When moving 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 offered by the provider (do not accept personal insurance). This information will help you make the most informed decision for your specific situation.
Don't hesitate to ask the companies any questions you may have about the transportation process. They often have extensive experience and can provide valuable insights.
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.
Batley, West Yorkshire, UK, and Boat Transport
Batley, situated in West Yorkshire, UK, is a town that frequently sees people moving boats to and from the area. This is due to its proximity to several waterways, including the River Calder and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. Many boat owners in Batley require dependable boat transport services to relocate their vessels for various reasons, such as relocation, maintenance, or participation in boating events. Boat transport companies in Batley are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges of transporting boats in the region, ensuring safe and efficient delivery to and from the town.
Readying Your Boat for Transport
If your vessel is being transported by land, there are several preparatory tasks to ensure a smooth transportation process. It's essential to plan as far in advance as possible to allow sufficient time for preparation and to find a suitable transport service. Boat deliveries can be carried out in various ways, but regardless of the method, ensure that your boat is properly prepared to prevent damage, leakage, or dangerous loose ends during the journey.
Inspect the condition - Thoroughly examine the interior and exterior of your vessel for any pre-existing damage. This way, you can determine if any damage occurs during transit. Consider taking photographs of the condition before the journey.
Remove valuables - Make sure to 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 dispose of rubbish. Disconnect fuel tanks and remove the majority of the gasoline to make the boat lighter for delivery and prevent potential leakages during transport.
Disconnect the 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 accessories and life jackets aren't traveling separately, make sure they are stowed away in lockers. Secure all doors and compartments in the galley and washrooms. Additionally, ensure that the canopy is extra secure, as it might not be designed to travel at the same speeds as a trailer.
For sailboats - Removing all winches, rigging, etc., from the mast is crucial (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.
You can also 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, make sure to arrange with the captain what preparations need to be made before 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 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 help with, these should be specified at the beginning of the process when listing your required service on Shiply.
In any case, it's important to inspect your boat post-transit to ensure that it hasn't been damaged. If you notice any discrepancies, discuss them with the transporter so they can be resolved promptly.
Once your boat is safely docked or secured, you can 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 successfully, please leave a review for the service you used on their company profile on Shiply. 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.
