How to Convey a Watercraft from Homewood, Alabama
Conveying a watercraft can be challenging, whether you're purchasing one, vending an old vessel, or simply need to relocate your boat from one location to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. However, on Shiply, you can locate & compare dependable boat movers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. But first, you must determine precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Boat Transport
It's challenging to provide a precise price due to the numerous variables that can influence quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anything from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial factors that can impact the expense of your boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to be transported will greatly affect the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically less expensive than international travel. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot. Boat size can also affect which routes a boat transport company can take if transporting by road.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The ease of access to your pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Boat for Transport
To obtain an accurate quote for transporting your boat, you need to provide its dimensions to potential boat movers. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid mishaps on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview:
- Overall Length: Measured from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.
- Overall Height: Measured from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.
- Beam: The overall width of the boat, measured from the two widest points.
A 'standard' boat is considered to be roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats over this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Help Find Boat Transport Companies
There are many things to consider when searching for a boat transport company, which can seem daunting given all the variables. This is where Shiply can help. Once you have the make and measurements of your boat and the pickup & drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site, and boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate these quotes will be, giving you a great place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring the company is reliable. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility. Another bonus of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, meaning not only is using Shiply good for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% less expensive than standard rates.
Preparing Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some steps you should take include:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, you may require some documents. Make sure you have these at hand to avoid any late mishaps.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and get a good idea of your boat's condition prior to pickup. Secure any loose items that will stay on the boat, disconnect the battery, and tidy the cables.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the boat lighter for transport and prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will come in handy as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your boat has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Ensure the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operates as expected.
- Exterior Condition: Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup. This will help you spot any damages that occurred during transit, which you can then raise with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is complete, we ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
Transporting Boats to and from Homewood, Alabama
Homewood, Alabama, is a popular destination for boat owners, with many people relocating their vessels to and from the city. Located just south of Birmingham, Homewood offers easy access to several nearby lakes and rivers, making it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts.
When transporting a boat to or from Homewood, it's essential to consider the specific requirements of the area. Many of the roads in and around the city are narrow and winding, which can make navigating with a large boat trailer challenging. Additionally, the hot and humid climate of Alabama can take a toll on boats during transport, so it's crucial to ensure your vessel is properly prepared for the journey.
By using a reliable boat transport service like those found on Shiply, you can ensure your boat arrives safely and securely in Homewood, ready for your next aquatic adventure.