How to Convey a Watercraft: An All-Encompassing Manual
Conveying a watercraft can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're acquiring a new vessel, vending an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one spot to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be demanding. However, with Shiply, you can effortlessly find & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you commence, it's crucial to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in navigating the process of transporting your boat.
The Expense of Boat Transport
Supplying an exact price for boat transport can be challenging due to the numerous variables that can influence quotes. On average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 and $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Several factors can affect the cost of your boat transportation, including:
1. Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically less expensive than international travel, as it usually involves inland transportation on a trailer. International boat transport can be more costly, with options such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. 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 may require alternative methods. The size of the boat can also impact the routes available for transportation by road.
3. Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing. Remote areas may incur additional costs for the extra miles required to pick up or deliver your boat.
5. Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Precisely Measuring Your Boat
To receive an accurate quote for boat transportation, you must provide potential boat movers with the correct dimensions of your vessel. While the manufacturer usually provides these measurements, it's recommended to double-check them yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview of the key measurements:
1. Overall Length: Measured from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.
2. Overall Height: Measured from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.
3. Beam: The overall width of the boat, measured from the two widest points.
A 'standard' boat is considered to be approximately 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding these dimensions may require a special permit for transportation.
How Shiply Streamlines Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply simplifies the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. Simply enter your boat's make, measurements, pickup, and drop-off locations on our site, and boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate the quotes will be. Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you choose a reliable company. You can also message any boat mover who quotes you within our platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility.
Using Shiply not only benefits the environment, as drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, but it can also save you up to 75% compared to standard rates.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've chosen a boat mover you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Here are some steps you should take:
1. Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents on hand to avoid any last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, as well as assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup. Secure any loose items that will remain on the boat, such as life jackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
3. Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel prior to pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter for transport and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails: If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
5. Photographic Evidence: Document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transportation.
Post-Delivery Checklist
After your boat has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
1. Check Vital Signs: Verify that the boat's engines and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operate as expected.
2. Exterior Condition: Compare the exterior condition of the boat upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup. This will help you identify any damages that may have occurred during transit, allowing you to raise concerns with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport is complete, we kindly 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.
Mobile Boat Transport in Mobile, Alabama, US
Mobile, Alabama, is a popular location for boat owners to transport their vessels to and from. As a coastal city with access to the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile offers numerous opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Many people choose to move their boats to Mobile for various reasons, such as participating in fishing tournaments, attending boat shows, or simply enjoying the beautiful waters surrounding the city.
When searching for "boat transport mobile" or "mobile boat transport," it's essential to find a reliable and experienced company that can safely and efficiently transport your vessel to or from Mobile. By using Shiply, you can easily compare quotes from trusted boat movers and select the best option for your needs and budget.
In conclusion, transporting a boat requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. By understanding the costs involved, accurately measuring your boat, and properly preparing it for shipping, you can ensure a smooth and successful transport experience. Shiply is here to help you find reliable boat movers and simplify the process, whether you're transporting your vessel to or from Mobile, Alabama, or any other location.