A Comprehensive Guide to Boat Transportation
Whether you're buying a new vessel, selling an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one place to another, locating a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare trustworthy boat haulers with just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, it's essential to determine precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
It's difficult to offer an exact cost due to the numerous factors that can influence quotes. On average, short-distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost between $600 and $1,000. Several elements can affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the cost. Domestic transportation within the US is typically less expensive than international travel.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels may require special arrangements.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat haulers to provide one can also influence the cost.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional expenses.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, & snow can alter available transportation routes.
Accurately Measuring Your Boat
To obtain a precise quote for transporting your boat, you must provide potential boat haulers with its dimensions. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues 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, & 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding this size may require a special permit for transportation.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of locating a dependable boat transport company. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, & pickup and drop-off locations, simply enter this information on our site, & boat hauling companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more accurate these quotes will be, giving you an excellent place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and comments for any boat hauler who quotes you, ensuring you choose a reliable company. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers & accessibility.
Another benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys & looking for extra loads. This means using Shiply is not only good for the environment but 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, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Here are some steps you should take:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary paperwork at hand.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport, removing personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment. Secure loose items & disconnect the battery.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of your fuel prior to pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to 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 serve as proof of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your boat has reached 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 & any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
- Exterior Condition: Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup. This will help you identify 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 & a rating for your chosen boat hauler. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence & allows your hauler to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Kenai, Alaska, US
Kenai, Alaska, is a popular destination for boat owners, with many people relocating their boats to & from the area. The city's location on the Kenai Peninsula provides access to stunning coastal waters, making it an ideal spot for fishing, sailing, & other water activities.
When transporting a boat to or from Kenai, it's crucial to choose a reliable boat transport company that understands the unique challenges of the region, such as weather conditions & road accessibility. By using Shiply, you can easily find & compare trustworthy boat haulers in Kenai, ensuring your vessel arrives at its destination safely & efficiently.
In conclusion, transporting a boat requires careful planning & consideration. By understanding the factors that affect boat transport costs, accurately measuring your vessel, & properly preparing it for shipping, you can ensure a smooth & stress-free experience. With Shiply, finding reliable boat transport in Kenai, Alaska, or anywhere else in the US has never been easier.