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 quotes up to 75% lower than standard prices. However, before you start, it's essential to identify precisely what service you need. This guide aims to help you do just that.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
Offering a precise cost for boat transportation can be challenging due to the various 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:
1. Length of Trip - The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the cost. Domestic transportation 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.
2. Vessel 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 alternative methods. The size of the boat can also impact the routes available for road transportation.
3. Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat haulers to provide one can also affect the cost of transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing. Remote areas may incur additional costs for the extra miles required for pickup.
5. Season - Seasonality can also affect pricing. 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 haulers with the correct dimensions of your vessel. While the manufacturer usually provides these measurements, it's recommended to verify 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.
Locating Boat Transport Companies with Shiply
Shiply streamlines the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. Once you have the make, measurements, pickup, and drop-off locations of your boat, simply enter this information on our site, and boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more accurate the quotes will be, giving you a convenient way 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 can choose a reliable company with confidence. You can also communicate with any quoter within our platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility. Additionally, using Shiply is often up to 75% cheaper than standard rates, as drivers are frequently making the journeys already and seeking extra loads, making it an environmentally friendly option as well.
Readying Your Boat for Shipment
Once you've selected a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Some essential steps include:
1. Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents readily available.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings, expensive electronic equipment, and assess its condition prior to pickup. Secure loose items and disconnect the battery.
3. Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - For sailboats, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
5. Photographic Evidence - Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup to serve as evidence of its prior state in case of any damages 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 board still operate as expected.
2. Exterior Condition - Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken before pickup to identify any damages that may have occurred during transit. If any issues are found, raise them 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 hauler. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your hauler to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Ketchikan, Alaska, US
Ketchikan, situated in southeast Alaska, is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Many people often move their boats to and from Ketchikan for various reasons, such as seasonal changes, repairs, or relocation. The city's stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and excellent fishing opportunities make it an attractive location for boat owners.
When transporting a boat to or from Ketchikan, it's essential to choose a reliable boat transport company that understands the unique challenges of the region, such as weather conditions and accessibility. Shiply can help you find trustworthy boat haulers in Ketchikan, ensuring your vessel is transported safely and efficiently.
In conclusion, transporting a boat requires careful planning & preparation. By understanding the factors that affect boat transport costs, accurately measuring your vessel, and properly preparing it for shipment, you can ensure a smooth and successful transportation experience. Shiply is here to help you find reliable boat haulers, compare quotes, and make informed decisions, whether you're transporting your boat to or from Ketchikan or any other location.