How to Convey a Watercraft
Discovering a Trustworthy Boat Shipping Service
Whether you're buying a watercraft, disposing of an old one, or simply need to transport your vessel from one spot to another, finding a reliable boat shipping service that meets all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can uncover & compare dependable boat transporters 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 aims to help you in doing just that.
Elements Influencing the Price of Boat Shipping
Offering a precise cost for boat transportation can be challenging due to the various factors that can affect quotes. On average, short-distance shipping can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost between $600 to $1,000. Some crucial elements that can influence the price of your boat transportation include:
- Distance - The distance your watercraft needs to be transported will significantly impact the cost. Domestic shipping within the US is typically less expensive than international travel.
- Boat Size - The dimensions of your watercraft can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be shipped internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels may require alternative methods.
- Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat transporters to supply one can also influence the price.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs.
- Time of Year - Seasonality can impact pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Watercraft for Precise Quotes
To obtain accurate quotes for boat shipping, you need to provide potential boat transporters with your vessel's dimensions. While the manufacturer usually supplies these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any mishaps on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview of the measurements you'll need:
- 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 watercraft 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. Watercraft exceeding this size may require a special permit for transportation.
Utilizing Shiply to Discover Boat Shipping Services
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a boat shipping service. Once you have your watercraft's make, measurements, and pickup and drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site, and boat transporting companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more precise these quotes will be, giving you a convenient way to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat transporter who quotes you, ensuring you can trust the reliability of the company. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility.
Another benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads. This means using Shiply is not only good for the environment but can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Readying Your Watercraft 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 watercraft is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have any necessary documents on hand to avoid late mishaps.
- Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess the condition of your watercraft prior to pickup.
- Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails - If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence - Document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photographs before pickup to serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
Post-Delivery Steps
After your watercraft has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs - Verify that the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
- Exterior Condition - Compare the exterior condition of the watercraft upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup to identify any damages that may have occurred during transit. If any issues are found, raise them with the boat shipping service.
Once the boat transport is complete, we ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat transporter. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your transporter to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Shipping in Unalaska, Alaska, US
Unalaska, situated in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, is a popular destination for boat owners and enthusiasts. Many people often transport their watercraft to and from Unalaska for various reasons, such as fishing, recreation, or relocation. The unique geography and remote location of Unalaska can make boat shipping to and from the area challenging, but with proper planning and the right boat shipping service, it can be done safely and efficiently.
When considering boat shipping in Unalaska, it's crucial to work with a company that has experience navigating the specific challenges of the region, such as harsh weather conditions and limited infrastructure. Shiply can help connect you with reliable boat shipping services that specialize in servicing Unalaska and the surrounding areas, ensuring your watercraft arrives at its destination in the same condition it was in when it left.
Whether you're transporting your boat to Unalaska for a fishing expedition or bringing it back home after a season in the Aleutian Islands, Shiply can help you find the right boat shipping solution for your needs. With our user-friendly platform and extensive network of boat transporters, you can rest assured that your watercraft will be in good hands during its journey to or from Unalaska, Alaska, US.