How to Convey a Watercraft: An All-Encompassing Manual
Conveying a watercraft can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're acquiring a new vessel, disposing of 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 begin, it's essential 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 to $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. Locations of Pickup & Delivery - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing. A boat being picked up from a remote area may incur extra costs for the additional miles required.
5. Time of Year - Seasonality can also affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all impact road conditions, which can alter the routes available for transportation.
Measuring Your Boat Precisely
To receive an accurate quote for the cost of transporting your boat, you need to provide potential boat movers with the correct dimensions. Although the manufacturer usually provides these measurements, we recommend double-checking 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 roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a reliable boat transport company. Once you have the make and measurements of your boat, as well as the pickup and drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site. Boat moving companies will then send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate these quotes will be, giving you a great platform to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring that you choose a reliable company. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility. Another advantage of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, which can be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates and is also good for the environment.
Readying Your Boat for Shipment
Once you have chosen a quote you are satisfied with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some of the steps you should take include:
1. Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, you may require certain documents. Make sure you have these at hand to avoid any last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove any personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment that you don't want to get lost during transit. It also gives you a good idea of the condition of your boat prior to pickup, in case anything occurs during transport. Secure any loose items that will stay on the boat, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
3. 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 any potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - If you are 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 it is picked up. This will serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
Post-Delivery Steps
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 still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operates 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, which you can then raise with the boat transport company.
Once 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.
Surprise Boat Transport in Arizona
Surprise, Arizona, is a popular destination for boat owners looking to transport their vessels to and from the area. Many people choose to move their boats to Surprise due to its proximity to Lake Pleasant Regional Park, which offers a variety of water activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. The warm climate and scenic desert landscape also make Surprise an attractive location for boat enthusiasts.
When transporting a boat to or from Surprise, it's essential to work with a reliable boat transport company that understands the unique challenges of navigating the Arizona roads and highways. With Shiply, you can easily find and compare quotes from trusted boat movers in the Surprise area, ensuring that your vessel arrives at its destination safely and efficiently.