How to Convey a Watercraft from Arkansas, US
Relocating a watercraft can be challenging, whether you're purchasing a new vessel, selling an old one, or simply need to transfer it from one location to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. However, on Shiply, you can locate & compare dependable boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. But first, you need to determine precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
How Much Does It Cost to Convey a Watercraft?
It's challenging to provide a precise price 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 cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial factors that can affect the cost of your boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your watercraft needs to be transported will greatly impact the price. If the boat only needs to be moved within the US, then inland transportation on a trailer is the most likely method, which is usually cheaper than international travel. If the boat needs to go internationally, there are a few options, such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, or submersion.
- Watercraft Size: The size of the boat you want to transport can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot. The size of the boat can also affect which routes a boat transport company can take if transporting by road.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
- Locations of Pickup & Delivery: The ease of access to your pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring extra costs for the additional miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality is another factor that can affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all affect road conditions, which can alter the available transportation routes.
How to Accurately Measure Your Watercraft
To get a precise quote for how much it will cost to transport your boat, you need to provide its dimensions to potential boat movers. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any mishaps 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, and 7'8" wide. Boats over this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Can Shiply Assist in Finding Boat Transport Companies?
There are many things to consider when searching for a boat transport company, and it can often seem overwhelming given all the variables. This is where Shiply can aid you. Once you have the make and measurements of your boat and the pickup & drop-off locations, you can simply enter this information on our site, and boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate these quotes will be, giving you a great place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you can trust that the company is reliable. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility.
Another added bonus 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.
Preparing for Your Watercraft to be Shipped
Once you've looked at all your quotes and chosen one you're satisfied with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some steps you should take include:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, you may require some documents. Make sure you have these at hand if needed to avoid any late mishaps.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before it's transported. This allows you to remove any personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment you don't want to get lost during transit. It also gives you a good idea of your boat's condition prior to pickup, in case anything occurs. Secure any loose items that will stay on the boat, such as life jackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
- 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.
- Remove Sails: If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before it's picked up. This will come in handy as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur while it's being transported.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your boat has been transported to its destination, the hard part is over, but there are still a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Check that the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operates as expected.
- Exterior Condition: Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup. This will help you spot any damages that occurred during transit, which you can then raise with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport is complete, we also ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with the same level of confidence and helps your mover understand how their level of service was received.
Why People Often Move Boats to and from Arkansas
Arkansas, situated in the southern United States, is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. With its numerous lakes, rivers, and waterways, Arkansas offers a wide range of boating opportunities for both recreational and competitive purposes. Many people move their boats to Arkansas to enjoy fishing, water sports, and scenic cruises on the state's beautiful waters.
Additionally, Arkansas hosts several boat shows and events throughout the year, attracting boaters from across the country. These events provide an opportunity for boat owners to showcase their vessels, connect with other enthusiasts, and explore the latest trends in the boating industry.
On the other hand, some people may need to transport their boats from Arkansas to other locations for various reasons, such as relocating to a new state, selling their boat, or participating in events and competitions elsewhere. In such cases, reliable boat transport services are essential to ensure the safe and timely delivery of the vessel to its destination.