A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting a Boat
Whether you're buying a new vessel, selling an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one location to another, discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare trustworthy boat haulers in just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. But first, you must determine precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing just that, including information on boat transport Searcy and why people frequently move boats to & from Searcy, Arkansas, US.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
It's challenging to provide a precise cost due to the numerous factors that can influence quotes, but on average, short distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Several elements can impact the expense of your boat transportation, such as:
Distance - The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly affect the price. If the boat only needs to be transported within the US, the most probable method will be through inland transportation on a trailer, which is typically less expensive than international travel. If the boat needs to travel internationally, there are a few options, such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
Boat Size - The dimensions of the boat you want to transport can also greatly impact 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 require the boat movers to provide one can also influence the cost of your boat transportation.
Locations of Pickup & Delivery - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs for the extra miles required to pick it up.
Time of Year - Seasonality is another factor that can impact pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all affect road conditions, which can alter the routes available for transportation.
Accurately Measuring Your Boat
To obtain a precise quote for how much it will cost to transport your boat, you need to provide the dimensions to potential boat movers. While the manufacturer will usually provide you with these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview:
Overall Length - This is measured from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.
Overall Height - This is measured from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.
Beam - The beam is simply the overall width of the boat, so measure 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 Shiply Can Assist in Finding Boat Transport Companies
There are many factors to consider when searching for a boat transport company, and it can often seem overwhelming given all the variables. This is where Shiply can help 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 remain confident 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 benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, meaning not only is using Shiply good for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've looked at all your quotes and chosen one you're satisfied with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some of the steps you should take are:
Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, you may require some documents. Make sure you have these at hand if you need them to avoid any late mishaps.
Cleaning - It's a great idea to thoroughly clean your boat before it's transported. Not only will this allow you to remove any personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment that you don't want to get lost during transit, but it also means you can get a good idea of the condition of your boat prior to pickup should anything occur. You should also make sure to secure any loose items that will stay on the boat, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
Empty Liquids - You should empty the bilge, refuse stores, and the majority of your fuel prior to pickup, as well as disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the boat lighter for transport and prevent any potential leaks that may occur in transit.
Remove Sails - If it's a sailboat you're transporting, you need to remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
Photographic Evidence - We highly recommend that you document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photographs before it's picked up, as 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 operate as expected.
Exterior Condition - Compare the exterior condition of the boat upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup. This will help you spot any damages that occurred during transit, and you can then raise this with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport has been completed, we also ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover so that future Shiply users can browse services with the same level of confidence, as well as helping your mover understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Searcy, Arkansas, US
Searcy, Arkansas, US, is a popular destination for boat owners, with many people moving their boats to and from the area. Located in the heart of Arkansas, Searcy is known for its beautiful lakes and rivers, making it an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts. Whether you're moving to Searcy or simply visiting for a weekend getaway, transporting your boat can be a hassle-free experience with the right boat transport company.
When looking for boat transport in Searcy, it's important to choose a company that has experience navigating the area's roads and waterways. Shiply can help you find reliable boat movers in Searcy, with quotes up to 75% cheaper than standard rates. Simply enter your boat's details and the pickup & drop-off locations, and boat transport companies in Searcy will send custom quotes directly to your inbox.
Whether you're moving a small fishing boat or a large yacht, Shiply can help you find the right boat transport company in Searcy to meet your needs. With our easy-to-use platform and reliable network of boat movers, you can rest assured that your boat will arrive at its destination safely and on time.