Conveying a Watercraft: An All-Encompassing Manual
Whether you're acquiring a fresh vessel, disposing of an aged one, or simply need to transport your boat from one spot to another, discovering a reliable boat shipping company that fulfills all your requirements can be daunting. Shiply presents a practical solution, enabling you to locate & contrast dependable boat transporters with just a few clicks, frequently at rates up to 75% lower than standard prices. Nevertheless, before you commence, it's vital to ascertain the precise service you necessitate. This guide aims to support you in making well-informed choices.
Elements Influencing Boat Shipping Expenses
Supplying a precise price for boat transportation can be challenging due to the numerous variables involved. On average, short-distance shipping can cost between $150 and $300, while longer hauls can range from $600 to $1,000. Some key factors that impact the expense of boat transportation include:
1. Distance: The distance your boat needs to traverse significantly affects the price. Domestic shipping within the US is typically more affordable than international travel, as it often involves inland transportation on a trailer. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can influence pricing and transportation methods. Standard-sized boats can be shipped internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may necessitate alternative solutions. Boat size also determines the routes available for road transport.
3. Trailer: Whether you provide your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to supply one can affect the overall cost.
4. Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can influence pricing. Remote areas may incur additional costs due to the extra miles required for pickup.
5. Time of Year: Seasonality plays a role in pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Precisely Measuring Your Boat
To obtain accurate quotes from potential boat movers, you must provide exact dimensions of your vessel. While manufacturers usually provide these details, it's recommended to double-check the measurements yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. The key measurements include:
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 surpassing these dimensions may require special permits for transportation.
Streamlining the Search for Boat Shipping Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding trustworthy boat shipping companies. By providing the make, measurements, pickup, and drop-off locations of your boat, boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more precise the quotes will be, allowing you to easily compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system enables you to view ratings & feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you can trust the reliability of the company. You can also communicate with the boat movers within the platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility.
An added benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and seeking additional loads. This not only benefits the environment but can also result in savings of up to 75% compared to standard rates.
Readying Your Boat for Shipment
Once you've selected a suitable quote, 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, removing personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup.
3. Secure Loose Items: Secure any loose items that will remain on the boat, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
4. Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel, and disconnect the fuel tanks to reduce weight and prevent potential leaks during transit.
5. Remove Sails: For sailboats, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
6. Photographic Evidence: Document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photographs before pickup, serving as evidence of its prior condition in case of any damages during transport.
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 the vessel are functioning as expected.
2. Exterior Condition: Compare the exterior condition of the boat upon arrival to the pre-pickup photos 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 encourage you to leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover on Shiply. This helps future users browse services with confidence and allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Shipping in Bakersfield, California, US
Bakersfield, situated in California, US, is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts. Many people often move their boats to and from Bakersfield for various reasons, such as recreational activities, repairs, or storage. Bakersfield's proximity to several lakes and rivers makes it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts.
When searching for boat shipping services in Bakersfield, consider using keywords like "boat shipping bakersfield" or "bakersfield boat shipping" to find local providers. These companies specialize in safely moving boats of various sizes and types, ensuring your vessel arrives at its destination in the same condition as it was picked up.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article and utilizing the services of reputable boat shipping companies in Bakersfield, you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free experience when relocating your boat to or from this vibrant California city.