A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting a Boat
Whether you're acquiring a new vessel, disposing of an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one place to another, discovering a reliable boat transport service that fulfills all your requirements can be daunting. On Shiply, you can find & compare reputable boat haulers with just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, it's essential to ascertain precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
Offering a precise cost for boat transportation can be challenging due to the various factors that can affect quotes. On average, short-distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost between $600 and $1,000. Several elements can influence the expense of your boat transportation, including:
1. Distance - The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the cost. Domestic transportation within the US is generally less expensive than international travel. 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 also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels may require alternative methods. The size of the boat can also impact the routes available for transportation by road.
3. Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to supply one can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery points can impact pricing. A boat being collected from a remote area may incur additional costs for the extra miles required.
5. Time of Year - Seasonality can also affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions, which may change the available routes for transportation.
Accurately Measuring Your Boat
To obtain an accurate quote for transporting your boat, you need to provide potential boat movers with its dimensions. Although the manufacturer usually supplies these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview:
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 exceeding this size may require a special permit to travel.
Discovering Boat Transport Companies with Shiply
Shiply can help you navigate the numerous considerations when searching for a boat transport company. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, and pickup & drop-off locations, 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 & review system allows you to view ratings and feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you can trust the company's reliability. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility. An added bonus 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 chosen a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Some steps you should take include:
1. Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have any necessary documents on hand to avoid late mishaps.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess your boat's condition prior to pickup.
3. 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.
4. Remove Sails - If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
5. Photographic Evidence - Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup 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 operates as expected.
2. Exterior Condition - Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup to spot any damages that may have occurred during transit. If you notice any issues, raise them with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport is complete, we ask that you leave feedback & 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.
Chula Vista, California: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
Chula Vista, situated in southern California, is a favored destination for boat owners seeking to transport their vessels to and from the area. As a coastal city with access to the Pacific Ocean, Chula Vista boasts numerous marinas and boating opportunities, making it an appealing location for boating enthusiasts. Many people opt to move their boats to Chula Vista to enjoy the pleasant weather, breathtaking coastline, and lively boating community. Whether you're relocating to Chula Vista or simply visiting the area, boat transport chula vista services can assist you in getting your vessel to its destination safely and efficiently. When searching for chula vista boat transport options, be sure to compare quotes and read reviews to find a reliable and experienced provider.