How to Convey a Watercraft: An All-Encompassing Manual
Conveying a watercraft can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're purchasing a new vessel, vending 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 crucial to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This manual will assist you in navigating the process of boat transport in Grand Junction and beyond.
The Expense of Boat Transport
Ascertaining the precise expense of 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. Some of the key factors that impact the cost of boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel significantly affects the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically cheaper than international travel, as it usually involves inland transportation on a trailer. International boat transport can be more expensive, with options such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Boat Size: The size of your boat also greatly impacts 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 affect the routes available for road transport.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat movers to provide one can affect the cost of transportation.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can influence pricing. Remote areas may incur extra costs due to the additional miles required for pickup.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Gauging Your Boat for Precise Quotes
To obtain precise quotes from potential boat movers, you must provide the correct dimensions of your vessel. Although the manufacturer usually provides these measurements, it's recommended to double-check them yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview of the key measurements:
- 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 approximately 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding these dimensions may require a special permit for transport.
Streamlining the Search for Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding reliable boat transport 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 accurate 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. Additionally, using Shiply is often up to 75% cheaper than standard rates, as drivers are frequently making the journeys already and seeking extra loads, which is also beneficial for the environment.
Readying Your Boat for Shipment
Once you've selected a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Some essential steps include:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents readily available to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, as well as assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup. Secure any loose items that will remain on the boat, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel before pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks. This will lighten the boat for transport and prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence: Document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur 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:
- Check Vital Signs: Verify that the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
- 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 address 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. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction, situated in western Colorado, is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. With its proximity to the Colorado River and numerous lakes in the surrounding area, many people often move their boats to and from Grand Junction for recreational purposes. The city's central location also makes it a convenient hub for boat transport, as it is easily accessible from various parts of the state and neighboring regions.
When transporting a boat to or from Grand Junction, it's essential to consider the unique challenges posed by the area's terrain and climate. The mountainous landscape and winding roads can make boat transport more complex, requiring experienced drivers and specialized equipment. Additionally, the varying weather conditions, including snow and ice in the winter months, can impact road conditions and available routes for transportation.
By following this all-encompassing manual and utilizing Shiply's platform, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free boat transport experience in Grand Junction and beyond.