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How to Convey a Watercraft: An Extensive Manual for Vessel Proprietors



Conveying a watercraft can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're acquiring a new boat, vending an old one, or simply need to relocate your vessel from one spot to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. However, with Shiply, you can uncover & compare dependable boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you commence, it's essential to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in navigating the process of transporting your boat, including the costs involved, how to measure your boat accurately, and what to do before and after the transport.


The Expense of Boat Transport



The expense of boat transport can differ greatly depending on several elements. On average, short distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some of the key variables that influence the price include:



- Distance: The distance your boat needs to traverse will significantly affect the cost. Domestic transport within the US is typically less expensive than international travel. For international transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.



- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also greatly impact the pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may necessitate alternative methods.



- Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost.



- Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup & delivery locations can influence pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs.



- Time of Year: Seasonality can affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.


Gauging Your Boat Precisely



To receive an accurate quote for boat transport, you must provide the correct dimensions of your vessel to potential boat movers. While 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 quick overview of what to measure:



- Overall Length: Measure from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.



- Overall Height: Measure from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.



- Beam: Measure the overall width of the boat 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.


Utilizing Shiply to Locate Boat Transport Companies



Shiply simplifies 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 choose a reliable company. You can also communicate with the boat movers within the platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility. Additionally, using Shiply can be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates, as drivers often seek extra loads for journeys they are already making, which is also beneficial for the environment.


Readying Your Boat for Shipment



Once you have selected a boat mover, it's essential to prepare your boat for transport. Some key steps include:



- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents readily available.



- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport, removing personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. Secure loose items and disconnect the battery.



- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent leaks during transit.



- Remove Sails: For sailboats, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.



- Photographic Evidence: Document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photographs before pickup to serve as evidence 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:



- Check Vital Signs: Verify that the boat's engines and any electronic equipment left on the vessel are functioning as expected.



- Exterior Condition: Compare the exterior condition of the boat upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup 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.


Dover Base Housing Boat Transport



People often move "boar" to and from Dover Base Housing in Delaware, US, for various reasons. Dover Base Housing is a popular residential area for military personnel and their families, and many residents own boats for leisure activities. When relocating to or from the base, boat owners frequently require reliable boat transport services to ensure their vessels are moved safely and efficiently.



Shiply can help connect boat owners in the Dover Base Housing area with trusted boat movers who specialize in transporting boats to and from the region. By using Shiply's platform, residents can easily compare quotes, read reviews, and choose a boat transport company that meets their specific needs and budget. Whether moving a small fishing boat or a larger yacht, Shiply makes it simple to find the right boat mover for your Dover Base Housing boat transport needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shiply Cover My Area?

Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.

Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?

There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.

How Can I Contact Shiply Support?

Shiply Support is available only on email, at

Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?

Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.

When Will I Receive A Quote?

You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.

How Many Quotes Will I Receive?

Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.

Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?

f your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.

Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?

Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.

Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?

Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.

Can I Travel With My Goods?

The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and to highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.

What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?

If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.

Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?

If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .

Do I Need To Take My Boat Anywhere?

Typically, boat transporters on Shiply will be able to pick your boat up from wherever it is located and will use special boat trailers to do so. If your journey is strictly overseas then it may be cheaper to drive to the port yourself, but boat transporters will always be able to collect your boat, wherever it is.

Can I Keep Items In My Boat During Transportation?

This will likely be up to your boat transporter's discretion, so make sure to ask! One thing to note is that the items will likely not be covered by the insurance that covers the boat, so don't leave anything in there you cannot easily replace.

How Shiply works

How Shiply Works

How Shiply Works

  • 1

    Request quotes from our 447,168 rated shipping companies.

  • 2

    Compare prices and read previous customer feedback to pick the right quote for you.

  • 3

    Sit back and relax while your item is safely moved by your chosen shipping company.

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How Shiply Helps The Environment

By utilizing spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to ship the item.

3 0 2 6 7 4 3 1 0 Kg/CO2 Saved

Recent Testimonials

Debra W Testimonial

Debra W.

"Communication was great from the time I accepted the quote until the car was dropped off. In terms of the timeline, I was given a potential range for both how soon the car would be picked up and how many days it would be in transport."

Patrick G Testimonial

Patrick G.

"Everything was perfect! Fast, easy and hassle-free process! I definitely recommend and would use them again in the future. Thank you so much!"

Sophie G Testimonial

Sophie G.

"Great experience using these guys. This was my first time having to transport a car using a service like this and I could not be happier. Picked up earlier than expected and delivery was early as well. Quick easy and problem free."

Gary M Testimonial

Gary M.

"I’ve used Shiply twice now and have been really pleased with the result. It’s quick and easy to use. For both occasions the quotes were very competitive and the quality of the job was excellent. I highly recommend it."

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