A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting Your Vessel
Whether you're acquiring a new watercraft, 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 in 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 necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Transporting a Watercraft
It's difficult to offer an exact cost due to the numerous factors that can influence 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 affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
1. Length of Trip - The distance your vessel needs to travel will significantly impact the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically less expensive than international travel. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. Vessel Size - The dimensions of your watercraft 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 need the boat haulers to provide one can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can impact pricing. A boat being picked up from a remote area may incur additional costs for the extra miles required.
5. Season - Seasonality can also affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all impact road conditions, which can alter the available transportation routes.
Precisely Measuring Your Vessel
To obtain an accurate quote for transporting your watercraft, you need to provide potential boat haulers with its dimensions. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any mishaps 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 vessel, measured from the two widest points.
A 'standard' boat is considered to be roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding this size may require a special permit to travel.
Discovering Boat Transport Services with Shiply
Shiply can help you navigate the many considerations when looking for a boat transport company. Once you have the make and measurements of your vessel, along with the pickup & drop-off locations, simply enter this information on our site. 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 trust the reliability of the company. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility.
Another benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads. This means not only is using Shiply good for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Readying Your Vessel for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're happy with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some steps you should take include:
1. Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, you may require some documents. Make sure you have these at hand to avoid any late mishaps.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and get a good idea of 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. This will make the boat lighter for transport and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
5. 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.
After Delivery
Once 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 - Ensure the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
2. 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, which you can then raise with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is complete, we ask that you 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 Lewes, Delaware
Lewes, Delaware, US is a popular destination for boat owners looking to transport their vessels to and from the area. Located along the Delaware Bay, Lewes offers easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and is a hub for recreational boating and fishing. Many people choose to move their boats to Lewes for the summer season, taking advantage of the town's marinas, boat ramps, and scenic waterways.
When searching for "boat transport lewes" or "lewes boat transport," it's essential to find a reliable and experienced company that can handle the unique challenges of transporting boats in and out of this coastal community. With Shiply, you can easily compare quotes from trusted boat movers and find the best option for your needs and budget.
Whether you're bringing your boat to Lewes for a summer of cruising and fishing or relocating it to another destination, proper preparation and choosing the right transport company are key to ensuring a smooth and successful move.