How to Convey a Vessel from Washington, District of Columbia, US
Conveying a vessel can be a challenging process, whether you're purchasing a new one, disposing of an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one location to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult, but with Shiply, you can locate & contrast dependable boat movers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. Nevertheless, before you begin searching for a company, you must determine precisely what service you necessitate.
The Expense of Boat Transport
It's challenging to provide a precise price for boat transport because there are numerous variables that can influence the quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anything from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial factors that can affect the expense of your boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to be transported will greatly impact the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically cheaper than international travel.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also affect the pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may require special permits & routes.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The ease of access to your pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring extra costs.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can all affect road conditions and available routes.
Gauging Your Boat
To obtain an accurate quote for boat transport, you need to provide the dimensions of your boat to potential movers. While the manufacturer usually provides these, it's a good idea to double-check yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a quick overview of what to measure:
- 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 roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats over this size may require a special permit to travel.
Utilizing Shiply to Find Boat Transport Companies
Shiply can assist you in finding reliable boat transport companies and comparing quotes. Simply enter the make and measurements of your boat, along with the pickup & drop-off locations, and boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate the quotes will be.
Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, so you can be confident in the reliability of the company. You can also message anyone who quotes you within the 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, which can be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates and is also good for the environment.
Readying Your Boat for Transport
Once you've chosen a quote you're happy with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some steps you should take include:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, make sure you have any necessary documents on hand.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and to get an idea of its condition prior to pickup. Secure any loose items and disconnect the battery.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent leaks.
- Remove Sails: If 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 in case 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:
- Check Vital Signs: Make sure the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operates as expected.
- Exterior Condition: Compare the exterior condition of the boat upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup to spot any damages that may have occurred during transit.
After the boat transport is complete, leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover on Shiply so future users can browse services with confidence and your mover can understand how their level of service was received.
Why People Often Move Boats to and from Washington, District of Columbia, US
Washington, District of Columbia, US is a popular destination for boat owners due to its proximity to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. Many people relocate their boats to and from Washington for recreational purposes, such as fishing, cruising, and water sports. The city also hosts several boating events throughout the year, including the Washington DC Boat Show and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts boaters from all over the country.
In addition to recreational boating, Washington is also home to several marinas and boatyards that offer storage, maintenance, and repair services for boats of all sizes. This makes it a convenient location for boat owners who need to store their vessels during the off-season or get them serviced before heading out on the water.
Whether you're moving your boat to Washington for fun or practicality, using a reliable boat transport company like those found on Shiply can make the process much easier and more affordable.