A Comprehensive Guide to Boat Transportation
Moving a boat, whether for purchase, sale, or relocation, can be an intimidating undertaking. Locating a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. However, with Shiply, you can effortlessly discover & compare reputable boat movers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% lower than standard rates. Before beginning, it's essential to precisely determine the service you need. This guide will assist you in doing so, including information on boat transport Lakeland and why individuals often relocate boats to and from Lakeland, Florida, US.
The Expense of Boat Transportation
Offering a precise price for boat transportation can be challenging due to the various factors that can influence quotes. On average, short-distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost between $600 and $1,000. Several elements can impact the expense of your boat transportation, including:
1. Distance: The distance your boat must travel significantly affects the price. 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 considerably impact pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels may necessitate alternative methods. The size of the boat can also affect the routes available for transportation by road.
3. Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to supply one can also influence the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup & delivery locations can affect pricing. Remote areas may incur additional costs for the extra miles required for pickup.
5. Time of Year: Seasonality can also impact pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Accurately Measuring Your Boat
To obtain an accurate quote for boat transportation costs, you must provide potential boat movers with your boat's dimensions. Although the manufacturer usually supplies these measurements, we recommend verifying them yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a quick overview:
- 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 surpassing these dimensions may require a special permit for transportation.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of locating a dependable boat transport company. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, and pickup and drop-off locations, simply enter this information on our site, and boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more precise the quotes will be. Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you select a reliable company. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility.
Using Shiply not only benefits the environment, as drivers are often already making the journeys and seeking extra loads, but it can also save you up to 75% compared to standard rates.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've selected a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Follow these steps:
1. Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents on hand to avoid any last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and assess your boat's condition prior to pickup. Secure loose items like lifejackets, disconnect the battery, and tidy the cables.
3. Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel before pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails: For sailboats, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
5. Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This serves as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transportation.
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 and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operate as expected.
2. Exterior Condition: Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken before pickup. This helps 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 kindly 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.
Lakeland, Florida, US: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
Lakeland, Florida, US, is a popular destination for boat owners looking to transport their vessels. Situated in central Florida, Lakeland is renowned for its numerous lakes and outdoor recreational activities, making it an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts. Many people choose to relocate their boats to and from Lakeland for various reasons, such as seasonal storage, repairs, or participation in local boating events. With its convenient location and access to major highways, Lakeland is a prime hub for boat transport services, including lakeland boat transport companies that specialize in moving boats to and from the area.
In conclusion, transporting a boat can be a complex process, but with the right preparation and the assistance of a reliable boat transport company, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. By understanding the factors that affect boat transportation costs, accurately measuring your boat, and properly preparing it for shipping, you can ensure that your vessel arrives at its destination safely and securely. And with the help of platforms like Shiply, finding the perfect boat mover for your needs has never been easier.