How to Convey a Watercraft from Chicago, Illinois, US
Conveying a watercraft can be a challenging 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 in Chicago that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. However, with Shiply, you can effortlessly find & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. Before you begin, it's essential to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Boat Transport in Chicago
Supplying a precise price for boat transport is challenging due to the numerous variables that can influence quotes. On average, short distance transport within Chicago can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Several factors can affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel significantly impacts the price. Domestic transport within the US, typically done by inland transportation on a trailer, is usually more affordable than international travel.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat also greatly influence pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot. The size of the boat can also affect which routes a boat transport company in Chicago can take if transporting by road.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also affect the expense of your boat transportation.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs for the extra miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality is another factor that can affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all impact road conditions, which can alter the routes available for transportation.
Measuring Your Boat for Precise Quotes
To receive accurate quotes for your boat transport in Chicago, you need to provide potential boat movers with the dimensions of your vessel. While the manufacturer usually provides these measurements, we recommend double-checking 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 roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding these dimensions may require a special permit to travel in Chicago.
How Shiply Helps Find Boat Transport Companies in Chicago
Shiply streamlines the process of finding boat transport companies in Chicago. Once you have the make, measurements, pickup, and drop-off locations of your boat, simply enter this information on our site, and boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more precise these quotes will be, giving you a convenient way to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and 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 advantage of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads. This means using Shiply is not only good for the environment but can also be up to 75% more affordable than standard rates.
Preparing Your Boat for Shipping in Chicago
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Here are some steps you should take:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, you may require certain documents. Make sure you have these ready to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment you don't want to get lost during transit. It also gives you a good idea of your boat's condition prior to pickup, in case anything happens during transport. Secure any loose items that will stay on the boat, such as life jackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
- 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 any potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transportation.
After Delivery in Chicago
Once your boat has been transported to its destination in Chicago, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Ensure 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 raise with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is completed, 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.
Why People Often Move Boats to and from Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts due to its location on Lake Michigan and its numerous waterways. The city boasts several marinas, yacht clubs, and boating facilities, making it an ideal spot for boat owners to enjoy their vessels. Additionally, Chicago hosts various boating events throughout the year, such as the Chicago Boat Show and the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac, which attract boaters from across the country.
Many people move their boats to Chicago to take advantage of these opportunities or to store their vessels during the off-season. Others may be relocating to Chicago and need to transport their boats with them. Conversely, some boat owners may be moving away from Chicago and require their boats to be shipped to their new location.
Regardless of the reason, transporting a boat to or from Chicago requires careful planning and the assistance of a reliable boat transport company. By using Shiply, boat owners can easily find and compare trustworthy boat movers in Chicago, ensuring their vessels are transported safely and efficiently.