How to Convey a Vessel from Decatur, Illinois
Conveying a vessel can be a challenging process, whether you're purchasing a new boat, disposing of an old one, or simply need to relocate your watercraft from one location to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. However, on Shiply, you can locate & compare dependable boat movers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. But first, you must determine precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in accomplishing just that.
What Is the Cost to Transport a Boat?
It's challenging to provide a precise price because there are numerous variables that can influence quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial factors that can affect the cost of your boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to be transported will significantly impact the price. If the boat only needs to be moved within the US, then inland transportation on a trailer is the most probable method, which is usually less expensive than international travel. If the boat needs to go internationally, there are a few options, such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of the boat you want to transport can also greatly affect 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 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 cost of your boat transportation.
- Locations of Pickup & Delivery: The accessibility of your pick up and delivery locations can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring extra costs for the additional miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality is another factor that can affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all affect road conditions, which can alter the available transportation routes.
How to Accurately Measure Your Boat
To obtain an accurate quote for how much it will cost to transport your boat, you need to provide the dimensions of it to potential boat movers. While the manufacturer will usually provide you with these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any mishaps on the day of transport. Here's a brief 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 over this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Can Shiply Assist in Finding Boat Transport Companies?
There are many things to consider when searching for a boat transport company, and it can often seem overwhelming given all the variables. This is where Shiply can aid you. Once you have the make and measurements of your boat and the pickup & drop-off locations, you can simply enter this information on our site, and boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more precise 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, so you can stay safe in the knowledge that the company is reliable. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility.
Another added bonus of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, meaning not only is using Shiply good for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Why People Frequently Relocate Boats to and from Decatur, Illinois
Decatur, Illinois is a city situated in the heart of the Midwest, known for its rich history and beautiful natural surroundings. Many people choose to relocate their boats to and from Decatur for a variety of reasons.
One of the main reasons is the city's proximity to Lake Decatur, a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. The lake offers a wide range of activities, from fishing and water skiing to simply cruising around and enjoying the scenery. Many people who live in the surrounding areas choose to keep their boats in Decatur for easy access to the lake.
Another reason people relocate their boats to and from Decatur is for storage purposes. The city has several marinas and storage facilities that offer secure, convenient storage options for boats of all sizes. This is especially useful for those who don't have the space to store their boats at home or who want to protect their investment during the off-season.
Finally, some people relocate their boats to and from Decatur for repair and maintenance purposes. The city has several reputable boat repair shops and service centers that can handle everything from routine maintenance to major repairs and upgrades. By transporting their boats to Decatur, boat owners can ensure that their vessels are in top condition and ready for the next adventure.
Preparing for Your Boat to be Shipped
Once you've looked at all your quotes and chosen one you're satisfied 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, you may require some documents. Make sure you have these at hand if you need them to avoid any late mishaps.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before it's transported. This allows you to remove any personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment that you don't want to get lost during transit, and also gives you a good idea of the condition of your boat prior to pick up, should anything occur. Secure any loose items that will stay on the boat, such as lifejackets, 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 the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photographs before it's picked up. This will come in handy as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur while it's being transported.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your boat has been transported to its destination, the hard part is over, but there are still a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Check that 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 pick up. This will help you spot any damages that occurred during transit, which you can then raise with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport is complete, we also ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover so that future Shiply users can browse services with the same level of confidence, and to help your mover understand how their level of service was received.
In conclusion, transporting a boat can be a complex process, but with the right preparation and the help of a reliable boat transport company like those found on Shiply, it can be a smooth and stress-free experience. Whether you're moving your boat to or from Decatur, Illinois, or anywhere else in the world, taking the time to properly measure your boat, prepare it for transport, and choose a reputable boat mover can make all the difference. So why wait? Start exploring your boat transport options today and get ready for your next boating adventure!
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