How to Convey a Watercraft
Discovering a Trustworthy Watercraft Transportation Service
Whether you're buying a watercraft, disposing of an old one, or simply need to relocate your vessel from one spot to another, locating a reliable boat transport service that meets all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare reputable boat haulers with just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, you must identify precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
Elements Influencing Watercraft Transportation Prices
It's difficult to offer a precise cost due to the numerous factors that can affect quotes. On average, short distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial elements that can impact the price of your boat transportation include:
- Distance - The distance your watercraft needs to be transported will significantly influence the cost. Domestic transportation within the US is typically less expensive than international travel.
- Watercraft Size - The dimensions of your vessel can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot.
- Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to supply one can also impact the cost.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs.
- Time of Year - Seasonality can also influence pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can all affect road conditions and available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Watercraft for Precise Quotes
To obtain an accurate quote for transporting your boat, you must provide potential boat movers with its dimensions. While the manufacturer usually supplies these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief 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 exceeding this size may require a special permit for transportation.
How Shiply Can Assist in Finding Watercraft Transport Services
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a boat transport company. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, and pickup and drop-off locations, you can 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 accurate these quotes will be, giving you a great platform 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 company's reliability. 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 using Shiply is not only good for the environment but can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Readying Your Watercraft for Transport
Once you've selected a quote 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, ensure you have any necessary documents on hand to avoid late mishaps.
- Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess your boat's condition prior to pickup.
- Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails - If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence - Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
What to Do 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 - Ensure the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
- Exterior Condition - Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup to spot any damages that may have occurred during transit. If any issues are found, raise them with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is complete, we ask that you leave feedback & 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.
Watercraft Transportation in Des Plaines, Illinois
Des Plaines, situated in Illinois, US, is a favored destination for boat enthusiasts. Many people frequently relocate their boats to and from Des Plaines for various reasons, such as seasonal changes, repairs, or participation in boating events. The city's proximity to Lake Michigan and the Des Plaines River makes it an ideal location for boating activities.
When transporting a boat to or from Des Plaines, it's crucial to select a reliable boat transport company that can handle the specific requirements of the area. Factors such as local regulations, weather conditions, and road access should be taken into consideration to ensure a smooth and safe transport process.
By using Shiply to find and compare boat transport companies in Des Plaines, you can easily find a trusted provider that meets your needs and budget. Whether you're moving your boat for personal or commercial reasons, Shiply can help you streamline the process and ensure your boat arrives at its destination safely and efficiently.