How to Move a Watercraft: An All-Inclusive Manual
Whether you're acquiring a new vessel, disposing of an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one spot to another, discovering a reliable watercraft transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare reputable boat haulers with just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. However, before you start, it's essential to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Moving a Watercraft
It's difficult to offer an exact cost due to the numerous factors that can influence quotes. On average, short-distance transport can range from $150 & $300, while longer haul trips can span from $600 to $1,000. Several elements can affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
- Distance: The distance your vessel needs to travel will significantly impact the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically more affordable than international travel.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your watercraft can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels may require special arrangements.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat haulers to provide one can also affect the cost.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can impact pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring extra costs.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, & snow can alter available transportation routes.
Precisely Measuring Your Watercraft
To obtain an accurate quote for transporting your vessel, you must provide potential boat haulers with its dimensions. While the manufacturer usually provides 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 watercraft, measured from the two widest points.
A 'standard' boat is considered to be approximately 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Vessels exceeding this size may require a special permit for transportation.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a reliable watercraft transport company. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, and pickup & drop-off locations, 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 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 advantage of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, which is not only good for the environment but can also be up to 75% more affordable than standard rates.
Readying Your Watercraft for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your vessel for transport. Here are some steps you should take:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents ready to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your watercraft before transport, removing personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess your boat's condition prior to pickup.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, & 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 & rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup, which can serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your watercraft has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Verify that 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 identify 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 completed, we kindly ask that you leave feedback & a rating for your chosen boat mover on Shiply. This helps future users browse services with confidence and allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
Watercraft Transport in Rockford, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois, US, is a popular location for boat owners to transport their vessels to and from. Situated along the Rock River, Rockford offers a variety of boating opportunities, making it an attractive destination for boating enthusiasts. Many people choose to move their boats to Rockford for recreational purposes, such as fishing, water skiing, & cruising. Additionally, Rockford's proximity to other major cities in the Midwest makes it a convenient location for boat owners to store and maintain their vessels.
When searching for boat transport services in Rockford, it's essential to find a reliable and experienced company. Shiply can help connect you with trustworthy boat transport rockford providers who can safely and efficiently move your boat to or from the city. By comparing quotes from multiple rockford boat transport companies, you can find the best deal and ensure your vessel arrives at its destination in pristine condition.