How to Convey a Watercraft: An All-Inclusive Manual for Vessel Proprietors
Conveying a watercraft can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're acquiring a new boat, vending an old one, or simply need to relocate your vessel from one spot to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. Nevertheless, with Shiply, you can effortlessly find & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you commence, it's vital to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in navigating the process of boat transport in New Albany and beyond.
The Expense of Boat Transport
Ascertaining the precise cost of boat transport can be challenging due to the numerous variables that can influence quotes. On average, short distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically less expensive than international travel, as it usually involves inland transportation on a trailer. International boat transport can be more costly, with options such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may necessitate alternative methods. The size of the boat can also influence the routes available for transportation by road.
- Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also impact the cost of your boat transportation.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs for extra miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can also influence pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Boat for Precise Quotes
To obtain accurate quotes for boat transport, you must provide potential boat movers with the correct dimensions of your vessel. While manufacturers usually provide these measurements, it's recommended to double-check them yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a quick overview of the key measurements:
- 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 exceeding these dimensions may necessitate a special permit for transportation.
Streamlining the Search for Boat Transport Companies with Shiply
Shiply streamlines the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. By providing the make and measurements of your boat, along with the pickup & drop-off locations, boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more precise the quotes will be, allowing you to easily compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system enables you to view ratings and feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you can trust in the reliability of the company. You can also communicate with the boat movers within the Shiply platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility.
An added benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and seeking additional loads. This not only benefits the environment but can also result in savings of 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. Some essential steps include:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents readily available to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, as well as assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup. Secure any loose items that will remain on the boat, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel before pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter for transport and prevent 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 pickup. This will serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transportation.
Post-Delivery Checklist
After 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: Verify that 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, allowing you to raise the issue with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport is complete, we encourage you to leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and provides valuable insights to the mover regarding their level of service.
New Albany, Indiana: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
New Albany, located in Indiana, US, is a popular destination for boat owners looking to transport their vessels to and from the area. The city's proximity to the Ohio River and its numerous marinas make it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts. Many people choose to move their boats to New Albany for storage during the off-season or to enjoy the scenic waterways during the summer months.
When transporting a boat to or from New Albany, it's essential to work with a reputable boat transport company that understands the unique challenges of navigating the area's roads and waterways. By using Shiply to find and compare boat movers, you can ensure that your vessel arrives at its destination safely and efficiently, whether you're moving it to New Albany for the first time or returning it home after a season of adventure on the Ohio River.