How to Convey a Watercraft from West Lafayette, Indiana
Moving a watercraft can be challenging, whether you're purchasing a new vessel, offloading an old one, or simply need to relocate it from one spot to another. Discovering a dependable watercraft transport firm in West Lafayette that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. But with Shiply, you can locate & contrast trustworthy watercraft movers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. First, however, you must determine precisely what service you require. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
What Is the Cost to Transport a Watercraft?
It's challenging to provide a precise price because there are numerous factors that can influence the quotes. But on average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while lengthier trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial factors that can alter the price include:
- Distance - The distance your watercraft needs to travel will have a significant impact on the price. If the watercraft is staying in the US, it'll likely be transported on a trailer, which is usually more affordable than international travel. If the watercraft needs to go to another country, it can be more expensive. There are a few options for international watercraft transport, such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Watercraft Size - The size of your watercraft can also greatly affect the pricing. For instance, standard-sized watercraft can be shipped internationally using enclosed containers, but larger watercraft can't. The size of the watercraft can also change which routes a watercraft transport company can take if they're going by road.
- Trailer - The cost can also change depending on whether you have your own watercraft trailer or if you need the movers to provide one.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations - How accessible your pickup and delivery spots are can affect the price too. If the watercraft is being picked up from a remote area, it might cost extra for the additional miles the movers have to drive.
- Time of Year - The season can also change the price. Ice, wind, and snow can all affect road conditions, which can alter the routes available for transportation.
How to Properly Measure Your Watercraft
To get an accurate quote for how much it will cost to move your watercraft, you need to provide the watercraft movers with the correct measurements. The manufacturer usually provides these, but we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues on transport day. Here's a quick overview:
- Overall Length - Measure from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.
- Overall Height - Measure from the highest point of the watercraft (that can't be removed) to the bottom of the keel.
- Beam - The beam is simply the overall width of the watercraft, so measure from the two widest points.
A 'standard' watercraft is usually around 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Watercraft larger than this might require a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Assist in Finding Watercraft Transport Companies
There are many things to consider when searching for a watercraft transport company, and it can often seem overwhelming with all the variables. This is where Shiply can help. Once you have the make and measurements of your watercraft and the pickup & drop-off locations, you can simply enter this info on our site. Then, watercraft moving companies will send custom quotes right to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more precise these quotes will be. This gives you a great place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to see ratings & feedback for any watercraft mover who quotes you. That way, you can stay safe knowing the company is reliable. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details like trailers and accessibility.
Another bonus of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the trips and looking for extra loads. This means using Shiply is good for the environment and can also be up to 75% more affordable than standard rates.
Readying Your Watercraft for Shipping
Once you've looked at all your quotes and selected one you like, you need to get your watercraft ready for transport. Here are some steps you should take:
- Documents - If your watercraft is being sold or going to another country, you might need some documents. Make sure you have these ready if you need them to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning - It's a great idea to thoroughly clean your watercraft before it's transported. This way, you can remove any personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment that you don't want to get lost during the move. You can also get a good idea of the condition of your watercraft before pickup, in case anything happens. Make sure to secure any loose items that will stay on the watercraft, like life jackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
- Empty Liquids - You should empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel before pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the watercraft lighter for transport and prevent any leaks that might occur during the trip.
- Remove Sails - If you're transporting a sailboat, you need to remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
- Take Photos - We highly recommend taking time-stamped photos of your watercraft's condition before it's picked up. This will come in handy as evidence of its condition before the move, in case any damage happens while it's being transported.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your watercraft has been moved to its destination, the hard part is over. But there are still a few things you can do to make sure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs - Check that the watercraft's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the watercraft still works as expected.
- Check Exterior - Compare the outside of the watercraft when it arrives to the photos you took before pickup. This will help you spot any damage that happened during the move, and you can bring it up with the watercraft transport company.
After the watercraft transport is done, we also ask that you leave feedback & a rating for your chosen watercraft mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence, and helps your mover understand how their service was received.
Why People Often Move Watercraft To & From West Lafayette, Indiana
West Lafayette, situated in Indiana, is a popular spot for boating enthusiasts. Located along the Wabash River, the city provides ample opportunities for water activities. Many people relocate their watercraft to West Lafayette to enjoy the picturesque river views and great fishing spots. The city is also home to Purdue University, which attracts students & faculty who enjoy boating in their free time.
On the other hand, some people need to transport their watercraft from West Lafayette to other locations. This could be because they're relocating to a new city, selling their watercraft, or taking it to a different body of water for a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, dependable watercraft transport services are essential for getting watercraft to and from West Lafayette safely and efficiently.
