Conveying a Watercraft: An All-Encompassing 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 boat transportation company that fulfills all your requirements can be daunting. Shiply presents a practical solution, enabling you to locate & compare dependable boat haulers with just a few clicks, frequently at rates up to 75% lower than standard prices. However, before you commence, it's essential to ascertain the precise service you necessitate. This guide aims to support you in making a well-informed choice.
Elements Influencing the Expense of Boat Transportation
Supplying a precise price for boat conveyance can be challenging due to the numerous variables involved. On average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 and $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Some of the primary factors that impact the expense of boat transportation include:
1. Distance: The distance your boat needs to traverse significantly affects the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically more affordable than international travel, as it often involves inland transportation on a trailer. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can influence pricing and transportation methods. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may necessitate alternative solutions. The size of the boat can also dictate the routes available for road transport.
3. Trailer: Whether you provide your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to furnish one can impact the overall cost of transportation.
4. Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing. Remote areas may incur additional costs due to the extra miles required for pickup.
5. Time of Year: Seasonality plays a role in pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can affect road conditions and alter available transportation routes.
Precisely Measuring Your Boat
To obtain accurate quotes from potential boat movers, it's crucial to provide them with the correct dimensions of your vessel. While manufacturers usually provide these details, we recommend double-checking the measurements yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a quick overview of the key measurements:
1. Overall Length: Measure from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.
2. Overall Height: Measure from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.
3. Beam: Measure the overall width of the boat 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 require a special permit for transportation.
Employing Shiply to Locate Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a reliable boat transport company. By providing the make, measurements, pickup, and drop-off locations of your boat, boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate the quotes will be, allowing you to easily compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system enables you to view ratings & 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 platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility.
An added advantage 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 Shipment
Once you've selected a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Some essential steps include:
1. Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents readily available to avoid any last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport, removing personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup.
3. Secure Loose Items: Secure any loose items that will remain on the boat, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery, tidying the cables.
4. Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel before pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
5. Remove Sails: If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
6. 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:
1. Check Vital Signs: Verify that the boat's engines and any electronic equipment left on the vessel are functioning as expected.
2. Exterior Condition: Compare the exterior condition of the boat upon arrival to the photos taken before 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 kindly ask that you 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.
Boat Transport in Des Moines, Iowa, US
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, is a popular location for boat enthusiasts. Many people often move their boats to and from Des Moines for various reasons, such as recreational activities on nearby lakes and rivers or for storage during the off-season. The city's central location within the United States makes it a convenient hub for boat transport, with easy access to major highways and interstates.
When searching for boat transport services in Des Moines, consider using keywords like "boat transport des moines" or "des moines boat transport" to find local providers who are familiar with the area and can offer reliable, efficient service. By working with a reputable boat transport company in Des Moines, you can ensure that your vessel is safely and securely moved to its destination, whether it's a nearby lake or a distant location across the country.