A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting a Boat
Whether you're acquiring a new vessel, selling an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one place to another, locating a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, you need to determine precisely what service you require. This guide will assist you in doing just that, including information on boat transport west des moines & west des moines boat transport.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
It's difficult to provide an exact price due to the numerous variables that can impact quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Several factors can affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel will greatly impact the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically cheaper than international travel.
- Boat Size: The size of your boat can also significantly 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 need the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The ease of access to your pickup and delivery locations 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.
Measuring Your Boat for Precise Quotes
To get an accurate quote for transporting your boat, you need to provide potential boat movers 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 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 over this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Assist in Finding Boat Transport Companies
There are many things to consider when looking for a boat transport company, & it can often seem daunting given all the variables. This is where Shiply can help. Once you have the make & measurements of your boat and the pickup and drop-off locations, you can simply enter this information on our site, & boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more precise these quotes will be, giving you a great place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you can stay safe in the knowledge that the company is reliable. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers & accessibility.
Another added bonus of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys & looking for extra loads. This means not only is using Shiply good for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're happy 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, you may require some documents. Make sure you have these at hand to avoid any late mishaps.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of your fuel prior to pickup, & disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the boat lighter for transport & prevent potential leaks.
- Remove Sails: If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence: Document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will come in handy as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
After Delivery: What to Do
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 & any electronic equipment left on the vessel still 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 spot any damages that occurred during transit, which you can then raise 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 & allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
West Des Moines, Iowa: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
West Des Moines, located in the heart of Iowa, is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts. Many people choose to move their boats to & from West Des Moines for various reasons, such as participating in boating events, enjoying the city's numerous lakes & rivers, or simply storing their boats during the off-season.
When transporting a boat to or from West Des Moines, it's essential to choose a reliable boat transport company that understands the unique challenges of navigating the area's roads & waterways. Shiply can help you find experienced boat movers in West Des Moines who can ensure your vessel arrives at its destination safely & efficiently.
In conclusion, transporting a boat requires careful planning & consideration. By understanding the factors that affect boat transport costs, properly measuring your boat, & preparing it for shipping, you can ensure a smooth & successful transport experience. And with Shiply's help, finding reliable boat movers in West Des Moines & beyond has never been easier.