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How to Convey a Vessel: An All-Encompassing Manual



Conveying a vessel can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're purchasing a new boat, selling an old one, or simply need to relocate your watercraft from one spot to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. However, with Shiply, you can effortlessly find & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you begin, it's essential to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This manual will assist you in navigating the process of boat transport el dorado.


The Expense of Boat Conveyance



Ascertaining the precise expense of boat transport can be challenging due to the numerous variables that can affect 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 influence the cost of boat transportation include:



1. Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel significantly impacts 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, & submersion.



2. Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat also play a crucial role in pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may require alternative methods. The size of the boat can also impact the routes available for road transportation.



3. Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can affect the cost of transportation.



4. Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can influence pricing. Remote areas may incur additional costs due to the extra miles required for pickup.



5. Time of Year: Seasonality can impact pricing, as ice, wind, & snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.


Precisely Measuring Your Boat



To receive an accurate quote for boat transportation, 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:



1. Overall Length: Measured from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.



2. Overall Height: Measured from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.



3. 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, & 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding these dimensions may require 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, measurements, pickup, & 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 & review system enables you to view ratings and feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you choose a reliable company. You can also communicate with boat movers within the platform to discuss details such as trailers & accessibility. Additionally, using Shiply can be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates, as drivers often seek extra loads for pre-planned journeys, making it an eco-friendly option as well.


Readying Your Boat for Shipping



Once you've selected a boat mover, it's time to prepare your vessel 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.



2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport, removing personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment. Secure loose items like lifejackets, disconnect the battery, & tidy cables.



3. Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of the fuel prior to pickup. Disconnect fuel tanks to prevent potential leaks during transit.



4. Remove Sails: For sailboats, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.



5. Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup to serve as evidence of its prior condition in case of any damages during transportation.


Post-Delivery Checklist



After your boat has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps to ensure everything is in order:



1. Check Vital Signs: Verify that the boat's engines & any electronic equipment left on the vessel are functioning as expected.



2. Exterior Condition: Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the pre-pickup photos to identify any damages that may have occurred during transit. If any issues are found, raise them with the boat transport company.



Once the boat transport is complete, we encourage you to leave feedback & a rating for your chosen boat mover on Shiply. This helps future users browse services with confidence & allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.


El Dorado, Kansas: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport



El Dorado, a city in Butler County, Kansas, US, has become a popular destination for boat transport. Many people choose to move their boats to and from El Dorado for various reasons, such as recreational activities on El Dorado Lake, a reservoir known for its fishing, boating, & camping opportunities. The city's central location within the United States also makes it a convenient stopover point for those transporting their boats across the country. With its thriving community & access to outdoor adventures, El Dorado continues to attract boat enthusiasts from far & wide, making it a common route for boat transport companies.



In conclusion, transporting a boat requires careful planning, preparation, & the right boat transport company. By understanding the factors that influence cost, accurately measuring your boat, & using platforms like Shiply to find reliable boat movers, you can ensure a smooth & successful boat transport experience. Whether you're moving your boat to or from El Dorado, Kansas, or any other destination, following this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shiply Cover My Area?

Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.

Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?

There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.

How Can I Contact Shiply Support?

Shiply Support is available only on email, at

Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?

Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.

When Will I Receive A Quote?

You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.

How Many Quotes Will I Receive?

Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.

Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?

f your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.

Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?

Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.

Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?

Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.

Can I Travel With My Goods?

The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and to highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.

What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?

If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.

Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?

If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .

Do I Need To Take My Boat Anywhere?

Typically, boat transporters on Shiply will be able to pick your boat up from wherever it is located and will use special boat trailers to do so. If your journey is strictly overseas then it may be cheaper to drive to the port yourself, but boat transporters will always be able to collect your boat, wherever it is.

Can I Keep Items In My Boat During Transportation?

This will likely be up to your boat transporter's discretion, so make sure to ask! One thing to note is that the items will likely not be covered by the insurance that covers the boat, so don't leave anything in there you cannot easily replace.

How Shiply works

How Shiply Works

How Shiply Works

  • 1

    Request quotes from our 447,168 rated shipping companies.

  • 2

    Compare prices and read previous customer feedback to pick the right quote for you.

  • 3

    Sit back and relax while your item is safely moved by your chosen shipping company.

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How Shiply Helps The Environment

By utilizing spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to ship the item.

3 0 2 6 7 4 3 1 0 Kg/CO2 Saved

Recent Testimonials

Debra W Testimonial

Debra W.

"Communication was great from the time I accepted the quote until the car was dropped off. In terms of the timeline, I was given a potential range for both how soon the car would be picked up and how many days it would be in transport."

Patrick G Testimonial

Patrick G.

"Everything was perfect! Fast, easy and hassle-free process! I definitely recommend and would use them again in the future. Thank you so much!"

Sophie G Testimonial

Sophie G.

"Great experience using these guys. This was my first time having to transport a car using a service like this and I could not be happier. Picked up earlier than expected and delivery was early as well. Quick easy and problem free."

Gary M Testimonial

Gary M.

"I’ve used Shiply twice now and have been really pleased with the result. It’s quick and easy to use. For both occasions the quotes were very competitive and the quality of the job was excellent. I highly recommend it."

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