How to Convey a Watercraft
Discovering a Trustworthy Boat Shipping Company
Whether you're buying a watercraft, disposing of an old one, or simply need to transport your vessel from one spot to another, locating a reliable boat shipping company that meets all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare reputable boat transporters in just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, you must determine precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
Elements Influencing Boat Shipping Costs
It's difficult to provide a precise price due to the numerous factors that can affect quotes. On average, short distance shipping can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial elements that can impact the cost of your boat transportation include:
- Distance - The distance your watercraft needs to be transported will significantly influence the price. Domestic shipping within the US is typically less expensive than international travel.
- Boat Size - The dimensions of your vessel can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be shipped internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot.
- Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat transporters to provide one can also impact the cost.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs.
- Time of Year - Seasonality can also influence pricing, as ice, wind, & snow can alter available shipping routes.
Measuring Your Watercraft Accurately
To get a precise quote for your boat shipping, you need to provide potential boat transporters with your vessel's dimensions. While the manufacturer usually supplies these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues 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 watercraft to the bottom of the keel.
- Beam - The overall width of the vessel, 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 Shipping Companies
Shiply can help you navigate the many considerations when searching for a boat shipping company. Once you have your vessel's make, measurements, and pickup & drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site, and boat transporting companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more accurate these quotes will be, giving you a great place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to view ratings & comments for any boat transporter who quotes you, ensuring you can trust the company's reliability. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility.
Another advantage of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, meaning not only is using Shiply good for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% less expensive than standard rates.
Readying Your Watercraft for Shipping
Once you've selected a quote you're satisfied with, you need to prepare your vessel for transport. Some steps you should take include:
- Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, you may require some paperwork. Make sure you have these at hand to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your watercraft before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and get a good idea of your vessel's condition prior to pickup.
- Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the boat lighter for transport and prevent any potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails - If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence - Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will come in handy as evidence of its prior state should any damages occur during transport.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your watercraft has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs - Check that the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operate as expected.
- Exterior Condition - Compare the boat's exterior state 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 shipping company.
After the boat transport is complete, we ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat transporter. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your transporter to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Shipping in Covington, Kentucky
Covington, Kentucky, US is a popular location for boat owners to ship their vessels to and from. Situated along the Ohio River, Covington offers easy access to water recreation activities, making it an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts. Many people move their boats to Covington for storage during the off-season or to enjoy the city's scenic river views and nearby attractions.
When shipping a boat to or from Covington, it's crucial to choose a reliable boat shipping company that understands the unique challenges of navigating the area's roads and waterways. Experienced boat transporters in Covington can ensure your vessel arrives safely and on time, whether you're moving it locally or across the country.
By using Shiply to find trustworthy boat shipping companies in Covington, you can compare quotes from multiple providers and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. With the right preparation and a dependable boat transporter, shipping your watercraft to or from Covington can be a smooth and stress-free experience.