How to Convey a Watercraft: An All-Inclusive Manual for Vessel Proprietors
Conveying a watercraft can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're acquiring a new boat, vending an old one, or simply need to relocate your vessel from one spot to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. However, with Shiply, you can uncover & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you commence, it's essential to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in navigating the process of transporting your watercraft.
The Expense of Boat Transport
Supplying a precise price for boat transport can be challenging due to the numerous variables that can influence quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Several factors can affect the cost of your boat transportation, including:
1. Distance - The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically cheaper than international travel, as it usually involves inland transportation on a trailer. International boat transport can be more expensive, with options such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. Boat Size - The size of your boat can also greatly affect 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 transportation by road.
3. Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing. A boat being picked up from a remote area may incur extra costs for the additional miles required.
5. Time of Year - Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Gauging Your Watercraft for Transport
To obtain an accurate quote for boat transportation, you need to provide the dimensions of your vessel to potential boat movers. While the manufacturer usually provides these measurements, it's recommended to double-check them yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief 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 roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding these dimensions may require a special permit for transport.
Locating Boat Transport Companies with Shiply
Shiply streamlines the process of finding boat transport companies. Once you have the make and measurements of your boat, along with the pickup & drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site. Boat moving companies will then send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate these quotes will be, giving you a convenient way to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you can choose a reliable company with confidence. 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. 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 Watercraft for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're happy with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Here are some steps you should take:
1. Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have any necessary documents on hand to avoid last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup. Secure any loose items that will remain on the boat, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
3. Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter for transport and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
5. 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 transport.
After Delivery: Guaranteeing Everything is in Order
Once 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 still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
2. Exterior Condition - Compare the exterior condition of the boat upon arrival to the photos taken prior to 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.
After the boat transport is complete, we ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Harvey, Louisiana, US
Harvey, Louisiana, US is a popular location for boat transport, with many people moving their vessels to and from this area. Located just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, Harvey is known for its bustling marine industry and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. The city's proximity to major highways and waterways makes it an ideal location for boat transport companies to operate.
People often move their boats to Harvey for various reasons, such as participating in fishing tournaments, attending boat shows, or seeking repairs and maintenance at one of the many marine service providers in the area. Additionally, some boat owners choose to store their vessels in Harvey during the off-season, taking advantage of the city's secure storage facilities and favorable climate.
When transporting a boat to or from Harvey, it's essential to work with a reputable boat transport company that understands the unique challenges of navigating the area's waterways and roads. By using a platform like Shiply, you can easily connect with experienced boat movers who specialize in servicing the Harvey area, ensuring your vessel arrives at its destination safely and efficiently.