How to Move a Vessel: An All-Encompassing Manual
Relocating a watercraft can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're purchasing a new boat, disposing of an old one, or simply need to transfer 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 effortlessly find & compare trustworthy boat haulers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you start, it's essential to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This manual will assist you in navigating the process of moving your watercraft.
The Expense of Boat Relocation
Supplying a precise price for boat transportation can be challenging due to the numerous variables that can influence quotes. On average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 and $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Several factors can affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
1. Length: The distance your watercraft needs to travel will significantly impact the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically less expensive than international travel, as it often 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, and submersion.
2. Vessel Size: The dimensions of your watercraft can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels may require alternative methods. The size of the boat can also impact the routes available for transportation by road.
3. Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or need the boat haulers to provide one can also affect the expense of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can impact pricing. Remote areas may incur extra costs for the additional miles required to pick up or deliver your watercraft.
5. Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Precisely Measuring Your Vessel
To receive an accurate quote for boat transportation, you must provide potential boat haulers with the correct dimensions of your watercraft. 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 vessel, measured from the two widest points.
A 'standard' boat is considered to be approximately 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Vessels exceeding these dimensions may require a special permit for transportation.
Employing Shiply to Find Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a reliable boat transport company. Once you have the make and measurements of your watercraft, as well as the pickup and 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, allowing you to easily compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system enables you to view ratings & feedback for any boat hauler who quotes you, ensuring that you choose a reliable company. You can also communicate with boat haulers within our platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility. Additionally, using Shiply is often up to 75% cheaper than standard rates, as drivers may already be making the journeys and are looking for extra loads, which is also beneficial for the environment.
Readying Your Vessel for Shipment
Once you have selected a boat hauler from the quotes provided, you need to prepare your watercraft 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 vessel before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, as well as assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup. Secure any loose items that will remain on the watercraft, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
3. Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the 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 are 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 transportation.
Post-Delivery Checklist
After your watercraft 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 concerns with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport is complete, we encourage you to leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat hauler. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and enables your hauler to understand how their level of service was received.
Transporting Vessels to and from Bath, Maine, US
Bath, Maine, US, is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts, with many people often moving their watercraft to and from the area. The city's rich maritime history and stunning coastal scenery make it an attractive location for boating activities. When transporting a vessel to or from Bath, it's essential to consider the unique challenges posed by the region's geography and weather conditions.
Boat transport companies servicing the Bath area are well-equipped to handle these challenges, ensuring that your watercraft arrives safely and on time. Whether you're relocating your boat for seasonal storage or participating in local boating events, reliable boat transportation services are crucial to a smooth and stress-free experience.
By following the guidelines outlined in this all-encompassing manual and utilizing the services of reputable boat haulers, such as those found on Shiply, you can confidently transport your vessel to and from Bath, Maine, US, and enjoy all that this picturesque coastal region has to offer.