How to Convey a Watercraft from Baltimore, Maryland
Conveying a watercraft can be a challenging undertaking, whether you're purchasing a new vessel, vending an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one spot to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult, but with Shiply, you can locate & contrast trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks. Frequently, you can discover quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. However, before you begin searching for a company, you need to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Boat Transport
It's challenging to provide a precise price for boat transport 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 cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some of the factors that can affect the expense of boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to be transported will greatly impact the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically less expensive than international travel. For international transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may require special permits for road transport.
- Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also impact the cost.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: The ease of access to your pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can also impact pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can affect road conditions and available routes.
Measuring Your Boat for Transport
To obtain an accurate quote for boat transport, 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. The key measurements include:
- 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 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, 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, giving you a convenient way to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and 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 benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads. This means using Shiply is not only good for the environment but can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied 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, ensure you have any necessary documents on hand to avoid last-minute issues.
- 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.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
- 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
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: Verify that the boat's engines and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operate as expected.
- 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, which you can then raise 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.
Why People Often Move Boats to and from Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland, is a favored destination for boat owners due to its prime location on the Chesapeake Bay. The city boasts a rich maritime history and offers numerous marinas, boat ramps, and yacht clubs. Many people choose to transport their boats to Baltimore to enjoy the bay's excellent fishing, cruising, and water sports opportunities.
Additionally, Baltimore hosts several major boat shows throughout the year, such as the Baltimore Boat Show and the United States Powerboat Show. These events attract boat enthusiasts from across the country, who may need to transport their vessels to and from the city.
Furthermore, Baltimore's central location along the East Coast makes it a convenient hub for boat owners who wish to explore nearby waterways, such as the Potomac River, the Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. With its thriving boating community and strategic position, Baltimore is a popular choice for those looking to transport their boats for leisure or business purposes.