A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting Your Boat
Whether you're buying a new vessel, selling an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one place to another, locating a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your needs can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare trustworthy 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 require. This guide will assist you in doing just that, including information on boat transport Catonsville and Catonsville boat transport.
Elements Influencing the Price of Boat Transport
It's difficult to provide a precise price due to the numerous factors that can affect quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial elements that can influence the price of your boat transportation include:
1. Distance - The distance your boat needs to be transported will greatly impact the cost. Domestic transportation within the US is typically less expensive than international travel.
2. Boat Size - The dimensions of your boat can also significantly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels cannot.
3. Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also influence the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs.
5. Time of Year - Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Boat for Precise Quotes
To receive accurate quotes for boat transportation, you need to provide potential boat movers with your vessel's dimensions. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview:
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 this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a dependable boat transport company. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, and pickup & drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site, and boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more precise these quotes will be, giving you a great place 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 choose a reliable company. 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, which 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:
1. Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have any necessary documents at hand to avoid late mishaps.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment and assess its condition prior to pickup.
3. Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
5. Photographic Evidence - Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
What to Do 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:
1. Check Vital Signs - Ensure the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
2. Exterior Condition - Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup to spot any damages that occurred during transit and raise them with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is complete, we ask that you leave feedback & a rating for your chosen boat mover so future Shiply users can browse services with confidence and help your mover understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Catonsville, Maryland, US
Catonsville, Maryland, US, is a popular location for boat owners to transport their vessels to and from. Many people move their boats to Catonsville for various reasons, such as accessing the Chesapeake Bay or participating in local boating events. When searching for boat transport in Catonsville, it's crucial to choose a reliable and experienced company to ensure your boat arrives safely and on time.
By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can find the right boat transport company for your needs and ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when moving your boat to or from Catonsville, Maryland, US.