How to Convey a Watercraft from Towson, 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 & compare 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 boat transport company, you need to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that, especially if you're looking to transport your boat to or from Towson, Maryland.
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 & $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some of the factors that can impact the expense of boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to be transported will greatly affect 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 impact pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may necessitate special permits for road transport.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also affect the expense.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The ease of access to your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Boat for Transport
To obtain an accurate quote for boat transport, you'll 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 necessitate a special permit for road transport.
Using Shiply to Find Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. Once you have the make and measurements of your boat, as well as the pickup & drop-off locations, you can enter this information on the Shiply website. 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 mover who quotes you, ensuring you can choose a reliable company with confidence. You can also message boat movers within the platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility. Additionally, using Shiply is often up to 75% less expensive than standard rates, as drivers are frequently making the journeys already & looking for extra loads, which is also beneficial for the environment.
Preparing Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've chosen a boat transport company, you'll need to prepare your vessel for shipping. Some key steps include:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents ready to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel prior to pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches & 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 completed, we encourage you to leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover on Shiply. This helps future users browse services with confidence and allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
Towson, Maryland: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
Towson, located in Baltimore County, Maryland, is a popular destination for boat owners. With its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and numerous marinas, many people find themselves transporting their boats to and from Towson. The city's central location and easy access to major highways make it a convenient spot for boat transport companies to serve.
Whether you're moving to Towson and need to bring your boat with you, or you're selling your vessel to someone in the area, using a reliable boat transport service can make the process much smoother. By using Shiply to find and compare boat movers, you can ensure your boat arrives safely and efficiently in Towson, ready for its next adventure on the water.