Save up to 75% off standard rates

Getting Boat Transport Quotes is Easy on Shiply

Current Location

Current Location

Millions of people use Shiply

How to Convey a Vessel: An Exhaustive Manual for Vessel Proprietors



Conveying a vessel can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're purchasing a new craft, 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 demanding. 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 crucial to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in navigating the process of transporting your boat, including the costs involved, how to measure your boat properly, and what to do before and after the transportation process.


The Expense of Boat Transport



The expense of boat transport can differ greatly depending on several factors. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Some of the key factors that influence the cost of boat transportation include:



1. Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically cheaper than international travel. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.



2. Boat Size: The size of your boat can affect the transportation method and pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may require alternative methods.



3. Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost.



4. Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring extra costs.



5. Time of Year: Seasonality can affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.


Gauging Your Boat for Precise Quotes



To receive accurate quotes from potential boat movers, you must provide the correct dimensions of your boat. 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 measurements you'll need:



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 transportation.


Utilizing Shiply to Locate Boat Transport Companies



Shiply streamlines the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. By providing the make and measurements of your boat, along with the pickup & drop-off locations, boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate the quotes will be.



Shiply's feedback and 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 communicate with the boat movers within the platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility.



An added benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, which can result in up to 75% cheaper rates than standard pricing, while also being environmentally friendly.


Readying Your Boat for Shipping



Once you've chosen a boat mover, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Some essential steps include:



1. Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents ready to avoid any last-minute issues.



2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport, removing personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. Secure loose items and disconnect the battery.



3. Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent leaks during transit.



4. Remove Sails: For sailboats, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.



5. Photographic Evidence: Document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photographs before pickup to serve as evidence in case of any damages during transportation.


After Delivery: Verifying Your Boat's Condition



Once your boat has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps you should take to ensure everything is in order:



1. Check Vital Signs: Verify that the boat's engines and any electronic equipment left on the vessel are functioning 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.



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 provides valuable insights to the boat mover regarding their level of service.


Boat Transport in Woodlawn, Maryland, US



Woodlawn, located in Baltimore County, Maryland, is a popular destination for boat owners. Many people often move their boats to and from Woodlawn for various reasons, such as seasonal storage, repairs, or participation in boating events. The proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways makes Woodlawn an attractive location for boating enthusiasts.



When searching for boat transport services in Woodlawn, it's essential to use relevant keywords such as "boat transport woodlawn" or "woodlawn boat transport" to find local providers who are familiar with the area and can offer convenient pickup and delivery options. By using Shiply and working with experienced boat movers in Woodlawn, you can ensure that your vessel is transported safely and efficiently, whether you're moving it to or from this charming Maryland town.



In conclusion, transporting a boat requires careful planning and attention to detail. By understanding the factors that affect boat transport costs, properly measuring your boat, and preparing it for shipping, you can ensure a smooth and successful transportation process. Shiply is here to help you find reliable and affordable boat movers, making the entire experience more convenient and stress-free.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shiply Cover My Area?

Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.

Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?

There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.

How Can I Contact Shiply Support?

Shiply Support is available only on email, at

Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?

Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.

When Will I Receive A Quote?

You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.

How Many Quotes Will I Receive?

Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.

Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?

f your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.

Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?

Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.

Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?

Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.

Can I Travel With My Goods?

The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and to highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.

What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?

If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.

Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?

If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .

Do I Need To Take My Boat Anywhere?

Typically, boat transporters on Shiply will be able to pick your boat up from wherever it is located and will use special boat trailers to do so. If your journey is strictly overseas then it may be cheaper to drive to the port yourself, but boat transporters will always be able to collect your boat, wherever it is.

Can I Keep Items In My Boat During Transportation?

This will likely be up to your boat transporter's discretion, so make sure to ask! One thing to note is that the items will likely not be covered by the insurance that covers the boat, so don't leave anything in there you cannot easily replace.

How Shiply works

How Shiply Works

How Shiply Works

  • 1

    Request quotes from our 447,168 rated shipping companies.

  • 2

    Compare prices and read previous customer feedback to pick the right quote for you.

  • 3

    Sit back and relax while your item is safely moved by your chosen shipping company.

Recent Shipments

40 Foot Yacht
40 Foot Yacht

Manchester, Tennessee

Goodspring, Tennessee

$1647

Pontoon Boat On Trailer
Pontoon Boat On Trailer

East Peoria, Illinois

Burnham, Illinois

$692

Wooden Bottom Row Boat
Wooden Bottom Row Boat

Nahant, Massachusetts

Theater District, Texas

$2427

Small Fishing Boat
Small Fishing Boat

Modesto, California

Reno, Nevada

$408

How Shiply Helps The Environment

By utilizing spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to ship the item.

3 0 2 6 7 4 3 1 0 Kg/CO2 Saved

Recent Testimonials

Debra W Testimonial

Debra W.

"Communication was great from the time I accepted the quote until the car was dropped off. In terms of the timeline, I was given a potential range for both how soon the car would be picked up and how many days it would be in transport."

Patrick G Testimonial

Patrick G.

"Everything was perfect! Fast, easy and hassle-free process! I definitely recommend and would use them again in the future. Thank you so much!"

Sophie G Testimonial

Sophie G.

"Great experience using these guys. This was my first time having to transport a car using a service like this and I could not be happier. Picked up earlier than expected and delivery was early as well. Quick easy and problem free."

Gary M Testimonial

Gary M.

"I’ve used Shiply twice now and have been really pleased with the result. It’s quick and easy to use. For both occasions the quotes were very competitive and the quality of the job was excellent. I highly recommend it."

4.8/5 Rating

from 4,108 Reviews

Shiply is an official eBay compatible application

4.6/5 Rating

from 28,861 Reviews