Transporting a Boat: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you're buying a new vessel, selling 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. On Shiply, you can find & compare trustworthy boat haulers with just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, you need to determine precisely what service you require. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
It's difficult to provide an exact cost due to the numerous factors that can influence quotes. On average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 & $300, while longer haul trips can range from $600 to $1,000. Several elements can affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
1. Distance - The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the cost. 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, & submersion.
2. Boat Size - The dimensions of your boat can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot. The size of the boat can also impact which routes a boat transport company can take if transporting by road.
3. Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat haulers to provide one can also affect the expense of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing. A boat being picked up from a remote area may incur additional costs for the extra miles required.
5. Time of Year - Seasonality can also affect pricing. Ice, wind, & snow can all impact road conditions, which can alter the routes available for transportation.
Measuring Your Boat Precisely
To get an accurate quote for transporting your boat, you need to provide the dimensions to potential boat haulers. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any mishaps 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, & 7'8" wide. Boats over this size may require a special permit to travel.
Finding Boat Transport Companies with Shiply
There are many factors to consider when searching for a boat transport company, & it can often seem overwhelming given all the variables. This is where Shiply can help you. Once you have the make & measurements of your boat and the pickup & drop-off locations, you can simply enter this information on our site, & boat hauling companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information 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 & feedback for any boat hauler who quotes you, ensuring you can trust that the company is dependable. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers & accessibility.
Another benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys & looking for extra loads, meaning not only is using Shiply good for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Preparing 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, you may require some documents. Make sure you have these at hand if needed to avoid any late mishaps.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove any personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment you don't want to get lost during transit, & also gives you a good idea of the condition of your boat prior to pickup. Secure any loose items that will stay on the boat, such as lifejackets, & disconnect the battery & tidy the cables.
3. Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of your fuel prior to pickup, & disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the boat lighter for transport & prevent any potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches & 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 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:
1. Check Vital Signs - Check that the boat's engines still run & any electronic equipment left on the vessel still 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 spot any damages that 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 & a rating for your chosen boat hauler. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence & allows your hauler to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a popular location for boat owners, with many people moving their boats to & from the city. The city's proximity to the Charles River & the Atlantic Ocean makes it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts. Whether you're moving to Cambridge or relocating elsewhere, finding reliable boat transport services is crucial.
When searching for boat transport in Cambridge, it's essential to consider factors such as the company's experience, reputation, & pricing. Shiply can help you find trustworthy boat haulers in the Cambridge area, allowing you to compare quotes & read reviews from previous customers. By using Shiply, you can ensure that your boat is transported safely & efficiently, whether you're moving it to or from Cambridge.