How to Convey a Watercraft
Whether you're purchasing a watercraft, disposing of an old one, or simply need to transport your vessel from one location to another, discovering a dependable boat transportation company that fulfills all your requirements can be challenging. On Shiply, you can locate & compare trustworthy boat haulers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. However, first, you must determine precisely what service you require. This guide will assist you in accomplishing just that.
What Is the Cost to Transport a Boat?
It's challenging to provide a precise price because numerous factors can influence the quotes. However, on average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer trips can range anywhere from $600 to $1,000. As previously mentioned, several aspects can alter the cost of your boat transportation. We've listed some crucial ones below:
Distance - The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the price. If the boat only needs to be transported within the US, then the most probable method will be by trailer on the road, which is typically less expensive than traveling to another country. If the boat needs to be shipped to another country, then it can be more costly. There are a few options here. Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO for short) is the most common method to transport boats to other countries & involves your boat remaining on a trailer for the entire journey. If your boat is a standard size, then you might consider using a closed container that would be placed on a large ship. This can often be a more economical way to transport boats to other countries. If it's a sizable boat that you need to move to another country, then a flat rack can often be attached to a ship which your boat can be secured into while in its own special cradle.
Finally, there's always the option of submersion when considering international boat delivery options, which simply involves your boat being loaded & unloaded from the water. Boat Size - The dimensions of the boat that you want to transport can also greatly influence the pricing. For example, standard-sized boats can be moved to other countries using closed containers, while larger boats cannot. The size of the boat can also alter which routes a boat transport company can take if moving by road.
Trailer - Depending on whether you have your own boat trailer or you require the boat movers to provide you with one, this can also change the cost of your boat transportation. Locations of Pickup & Delivery - The accessibility of your pick up & delivery locations can affect pricing as well, with ease of access playing a role. A boat being picked up from a remote area may also incur additional costs for the extra miles needed to retrieve it.
Time of Year - The season is another factor that can influence pricing. Ice, wind, & snow can all affect road conditions which can alter the routes available for transportation.
How to Accurately Measure Your Boat
To obtain an accurate quote for the cost of moving your boat, you need to provide the dimensions to potential boat movers. While the manufacturer will usually provide these, we recommend verifying them yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. As a quick overview: Overall Length - This is measured from the very front of the bow to the center of the stern. Overall Height - This is measured from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel. Beam - The beam is simply the overall width of the boat, so measure from the two widest points.
A 'standard' boat is considered to be approximately 40' long, 7'10" high & 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Can Shiply Assist in Finding Boat Transport Companies?
Numerous factors need to be considered when searching for a boat transport company, & often it can seem daunting given all of the variables. This is where Shiply can assist you. Once you have the make & measurements of your boat & the pickup and drop-off locations, you can simply input this information on our site & boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more precise these quotes will be. This offers you an excellent platform to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you can remain confident knowing that the company is trustworthy. You can also communicate with anyone who quotes you within our platform to arrange details such as trailers & accessibility. Another added advantage of using Shiply is that often drivers are already making the trips & are seeking additional loads, meaning not only is using Shiply beneficial for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% less expensive than standard rates.
Preparing for Your Boat to be Transported
Once you've reviewed all of your quotes & selected one you're satisfied with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some of the steps you should take are: Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, you may require some documents. Ensure you have these readily available if you need them to avoid any last-minute issues. Cleaning - It's an excellent idea to meticulously clean your boat before it's moved. Not only will this allow you to remove any personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment that you don't want to get lost during transit, but it also enables you to assess the condition of your boat before pick up in case anything happens.
You should also ensure to secure any loose items that will remain on the boat such as life jackets & to disconnect the battery & tidy the cables. Empty Liquids - You should empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of your fuel before pickup, as well as disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the boat lighter for transport & prevent any potential leaks that may occur in transit. Remove Sails - If it's a sailboat you're moving, then you need to remove all winches & rigging from the mast. Photographic Evidence - We highly recommend that you document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photos before it's picked up as this will prove useful as proof of its condition before in case any damages occur while it's being moved.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your boat has been transported to its destination, the challenging part is over, but this doesn't mean there aren't a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order. Check Vital Signs - Verify that the boat's engines still run & any electronic equipment left on the vessel still functions as expected. Exterior Condition - Compare the outside condition of the boat when it arrives to the photos taken before pick up. This will help you identify any damages which have occurred during transit & you can then address this with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport has been completed, we also request that you leave feedback & a rating for your chosen boat mover so that future Shiply users can browse services with the same level of confidence, as well as helping your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
Port Huron, Michigan - A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
Port Huron, situated in Michigan, US, is a popular spot for people to transport their "boar" to & from. As a city located on the St. Clair River, it provides easy access to the Great Lakes system, making it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts. Many individuals choose to transport their boats to Port Huron for recreational purposes, such as fishing, water skiing, & cruising. The city also hosts several boating events throughout the year, including the Port Huron to Mackinac Island Sailboat Race, which attracts sailors from around the world.
In addition to its prime location, Port Huron offers a range of marina services & facilities, making it a convenient destination for boat owners. Whether you're looking to store your boat, perform maintenance, or simply enjoy some time on the water, Port Huron has you covered. With its rich maritime history & thriving boating community, it's no wonder why so many people choose to transport their boats to this charming Michigan city.
If you're considering boat transport port huron or port huron boat transport, be sure to explore your options & find a reliable service provider to ensure a smooth & safe journey for your vessel.
