A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting Your Boat
Whether you're acquiring 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 requirements can be a daunting task. On Shiply, you can find & compare trustworthy boat haulers in just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, it's essential to identify precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing just that, particularly if you're searching for boat transport Bloomington or Bloomington boat transport.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
It's difficult to offer a precise cost due to the numerous factors that can influence quotes. On average, short-distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost between $600 and $1,000. Several elements can affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel significantly impacts the price. Domestic transport within the US is usually less expensive than international shipping. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, & submersion.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also considerably affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels may require alternative methods. The size of the boat can also impact the routes available for road transportation.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat haulers to supply one can also influence the cost of transportation.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery points can impact pricing. Remote areas may incur additional costs for the extra miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing. Ice, wind, & snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Precisely Measuring Your Boat
To obtain an accurate quote for transporting your boat, you must provide potential boat haulers with its dimensions. While the manufacturer usually supplies these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a quick overview:
- 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 approximately 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding this size may require a special permit for travel.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of locating a reliable boat transport company. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, & pickup and drop-off locations, simply enter this information on our site, & 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 an excellent platform to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and comments for any boat hauler 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 & accessibility.
Another benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys & looking for extra loads. This means using Shiply is not only good for the environment but can also be up to 75% less expensive than standard rates.
Preparing Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Here are some steps you should take:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents on hand to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment, and assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of your fuel prior to pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter & prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: If you're 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.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your boat has reached its destination, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Ensure the boat's engines still run & any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates 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 occurred during transit, which you can then raise with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is complete, we kindly 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 Bloomington, Minnesota
Bloomington, Minnesota, US, is a popular location for boat owners to transport their vessels to & from. Situated near several lakes & rivers, Bloomington offers ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts to enjoy the water. Many people move their boats to Bloomington for storage during the off-season or to participate in local boating events & activities.
When searching for boat transport in Bloomington, it's crucial to choose a company with experience navigating the area's roads & waterways. Shiply can help connect you with reliable boat haulers who are familiar with Bloomington & the surrounding region, ensuring your vessel arrives safely & efficiently at its destination.