A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting a Boat
Whether you're buying a new vessel, selling an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one location 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 in just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you begin, you must determine precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing just that, including information on boat transport Eden Prairie and Eden Prairie boat transport.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
It's difficult to provide a precise cost due to the numerous factors that can influence quotes. However, 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:
1. Distance - The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the cost. Domestic transportation within the US is typically less expensive 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 dimensions of your boat can also greatly influence 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 transportation by road.
3. Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat haulers to provide one can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can influence 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, and snow can all impact road conditions, which can alter the available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Boat for Precise Quotes
To get an accurate estimate for transporting your boat, you need to provide its dimensions to potential boat haulers. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues 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, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding this size may require a special permit for transportation.
Discovering Boat Transport Companies with Shiply
Shiply streamlines the process of finding boat transport companies. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, and pickup & drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site, and boat moving companies will send custom estimates directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more precise these estimates will be, giving you a convenient way to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to view ratings & feedback 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 and accessibility. Additionally, using Shiply is often up to 75% less expensive than standard rates, as drivers are frequently making the journeys already and looking for extra loads, which is also environmentally friendly.
Readying 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, ensure you have any necessary documents on hand to avoid last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess your boat's condition prior to pickup.
3. Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
5. Photographic Evidence - Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
After Delivery: What to Do
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 - Ensure the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
2. Exterior Condition - Compare the boat's exterior condition 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 completed, we ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat hauler. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your hauler to understand how their level of service was received.
Eden Prairie, Minnesota: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
Eden Prairie, located in Minnesota, US, is a popular destination for boat owners. Many people often move their boats to and from Eden Prairie for various reasons, such as recreational activities on nearby lakes or for storage during the off-season. The city's proximity to several lakes and rivers makes it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts. When transporting a boat to or from Eden Prairie, it's essential to choose a reliable boat transport company that can navigate the area's roads and ensure the safe delivery of your vessel.
In conclusion, transporting a boat requires careful planning & preparation. By understanding the factors that affect boat transport costs, properly measuring your boat, and using Shiply to find reliable boat haulers, you can ensure a smooth and successful transport experience. Whether you're moving your boat to or from Eden Prairie or any other location, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you navigate the process with ease.