How to Move a Vessel: A Thorough Overview
Whether you're acquiring 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 movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% less expensive than standard rates. However, before you start, you need to determine precisely what service you require. This overview will assist you in doing just that, including information on boat transport minneapolis and minneapolis boat transport.
The Expense of Moving a Vessel
It's difficult to provide a precise price due to the numerous variables that can affect quotes. On average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 & $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Several factors can influence the expense of your boat transportation, including:
- Distance: The distance your vessel needs to travel will significantly impact the price. 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.
- Vessel Size: The size of your boat can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels may require alternative methods. Boat size can also impact the routes available for road transportation.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat movers to provide one can also influence the cost.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can impact pricing. Remote areas may incur extra costs for additional miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
Precisely Measuring Your Vessel
To receive an accurate quote for boat transportation, you need to provide the dimensions of your vessel to potential movers. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Measure the overall length from the end of the bow to the middle of the stern, the overall height from the highest non-removable point to the bottom of the keel, & the beam, which is the overall width of the boat. A 'standard' boat is roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Larger vessels may require a special permit for travel.
Discovering Boat Transport Companies with Shiply
Shiply streamlines the process of finding boat transport companies. Simply enter your boat's make, measurements, pickup, & drop-off locations on our site, and 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 & feedback for any boat mover 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.
Using Shiply is not only good for the environment, as drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, but it can also be up to 75% less expensive than standard rates.
Readying Your Vessel for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied with, you need to prepare your boat for transport:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have any necessary documents on hand.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your vessel before transport to remove personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment. Secure loose items and disconnect the battery.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel prior to pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter & prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: For sailboats, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
- 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
Once your boat has been transported to 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 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 complete, we ask that you leave feedback & a rating for your chosen boat mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence & allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a popular location for boat transport due to its numerous lakes & rivers. Many people move their vessels to and from Minneapolis for recreational purposes, such as fishing, water skiing, and cruising. The city's central location within the United States also makes it a convenient hub for boat transportation to other parts of the country.
When transporting a boat to or from Minneapolis, it's crucial to consider the specific requirements of the area, such as permits, regulations, and weather conditions. Working with a reputable boat transport company familiar with the region can help ensure a smooth & successful move.