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 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 with just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% lower than standard prices. 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 seeking boat transport in St. Paul, Minnesota, US.
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 impact the expense of your boat transportation, including:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly affect the cost. Domestic transportation 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 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.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat haulers to supply one can also affect the cost of transportation.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery points can impact pricing. A boat being picked up from a remote area may incur additional costs for the extra miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can also influence pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all impact road conditions, which can alter the available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Boat for Precise Quotes
To obtain accurate quotes for transporting your boat, you need to 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 transportation.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of locating a dependable boat transport company. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, and the pickup & drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site, and boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more precise these quotes will be, giving you a convenient way 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 can choose a reliable company with confidence. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility.
Another benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and 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, you may require certain paperwork. Ensure you have these readily available 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, and most of your fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the boat lighter for transport and 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 transportation.
What to Do 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: Verify that the boat's engines still run and 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 may have occurred during transit, which you can then raise with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is completed, we kindly ask that you leave feedback & 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.
Boat Transport in St. Paul, Minnesota, US
St. Paul, the capital city of Minnesota, is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts. Situated along the Mississippi River, St. Paul offers a variety of boating opportunities, from leisurely cruises to fishing and water sports. Many people often move their boats to and from St. Paul for various reasons, such as seasonal changes, boat shows, or relocation.
When transporting a boat to or from St. Paul, it's crucial to consider factors such as distance, boat size, and accessibility. Shiply can help you find reliable boat transport companies in St. Paul that can accommodate your specific needs and requirements. By comparing quotes and reading reviews from previous customers, you can make an informed decision and ensure your boat arrives at its destination safely & efficiently.