How to Convey a Watercraft
Conveying a watercraft can be a challenging undertaking, whether you're purchasing a new vessel, vending 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. However, with Shiply, you can effortlessly find & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. Before you begin, it's crucial to ascertain exactly what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Boat Transport
Supplying a precise price for boat transportation can be challenging due to the numerous variables that influence quotes. On average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 and $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Some essential factors that affect the cost of boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel significantly impacts the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically more affordable than international travel, as it usually involves inland transportation on a trailer. International boat transport can be more expensive, with options like Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Boat Size: The size of your boat also greatly affects pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats 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 need the boat movers to provide one can affect the cost of transportation.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can influence pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring extra costs for additional miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality is another factor that can affect pricing. Ice, wind, & snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Gauging Your Boat Accurately
To receive a precise quote for boat transportation, you must provide potential boat movers with the correct dimensions of your vessel. Although the manufacturer usually provides these measurements, it's recommended to double-check them 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 Assists in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a dependable boat transport company. Once you have the make, measurements, pickup, and drop-off locations of your boat, simply 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 accurate the quotes 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 mover who quotes you, ensuring you choose a reliable company. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility. An added benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option, with rates up to 75% more affordable than standard prices.
Readying Your Boat for Shipment
After selecting a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Some essential steps include:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents ready to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transportation. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup. Secure any loose items that will remain on the boat, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel before 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 and 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.
Post-Delivery Steps
Once your boat has reached 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 and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operate as expected.
- Exterior Condition: Compare the exterior condition of the boat upon arrival to the photos taken before pickup. This will help you identify any damages that may have occurred during transit, which you can then address with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is completed, we kindly ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.
Lolo, Montana, US: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
Lolo, Montana, US, is a favored location for boat transport, with many people relocating their boats to and from this area. Situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Lolo offers stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including boating on the nearby rivers and lakes. The town's proximity to major highways and its central location within the state make it an ideal spot for boat owners to transport their vessels to and from other parts of the country.
Whether you're looking to enjoy the pristine waters of the Bitterroot River or explore the scenic beauty of Lolo National Forest, transporting your boat to Lolo, Montana, US, is a popular choice among boating enthusiasts. With the help of reliable boat transport companies like those found on Shiply, moving your boat to and from Lolo has never been easier or more affordable.