Transporting a Watercraft: A Comprehensive Guide
Regardless of whether you're acquiring a watercraft, disposing of an old one, or simply need to relocate your vessel from one location to another, discovering a dependable boat transportation company that fulfills all your requirements can be daunting. On Shiply, you can locate & compare trustworthy boat haulers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. However, first, you must determine precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in accomplishing just that.
The Cost of Transporting a Watercraft
It's challenging to provide a precise price due to the numerous variables that can influence quotes. However, on average, short-distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial factors that can impact the cost of your boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your watercraft needs to be transported will significantly affect the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically more affordable than international travel. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, & submersion.
- Watercraft Size: The size of your vessel can also greatly influence pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot. Boat size can also affect which routes a boat transport company can take if transporting by road.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also impact the cost.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing. A boat being picked up from a remote area may incur additional costs for the extra miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can influence pricing. Ice, wind, & snow can all affect road conditions, which can alter the available transportation routes.
Accurately Measuring Your Watercraft
To obtain an accurate quote for how much it will cost to transport your boat, you need to provide its dimensions to potential boat movers. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any mishaps on the day of transport. Here's a brief 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 roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, & 7'8" wide. Boats over this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Assist in Finding Boat Transport Companies
There are many aspects to consider when searching for a boat transport company, & it can often seem overwhelming given all the variables. This is where Shiply can help. Once you have the make & measurements of your boat and the pickup & drop-off locations, you can simply enter this information on our site. Boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate these quotes will be, giving you a great place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, so you can stay safe knowing the company is reliable. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details like trailers & accessibility.
Another bonus 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% cheaper than standard rates.
Readying Your Watercraft for Shipping
Once you've looked at all your quotes & chosen one you're happy with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some steps you should take include:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, you may require some documents. Make sure you have these at hand if needed to avoid any late mishaps.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment you don't want to get lost during transit. It also gives you a good idea of your boat's condition prior to pickup, in case anything occurs. Secure any loose items that will stay on the boat, like lifejackets, & disconnect the battery & tidy the cables.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of your fuel prior to pickup, & disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the boat lighter for transport & prevent any potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will come in handy as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur while it's being transported.
Post-Delivery Steps
Once your boat has been transported to its destination, the hard part is over. But there are still a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Check that the boat's engines still run & any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operates as expected.
- Exterior Condition: Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup. This will help you spot any damages that occurred during transit, which you can then raise with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is complete, we also ask that you leave feedback & a rating for your chosen boat mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with the same level of confidence & helps your mover understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Plattsmouth, Nebraska
Plattsmouth, Nebraska, US is a popular destination for boat owners looking to transport their vessels to & from the area. Located along the Missouri River, Plattsmouth offers a scenic setting for boating enthusiasts. Many people choose to move their boar to Plattsmouth for recreational purposes, such as fishing, water skiing, & cruising the river.
The city's proximity to major highways & interstates makes it a convenient location for boat transport companies to access. Whether you're moving your boat to Plattsmouth for the summer season or relocating it to another area, you can find reliable boat transport services through Shiply.
In conclusion, transporting a watercraft requires careful planning & consideration of various factors, such as distance, boat size, trailer requirements, pickup & delivery locations, & seasonality. By using Shiply, you can easily find & compare trustworthy boat movers, often at significantly lower rates than standard pricing. Remember to properly measure your boat, prepare it for shipping, & check its condition upon delivery to ensure a smooth & successful boat transport experience.