Save up to 75% off standard rates

Getting Boat Transport Quotes is Easy on Shiply

Current Location

Current Location

Millions of people use Shiply

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 haulers with just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, it's essential to determine precisely what service you need. This overview will assist you in doing just that.


The Expense of Moving a Vessel


Offering a precise cost for boat transport can be challenging due to the various factors that can affect quotes. On average, short-distance transport can range from $150 & $300, while longer haul trips can cost between $600 to $1,000. Several elements can influence the expense of your boat transportation, including:


1. Length - The distance your vessel needs to travel will significantly impact the cost. Domestic transport within the US is typically less expensive than international travel, as it usually involves inland transportation on a trailer. International boat transport can be pricier, with options such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.


2. Vessel Size - The dimensions 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. 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 need the boat haulers to provide one can also influence the cost of your boat transportation.


4. Pickup & Delivery Spots - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs for the extra miles required.


5. Season - Seasonality can also impact pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.


Precisely Measuring Your Vessel


To obtain an accurate quote for boat transport, you need to provide potential boat haulers with the dimensions of your vessel. While 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 brief overview of the key measurements:


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 approximately 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding these dimensions may require a special permit for transportation.


Discovering Boat Transport Companies with Shiply


Shiply streamlines the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. By providing the make and measurements of your vessel, along with the pickup & drop-off locations, boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more precise these quotes will be, allowing you to easily compare your options.


Shiply's feedback and review system enables you to view ratings and feedback for any boat hauler who quotes you, ensuring you can trust in the reliability of the company. You can also communicate with any quoter within the platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility.


An added benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and seeking additional loads. This not only benefits the environment but can also result in savings of up to 75% compared to standard rates.


Readying Your Vessel for Shipping


Once you've selected a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Here are some steps you should take:


1. Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have any necessary documents readily available to avoid last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, as well as 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.
3. Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel before pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter for transport and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
5. 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


After 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 - Verify that the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
2. 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, allowing you to raise the issue with the boat transport company.


Once the boat transport is complete, we kindly ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat hauler. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and enables your hauler to understand how their level of service was received.


Boat Transport in Niagara Falls, New York, US


Niagara Falls, situated in the state of New York, US, is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts. Many people often relocate their vessels to and from Niagara Falls for various reasons, such as recreational activities, boat shows, or even relocation. The stunning natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding area makes it an attractive location for boating enthusiasts.


When moving a boat to or from Niagara Falls, it's crucial to consider the specific requirements and challenges of the region. Working with experienced boat transport companies familiar with the area can ensure a smooth and efficient process. These professionals can navigate the unique logistics of boat transport in Niagara Falls, taking into account factors such as road conditions, traffic regulations, and weather patterns.


By utilizing the services of reliable boat transport companies, boat owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their vessels will be safely and securely transported to and from Niagara Falls. Whether you're planning to explore the waters near the falls or simply need to relocate your boat, working with trusted professionals can make the process stress-free and efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shiply Cover My Area?

Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.

Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?

There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.

How Can I Contact Shiply Support?

Shiply Support is available only on email, at

Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?

Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.

When Will I Receive A Quote?

You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.

How Many Quotes Will I Receive?

Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.

Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?

f your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.

Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?

Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.

Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?

Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.

Can I Travel With My Goods?

The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and to highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.

What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?

If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.

Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?

If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .

Do I Need To Take My Boat Anywhere?

Typically, boat transporters on Shiply will be able to pick your boat up from wherever it is located and will use special boat trailers to do so. If your journey is strictly overseas then it may be cheaper to drive to the port yourself, but boat transporters will always be able to collect your boat, wherever it is.

Can I Keep Items In My Boat During Transportation?

This will likely be up to your boat transporter's discretion, so make sure to ask! One thing to note is that the items will likely not be covered by the insurance that covers the boat, so don't leave anything in there you cannot easily replace.

How Shiply works

How Shiply Works

How Shiply Works

  • 1

    Request quotes from our 447,168 rated shipping companies.

  • 2

    Compare prices and read previous customer feedback to pick the right quote for you.

  • 3

    Sit back and relax while your item is safely moved by your chosen shipping company.

Recent Shipments

40 Foot Yacht
40 Foot Yacht

Manchester, Tennessee

Goodspring, Tennessee

$1647

Pontoon Boat On Trailer
Pontoon Boat On Trailer

East Peoria, Illinois

Burnham, Illinois

$692

Wooden Bottom Row Boat
Wooden Bottom Row Boat

Nahant, Massachusetts

Theater District, Texas

$2427

Small Fishing Boat
Small Fishing Boat

Modesto, California

Reno, Nevada

$408

How Shiply Helps The Environment

By utilizing spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to ship the item.

3 0 2 6 7 4 3 1 0 Kg/CO2 Saved

Recent Testimonials

Debra W Testimonial

Debra W.

"Communication was great from the time I accepted the quote until the car was dropped off. In terms of the timeline, I was given a potential range for both how soon the car would be picked up and how many days it would be in transport."

Patrick G Testimonial

Patrick G.

"Everything was perfect! Fast, easy and hassle-free process! I definitely recommend and would use them again in the future. Thank you so much!"

Sophie G Testimonial

Sophie G.

"Great experience using these guys. This was my first time having to transport a car using a service like this and I could not be happier. Picked up earlier than expected and delivery was early as well. Quick easy and problem free."

Gary M Testimonial

Gary M.

"I’ve used Shiply twice now and have been really pleased with the result. It’s quick and easy to use. For both occasions the quotes were very competitive and the quality of the job was excellent. I highly recommend it."

4.8/5 Rating

from 4,108 Reviews

Shiply is an official eBay compatible application

4.6/5 Rating

from 28,861 Reviews