How to Convey a Watercraft from Columbus, Ohio
Conveying a watercraft can be challenging, whether you're purchasing, vending, or simply need to relocate it from one location to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills your requirements can be difficult, but Shiply simplifies the process. On Shiply, you can locate & compare dependable boat movers 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.
What Is the Cost to Transport a Boat?
It's challenging to provide a precise price because numerous variables can influence quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anything from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial factors that can affect the cost of your boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to be transported will greatly impact the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically less expensive than international travel. For international transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot. Boat size can also affect which routes a transport company can take if transporting by road.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the movers to provide one can also affect the cost.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: Ease of access to pickup and delivery locations can affect pricing. Remote areas may incur additional costs for extra miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
How to Accurately Measure Your Boat
To obtain an accurate quote for boat transport, you need to provide the dimensions of your boat to potential movers. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid 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 roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats over this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Can Shiply Assist in Finding Boat Transport Companies?
There are many factors to consider when searching for a boat transport company, and it can seem overwhelming given all the variables. This is where Shiply can help. Once you have the make, measurements, pickup, and drop-off locations of your boat, you can enter this information on our site and boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more precise these quotes will be, giving you an excellent place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and 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 and accessibility.
Another advantage of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads. This means using Shiply is good for the environment and can also be up to 75% more affordable than standard rates.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied 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 to avoid any late mishaps.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and get a good idea of your boat's condition 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.
- Remove Sails: If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and 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 during transport.
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: Check that the boat's engines still run 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 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 ask that you leave feedback & a rating for your chosen boat mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence, and helps your mover understand how their level of service was received.
Why People Frequently Relocate Boats to and from Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio is a popular destination for boat transport due to its central location in the United States. Many people move their boats to and from Columbus for various reasons, such as attending boating events, participating in watersports, or simply enjoying the city's many lakes and rivers.
Columbus is home to several popular boating destinations, including Alum Creek State Park, Hoover Reservoir, and Buckeye Lake. These locations offer a range of activities for boaters, from fishing and swimming to waterskiing and wakeboarding. Additionally, Columbus hosts several annual boating events, such as the Columbus Boat Show and the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, which attract boaters from across the region.
Whether you're relocating to Columbus and need to transport your boat, or you're a local looking to explore new boating destinations, Shiply can help you find reliable and affordable boat transport services to and from Columbus, Ohio. With our easy-to-use platform and network of trusted boat movers, you can rest assured that your boat will arrive safely and on time.