A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting Your Boat
Whether you're buying a new vessel, selling an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one location to another, discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be a daunting task. On Shiply, you can find & compare trustworthy boat haulers in just a few simple steps, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. 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 searching for boat transport Lakewood or Lakewood boat transport.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
It's difficult to offer a precise cost due to the various 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:
1. Distance - The mileage your boat needs to travel will significantly affect the cost. Domestic transportation within the US is generally less expensive than international shipping. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. 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.
3. Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat haulers to supply one can also affect the cost of transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can impact pricing. A boat being picked up from a remote area may incur additional costs for the extra miles required.
5. 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 brief overview:
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 roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding this size may require a special permit for transportation.
Finding Boat Transport Companies with Shiply
Shiply streamlines the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, and pickup & drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site. Boat hauling companies will then send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more precise these quotes will be, giving you a great platform 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 choose a reputable company. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility. An added bonus of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, which can be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates and better for the environment.
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:
1. Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have any necessary paperwork on hand to avoid late mishaps.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup.
3. Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
5. Photographic Evidence - Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will serve as proof of its prior condition should any damages occur during transportation.
After Delivery: Ensuring Everything is in Order
Once 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 - Ensure the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
2. Exterior Condition - Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup. This will help you identify 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 hauler. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your hauler to understand how their level of service was received.
Lakewood, Ohio: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
Lakewood, Ohio, US, is a popular location for boat transport due to its proximity to Lake Erie and its thriving boating community. Many people move their vessels to and from Lakewood for various reasons, such as seasonal changes, boat shows, or simply to enjoy the beautiful waters of the Great Lakes. With its convenient location and access to top-notch boating facilities, Lakewood is an ideal destination for boat enthusiasts looking to transport their watercraft.
In conclusion, transporting a boat can seem overwhelming, but with proper preparation and the right boat transport company, the process can be smooth and stress-free. By using Shiply to find and compare reliable boat haulers, you can ensure your vessel reaches its destination safely and at a competitive price. Whether you're looking for boat transport Lakewood or Lakewood boat transport, this guide will help you navigate the process with ease.