How to Move a Vessel: A Comprehensive Guide
Relocating a vessel can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're purchasing a new boat, selling an old one, or simply need to transfer your watercraft from one spot to another. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. However, with Shiply, you can easily find & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you begin, it's essential to determine precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in navigating the process of moving your vessel.
The Expense of Boat Transport
Offering a precise price for boat transportation can be challenging due to the numerous variables that can influence quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Several factors can affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
1. Distance: The distance your vessel needs to travel will significantly impact the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically cheaper than international travel, as it usually involves inland transportation on a trailer. International boat transport can be more costly, with options such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. Vessel Size: The size of your watercraft 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 movers to provide one can also affect the expense of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing. Remote areas may incur extra costs for the additional miles required to pick up or deliver your vessel.
5. Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Vessel Accurately
To receive an accurate quote for boat transportation, you need to provide potential boat movers with the correct dimensions of your watercraft. 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 vessel, measured from the two widest points.
A 'standard' boat is considered to be approximately 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Vessels exceeding these dimensions may require a special permit for transportation.
Using Shiply to Find Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a reliable boat transport company. Once you have the make and measurements of your vessel, as well as the pickup and drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site. Boat moving companies will then send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate these 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 that you choose a reliable 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 result in prices up to 75% cheaper than standard rates while also being environmentally friendly.
Readying Your Vessel for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Some essential steps include:
1. Documents: If your vessel is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents on hand to avoid any last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport, removing personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess the condition of your vessel prior to pickup in case any damages occur during transit. Secure loose items like lifejackets, 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 watercraft with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transportation.
After Delivery
Once your vessel 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 watercraft operates as expected.
2. Exterior Condition: Compare the exterior condition of the vessel 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.
After the boat transport is complete, we 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.
Transporting Vessels to and from Duncan, Oklahoma
Duncan, Oklahoma, US, is a popular location for boat enthusiasts, with many people moving their watercraft to and from the area. The city's proximity to several lakes and rivers makes it an ideal spot for boating activities. Some of the reasons people transport their vessels to Duncan include participating in fishing tournaments, enjoying recreational boating, or storing their boats during the off-season.
When searching for boat transport services in Duncan, it's essential to use relevant keywords such as "boat transport duncan" or "duncan boat transport" to find local providers. By using Shiply, you can easily connect with reliable boat movers in the Duncan area, ensuring your watercraft is transported safely and efficiently.
In conclusion, transporting a vessel requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, such as distance, boat size, and seasonality. By using Shiply to find and compare boat transport companies, you can simplify the process and find reliable, cost-effective solutions for your boat transportation needs, whether you're moving your watercraft to or from Duncan, Oklahoma, or any other location.