How to Convey a Watercraft: An All-Inclusive Manual
Conveying a watercraft can be an intimidating undertaking, whether you're purchasing a new vessel, vending 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 demanding. However, with Shiply, you can effortlessly find & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you commence, it's crucial to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in navigating the process of boat transport.
The Expense of Boat Transport
Supplying an exact price for boat transport 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 cost of your boat transportation, including:
1. Distance: The distance your boat needs to traverse greatly influences the price. 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 more costly, with options such as Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also significantly impact pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may require alternative methods. The size of the boat can also affect the routes available for road transportation.
3. Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup and Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup & delivery locations can influence pricing. Remote areas may incur extra costs for the additional miles required to reach them.
5. Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions and available transportation routes.
Precisely Measuring Your Boat
To receive an accurate quote for boat transport, you must provide potential boat movers with the correct dimensions of your vessel. Although 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.
How Shiply Streamlines Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply simplifies the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. Simply enter your boat's make, measurements, pickup, and drop-off locations on our site, and boat moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate the quotes will be. Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you choose a reliable company. You can also message any quoting company within our platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility.
An added advantage of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads. This not only benefits the environment but can also result in savings of up to 75% compared to standard rates.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've selected a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Here are some essential steps to take:
1. Documents: If your boat 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. 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. Also, disconnect the fuel tanks. This will 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 Checklist
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, which you can then raise with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport is complete, we encourage you to 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.
Boat Transport in Stillwater, Oklahoma, US
Stillwater, Oklahoma, US, is a popular destination for boat owners, with many people moving their boats to and from the area. The city's proximity to several lakes and rivers makes it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts. Some of the reasons people transport their boats to Stillwater include:
1. Recreational Activities: Stillwater offers a variety of water-based recreational activities, such as fishing, water skiing, and wakeboarding, attracting boat owners from surrounding areas.
2. Storage: Many boat owners choose to store their vessels in Stillwater during the off-season, as the city provides numerous storage facilities specifically designed for boats.
3. Maintenance and Repairs: Stillwater is home to several reputable boat maintenance and repair shops, making it a convenient location for boat owners who require these services.
If you're planning to transport your boat to or from Stillwater, Oklahoma, US, consider using Shiply to find reliable and affordable boat transport companies. Our platform connects you with trustworthy boat movers, ensuring your vessel reaches its destination safely and efficiently.