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 location to another, discovering a reliable boat transportation company that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare trustworthy boat haulers in just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you begin, you need to determine precisely what service you require. This overview will assist you in doing just that, including information on boat transport Rhode Island and why people frequently move boats to & from Rhode Island.
The Expense of Moving a Vessel
It's difficult to provide a precise price due to the numerous factors that can influence quotes. However, on average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 & $300, while longer haul trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Several elements 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 less expensive than international travel. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. Vessel Size - The size of your boat can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels cannot. The size of the boat can also impact which routes a boat transport company can take if transporting by road.
3. Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat haulers to provide one can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The ease of access to your pickup and delivery locations 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 affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all impact road conditions, which can alter the routes available for transportation.
Measuring Your Vessel for Precise Quotes
To get an accurate quote for transporting your boat, you need to provide its dimensions to potential boat haulers. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a quick 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 vessel, measured from the two widest points.
A 'standard' boat is considered to be roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Boats over this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a reliable boat transport company. Once you have the make and measurements of your vessel and the pickup & drop-off locations, 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 a great place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback and review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for any boat hauler who quotes you, ensuring 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.
Another benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads. This means using Shiply is not only good for the environment but can also be up to 75% less expensive than standard rates.
Readying Your Vessel 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:
1. 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 last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your vessel 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, and 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 & 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 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:
1. Check Vital Signs - Check that the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still 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 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 hauler. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your hauler to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport Rhode Island
Rhode Island, a small state in the US, is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts. Many people transport their vessels to and from Rhode Island for various reasons, such as seasonal changes, boat shows, or relocation. The state's coastline and numerous marinas make it an ideal location for boating activities.
When considering boat transport Rhode Island, it's essential to choose a reliable and experienced company. Shiply can help you find trustworthy Rhode Island boat transport providers, ensuring your vessel is moved safely & efficiently. By comparing quotes and reading reviews from previous customers, you can make an informed decision and enjoy peace of mind throughout the transportation process.