How to Convey a Watercraft
Discovering a Trustworthy Boat Shipping Company
Whether you're buying a watercraft, disposing of an old one, or simply need to transport your vessel from one spot to another, locating a reliable boat shipping company that meets all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare reputable boat transporters with just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, you need to establish precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
Elements Influencing Boat Shipping Costs
It's difficult to offer a precise price due to the numerous factors that can affect quotes. On average, short distance shipping can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial elements that can influence the cost of your boat transportation include:
- Distance - The distance your watercraft needs to be transported will greatly impact the price. Domestic shipping within the US is typically cheaper than international travel.
- Boat Size - The dimensions of your vessel can also significantly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be shipped internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot.
- Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat transporters to provide one can also affect the cost.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can impact pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring extra costs.
- Time of Year - Seasonality can also influence pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Watercraft for Precise Quotes
To get an accurate quote for transporting your vessel, you need to provide potential boat transporters with its dimensions. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any mishaps on the day of shipping. 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 watercraft to the bottom of the keel.
- 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 over this size may necessitate a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Assist in Finding Boat Shipping Companies
Shiply can help you navigate the many considerations when searching for a boat shipping company. Once you have your boat's make, measurements, and 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 transporter who quotes you, ensuring you can trust the company's reliability. 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, meaning not only is using Shiply good for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Readying Your Watercraft for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied with, you need to prepare your boat for shipping. 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 watercraft before shipping. 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 shipping and prevent potential leaks during transit.
- 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 serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during shipping.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your watercraft has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs - Ensure the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operate as expected.
- Exterior Condition - Compare the boat's exterior condition 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 shipping company.
After the boat shipping is complete, we ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat transporter. This helps future Shiply users browse services with confidence and allows your transporter to understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Shipping in Aiken, South Carolina
Aiken, situated in South Carolina, US, is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts. Many people often move their boats to and from Aiken for various reasons, such as recreational activities, boat shows, or relocation. When searching for reliable boat shipping in Aiken, it's crucial to consider factors such as the company's experience, insurance coverage, and customer reviews.
Shiply can assist you in finding trustworthy boat shipping companies in Aiken, making the process of transporting your watercraft to or from this beautiful city much simpler. By comparing quotes from multiple providers, you can find the best deal for your specific needs and budget. Whether you're moving a small fishing boat or a large yacht, Shiply can connect you with experienced boat transporters in Aiken who will ensure your vessel arrives at its destination safely and on time.