How to Convey a Vessel: An All-Encompassing Manual
Whether you're acquiring a new watercraft, vending an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one spot to another, discovering a reliable vessel transport firm that fulfills all your requirements can be daunting. On Shiply, you can uncover & compare trustworthy boat haulers with just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. However, before you commence, it's vital to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
The Expense of Transporting a Watercraft
It's arduous to provide an exact cost due to the numerous factors that can influence quotes. On average, short-distance conveyance can cost between $150 & $300, while longer haul trips can range from $600 to $1,000. Several elements can affect the expense of your boat transportation, including:
- Distance: The span your vessel needs to traverse will significantly impact the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically more economical than international travel. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Boat Size: The dimensions 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.
- Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or need the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost of your vessel transportation.
- 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 extra costs for the additional miles required.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all impact road conditions, which can alter the available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Vessel Accurately
To obtain a precise quote for transporting your watercraft, you need to provide potential boat movers with its dimensions. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any mishaps on the day of transport. 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 boat to the bottom of the keel.
- 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 exceeding this size may require a special permit to travel.
Finding Vessel Transport Companies with Shiply
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a reliable boat transport company. Once you have the make and measurements of your watercraft, along with the pickup & drop-off locations, you can enter this information on our site. Boat moving firms will then send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate 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 mover 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. An added bonus 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.
Preparing Your Vessel 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:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have any necessary documents at hand to avoid late mishaps.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your vessel before transport. Remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment, and secure any loose items that will stay on the boat. Disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter for transport and prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
- 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 transport.
After Delivery: What to Do
Once your boat 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 operates as expected.
- 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 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 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island, situated in South Carolina, US, is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Many people often relocate their boats to and from the island for various reasons, such as seasonal changes, maintenance, or participation in boating events. When it comes to boat transport Hilton Head Island, it's crucial to choose a reliable and experienced company that specializes in Hilton Head Island boat transport. This ensures that your vessel is handled with care and delivered safely to its destination.
Whether you're moving your boat to or from Hilton Head Island, Shiply can help you find the right boat transport company for your needs. By comparing quotes and reading reviews from previous customers, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a seamless boat transportation experience.