How to Convey a Watercraft
Discovering a Trustworthy Watercraft Transportation Service
Whether you're buying a watercraft, disposing of an old one, or simply need to relocate your vessel from one spot to another, discovering a reliable boat transport service that meets all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare dependable boat haulers in just a few clicks, often with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, you must determine precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
Elements Influencing the Price of Watercraft Transportation
It's difficult to provide a precise cost due to the numerous factors that can affect quotes. On average, short distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial elements that can influence the price of your boat transportation include:
- Distance - The distance your watercraft needs to be transported will significantly impact the cost. Domestic transportation within the US is typically less expensive than international travel.
- Watercraft Size - The dimensions of your vessel can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot.
- Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat haulers 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 additional costs.
- Time of Year - Seasonality can affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Watercraft for Precise Quotes
To receive accurate quotes for transporting your vessel, you need to provide potential boat haulers with its dimensions. While the manufacturer usually provides these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview of what to measure:
- 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 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.
How Shiply Can Assist in Finding Watercraft Transportation Services
Shiply streamlines the process of finding a boat transport service. Once you have the make and measurements of your watercraft 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 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.
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 vessel for transport. Some steps you should take include:
- 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 watercraft before transport to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment. This also allows you to assess the condition of your vessel prior to pickup.
- Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of your fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter 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 vessel with time-stamped photographs before pickup as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.
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 operates as expected.
- Exterior Condition - Compare the exterior condition of the watercraft upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup to spot any damages that may have occurred during transit.
After the boat transport is complete, we ask that you leave feedback and a rating for your chosen boat mover so future Shiply users can browse services with confidence, and your mover can understand how their level of service was received.
Watercraft Transportation in Lexington, South Carolina
Lexington, situated in the heart of South Carolina, is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Many people often move their watercraft to and from Lexington for various reasons, such as seasonal changes, repairs, or relocation. Lexington's proximity to Lake Murray, one of the largest lakes in the state, makes it an ideal location for boating activities.
When searching for "watercraft transport lexington" or "lexington boat transport," it's crucial to find a reliable and experienced company that can handle your specific needs. Whether you're moving a small fishing boat or a large yacht, professional boat transporters in Lexington can ensure your vessel arrives at its destination safely and on time.