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 & contrast reputable boat haulers in just a few clicks, frequently with prices up to 75% less expensive than standard rates. However, before you start, you must establish precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
Elements Influencing Watercraft Transportation Expenses
It's difficult to offer a precise price due to the numerous variables that can affect quotes. On average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Some crucial factors that can influence the expense of your boat transportation include:
- Distance - The distance your watercraft needs to be transported will significantly impact the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically less expensive than international travel.
- Watercraft Size - The size 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 influence the cost.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery spots can affect pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring extra costs.
- Time of Year - Seasonality can also impact pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
Gauging Your Watercraft Precisely
To get an accurate quote 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 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 watercraft, 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 in Finding Watercraft Transportation Services
Shiply can help you navigate the many considerations when looking for a boat transport company. Once you have your vessel'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 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 the company is reliable. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility. Another 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.
Readying Your Watercraft for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're happy 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, you may require some documents. Make sure you have these at hand to avoid any late mishaps.
- Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your watercraft before transport. 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 transport and prevent any 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 come in handy 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 - Check that 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 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.
Watercraft Transportation in St. Andrews, South Carolina, US
St. Andrews, situated in South Carolina, US, is a popular destination for boat enthusiasts. Many people often move their vessels to and from St. Andrews for various reasons, such as recreational activities, repairs, or storage. When transporting a watercraft to or from St. Andrews, it's crucial to choose a reliable boat transport company that can handle the specific requirements of the area, such as navigating local waterways and complying with regional regulations. Shiply can help connect you with experienced boat movers in the St. Andrews area, ensuring your boat transport needs are met efficiently and safely.