A Comprehensive Guide to Boat Transportation
Regardless of whether you're buying a new vessel, selling an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat, locating a reliable boat transport service that fulfills all your requirements can be difficult. On Shiply, you can find & compare trustworthy boat haulers in just a few clicks, frequently with prices up to 75% lower than standard rates. However, before you start, it's essential to identify precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing just that, including details on boat transport Smyrna and Smyrna boat transport.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
It's difficult to provide a precise cost for boat transportation due to the various factors that can influence quotes. On average, short-distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost between $600 and $1,000. Some of the elements that can affect the expense of your boat transportation include:
- Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the cost. Domestic transportation within the US is typically less expensive than international travel.
- Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also greatly affect pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger vessels may require special permits & routes.
- Trailer: Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat haulers to provide one can also affect the cost.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup and delivery locations can impact pricing, with remote areas potentially incurring additional costs.
- Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, and snow can alter available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Boat for Precise Quotes
To obtain accurate quotes for boat transportation, you need to provide potential boat haulers with your vessel's 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: Measure from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.
- Overall Height: Measure from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.
- Beam: Measure the overall width of the boat from the two widest points.
A 'standard' boat is considered to be roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, and 7'8" wide. Vessels exceeding this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Assist You in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of locating a reliable boat transport 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 details you provide, the more precise these quotes will be, giving you an excellent place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and 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, meaning not only is using Shiply good for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Preparing Your Boat 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 on hand to avoid late mishaps.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment and assess its condition 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 & rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition 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 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 boat's exterior condition 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 & a rating for your chosen boat hauler so future Shiply users can browse services with confidence and help your hauler understand how their level of service was received.
Boat Transport in Smyrna, Tennessee
Smyrna, Tennessee, is a popular location for boat owners to transport their vessels to and from. Located just outside of Nashville, Smyrna offers easy access to several lakes & rivers, making it an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts. Many people choose to move their boats to Smyrna for storage during the off-season or to enjoy the area's waterways during the summer months.
When transporting a boat to or from Smyrna, it's crucial to choose a reliable boat transport company that can navigate the area's roads & highways safely. Shiply can help you find trustworthy boat haulers in Smyrna, ensuring your vessel arrives at its destination in the same condition it left in.
In conclusion, transporting a boat can be a complex process, but with the right preparation & a reliable boat transport company, it can be a smooth & stress-free experience. By following the tips outlined in this guide and using Shiply to find trustworthy boat haulers, you can ensure your vessel arrives at its destination safely & efficiently, whether you're transporting it to Smyrna or anywhere else in the country.