How to Convey a Watercraft
Conveying a watercraft, whether you're purchasing, vending, or simply need to relocate it from one locale to another, can be a daunting undertaking. Discovering a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be arduous. Nevertheless, with Shiply, you can uncover & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you commence, you need to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that.
How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Boat?
Supplying an exact price for boat transport is demanding due to the copious variables that can influence quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. Several factors can impact the cost of your boat transportation, including:
Distance - The distance your boat needs to be transported will greatly affect the price. Domestic transportation within the US is typically cheaper than international travel. For international transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
Boat Size - The size of your boat can also significantly impact pricing. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may require alternative methods. The size of the boat can also affect which routes a boat transport company can take if transporting by road.
Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or need the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
Locations of Pickup & Delivery - The ease of access to your pickup and delivery locations can affect 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 routes available for transportation.
How to Properly Measure Your Boat
To get an accurate quote for transporting your boat, you need to provide its dimensions to potential boat movers. 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 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 require a special permit to travel.
How Can Shiply Help Find Boat Transport Companies?
There are many factors to consider when looking for a boat transport company, which can often seem overwhelming. This is where Shiply can help. Once you have the make and measurements of your boat 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 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 that 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 benefit of using Shiply is that drivers are often already making the journeys and looking for extra loads, which means using Shiply is not only good for the environment but can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Preparing Your Boat for Shipping
Once you have chosen a quote you are happy with, you need to prepare your boat 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 boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment that you don't want to get lost during transit. It also gives you a good idea of the condition of your boat prior to pickup, in case anything occurs. Secure any loose items that will stay on the boat, such as lifejackets, and disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
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 you are 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. This will serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur while it is being transported.
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 - Check that the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel still 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 completed, 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 Vergennes, Vermont, US
Vergennes, Vermont, US, is a popular destination for boat owners, with many people moving their boats to and from the area. The city's location on Otter Creek, which flows into Lake Champlain, makes it an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts. Whether you're relocating to Vergennes or simply need to transport your boat there for a vacation, finding reliable boat transport services is crucial.
When searching for "boat transport Vergennes" or "Vergennes boat transport," it's essential to consider factors such as the company's experience, reputation, and the types of services they offer. Shiply can help you find trustworthy boat movers in the Vergennes area, allowing you to compare quotes and choose the best option for your needs.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article and utilizing the services of a reputable boat transport company, you can ensure that your boat arrives safely in Vergennes, ready for you to enjoy the beautiful waters of Lake Champlain and beyond.