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How to Move a Vessel: A Thorough Manual


Relocating a vessel, whether you're purchasing, vending, or simply transferring it from one spot to another, can be an intimidating undertaking. Discovering a dependable boat transport firm that satisfies all your needs & aligns with your financial plan can be demanding. Luckily, Shiply simplifies the process of finding & comparing trustworthy boat haulers with just a few taps, frequently providing estimates up to 75% lower than standard prices. Before you begin evaluating quotes, it's crucial to establish precisely what assistance you necessitate. This manual will guide you through the procedure of relocating your vessel.


Elements Influencing the Expense of Boat Transport


The expense of boat transport can fluctuate significantly depending on various elements. On average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Some of the primary factors that impact the price include:


1. Distance: The distance your boat needs to be transported significantly impacts the cost. Domestic transport within the US is typically cheaper than international travel, as it usually involves inland transportation on a trailer. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, & submersion.
2. Boat Size: The size of your boat can affect the transportation method & cost. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may require alternative methods. The boat's size can also determine which routes are available for road transport.
3. Trailer: Whether you provide your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to supply one can impact the overall cost.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup & delivery locations can affect pricing. Remote areas may incur extra costs due to the additional miles required for pickup.
5. Time of Year: Seasonality plays a role in pricing, as ice, wind, & snow can alter available transportation routes.

Precisely Gauging Your Vessel


To obtain precise estimates from prospective boat haulers, you must provide accurate dimensions of your vessel. While manufacturers typically offer these specifics, it's advisable to double-check the measurements yourself to prevent any problems on the day of transport. The crucial measurements include:


1. Overall Length: Measured from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.
2. Overall Height: Measured from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.
3. Beam: The overall width of the boat, measured from the two widest points.

A 'standard' boat is considered to be approximately 40' long, 7'10" high, & 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding these dimensions may require a special permit for transport.


How Shiply Streamlines Finding Boat Transport Companies


Shiply simplifies the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. Simply enter your boat's make, measurements, pickup, & drop-off locations on our site, & boat moving companies will send customized quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate the quotes will be. Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings & feedback for each boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you choose a reliable company. You can also communicate with the boat movers within our platform to discuss details such as trailers & accessibility.


Using Shiply not only benefits the environment, as drivers often seek extra loads for pre-planned journeys, but it can also save you up to 75% compared to standard rates.


Readying Your Vessel for Shipment


Once you've selected a boat mover, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:


1. Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, gather any necessary documents to avoid last-minute issues.
2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport, removing personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment. Secure loose items like lifejackets, disconnect the battery, & tidy the cables.
3. Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of the fuel. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter & prevent leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails: For sailboats, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
5. Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup. This will serve as evidence of its prior condition should any damages occur during transport.

Post-Delivery Checklist


After your boat has been transported to its destination, take these steps to ensure everything is in order:


1. Check Vital Signs: Verify that the boat's engines & any electronic equipment left on board are functioning properly.
2. Exterior Condition: Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the pre-pickup photos. This will help you identify any damages that may have occurred during transit, allowing you to raise concerns with the boat transport company.

Once the boat transport is complete, we encourage you to leave feedback & a rating for your chosen boat mover on Shiply. This helps future users browse services with confidence & provides valuable insights to the mover regarding their level of service.


Boat Transport in McLean, Virginia, US


McLean, Virginia, is a popular location for boat enthusiasts, with many people moving their boats to & from the area. The town's proximity to the Potomac River & the Chesapeake Bay makes it an ideal spot for boating activities. As a result, there is a high demand for reliable boat transport services in McLean.


When searching for "boat transport mclean" or "mclean boat transport," it's essential to choose a company with experience in the area. Local knowledge of roads, regulations, & weather conditions can ensure a smooth & efficient transport process. Shiply can help you find trusted boat movers in McLean, connecting you with companies that have a proven track record of successful boat transports in the region.


In conclusion, transporting a boat requires careful planning & consideration of various factors. By understanding the costs involved, accurately measuring your boat, & properly preparing it for shipment, you can ensure a successful transport experience. Shiply simplifies the process of finding reliable boat movers, offering competitive quotes & a user-friendly platform to compare services. Whether you're moving your boat to or from McLean, Virginia, or any other location, Shiply is here to help you navigate the world of boat transportation with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shiply Cover My Area?

Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.

Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?

There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.

How Can I Contact Shiply Support?

Shiply Support is available only on email, at

Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?

Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.

When Will I Receive A Quote?

You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.

How Many Quotes Will I Receive?

Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.

Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?

f your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.

Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?

Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.

Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?

Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.

Can I Travel With My Goods?

The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and to highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.

What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?

If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.

Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?

If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .

Do I Need To Take My Boat Anywhere?

Typically, boat transporters on Shiply will be able to pick your boat up from wherever it is located and will use special boat trailers to do so. If your journey is strictly overseas then it may be cheaper to drive to the port yourself, but boat transporters will always be able to collect your boat, wherever it is.

Can I Keep Items In My Boat During Transportation?

This will likely be up to your boat transporter's discretion, so make sure to ask! One thing to note is that the items will likely not be covered by the insurance that covers the boat, so don't leave anything in there you cannot easily replace.

How Shiply works

How Shiply Works

How Shiply Works

  • 1

    Request quotes from our 447,168 rated shipping companies.

  • 2

    Compare prices and read previous customer feedback to pick the right quote for you.

  • 3

    Sit back and relax while your item is safely moved by your chosen shipping company.

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How Shiply Helps The Environment

By utilizing spare capacity of vehicles running on the road, Shiply helps reduce the number of otherwise wasteful journeys needed to ship the item.

3 0 2 6 7 4 3 1 0 Kg/CO2 Saved

Recent Testimonials

Debra W Testimonial

Debra W.

"Communication was great from the time I accepted the quote until the car was dropped off. In terms of the timeline, I was given a potential range for both how soon the car would be picked up and how many days it would be in transport."

Patrick G Testimonial

Patrick G.

"Everything was perfect! Fast, easy and hassle-free process! I definitely recommend and would use them again in the future. Thank you so much!"

Sophie G Testimonial

Sophie G.

"Great experience using these guys. This was my first time having to transport a car using a service like this and I could not be happier. Picked up earlier than expected and delivery was early as well. Quick easy and problem free."

Gary M Testimonial

Gary M.

"I’ve used Shiply twice now and have been really pleased with the result. It’s quick and easy to use. For both occasions the quotes were very competitive and the quality of the job was excellent. I highly recommend it."

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