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How to Convey a Watercraft: An All-Encompassing Manual


Conveying a watercraft, whether you're purchasing, vending, or simply relocating it from one spot to another, can be an intimidating undertaking. Discovering a dependable boat transport firm that satisfies all your stipulations & accommodates your budget can be arduous. Fortunately, Shiply simplifies the process of finding & comparing trustworthy boat movers with just a few clicks, frequently offering quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. Before you commence comparing quotes, it's crucial to ascertain precisely what service you require. This manual will assist you in navigating the process of transporting your boat, including the costs involved, how to measure your boat accurately, and what to do before & after the transport.


The expense of boat transport can differ greatly depending on several elements. On average, short distance transport within the US can cost between $150 to $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. However, these prices are merely estimates, & the actual cost will depend on the following variables:


1. Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel will significantly influence the price. Domestic transport within the US is typically less expensive than international travel. For international boat transport, there are several options, including Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, & submersion.


2. Boat Size: The dimensions of your boat can also affect the cost of transport. Standard-sized boats can be transported internationally using enclosed containers, while larger boats may necessitate alternative methods. The size of the boat can also impact the routes available for road transport.


3. Trailer: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to provide one can also affect the cost of transport.


4. Pickup & Delivery Locations: The accessibility of your pickup & delivery locations can impact pricing. Remote areas may incur additional costs due to the extra miles required for pickup.


5. Time of Year: Seasonality can also affect pricing, as ice, wind, & snow can alter road conditions & available routes.


To receive precise quotes from potential boat movers, you'll need to provide the dimensions of your boat. While the manufacturer usually provides these measurements, it's recommended to double-check them yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview of the measurements you'll need:


1. Overall Length: Measure from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.


2. Overall Height: Measure from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.


3. 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, & 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding these dimensions may require a special permit for transport.


Shiply streamlines the process of finding reliable boat transport companies. Once you have the make, measurements, pickup, & drop-off locations for your boat, simply enter this information on the Shiply website, & boat moving companies will send custom 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 any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you choose a reliable company. You can also message boat movers within the platform to discuss details such as trailers & accessibility.


Using Shiply not only benefits the environment by connecting you with drivers already making similar journeys, but it can also save you up to 75% compared to standard rates.


Once you've chosen a boat mover you're satisfied with, 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, ensure you have all necessary documents ready to avoid any last-minute issues.


2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your boat before transport. This allows you to remove personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment, as well as assess the condition of your boat prior to pickup. Secure any loose items that will remain on the boat, such as lifejackets, & disconnect the battery & tidy the cables.


3. Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of the fuel before pickup. Disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter & prevent potential leaks during transit.


4. Remove Sails: If you're transporting a sailboat, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.


5. 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 during transport.


After your boat has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:


1. Check Vital Signs: Verify that the boat's engines & any electronic equipment left on the vessel still operate as expected.


2. Exterior Condition: Compare the exterior condition of the boat upon arrival to the photos taken prior to pickup. This will help you identify any damages that may have occurred during transit, allowing you to raise the issue with the boat transport company.


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


Roanoke, Virginia, US, is a popular location for boat enthusiasts, with many people moving their boats to & from the area. The city's proximity to several lakes & rivers, such as Smith Mountain Lake & the Roanoke River, makes it an attractive destination for boating activities. Additionally, Roanoke's central location within the state of Virginia & its well-connected transportation infrastructure make it a convenient hub for boat transport.


When searching for boat transport services in Roanoke, consider using keywords like "boat transport roanoke" or "roanoke boat transport" to find local providers. By working with a reputable boat transport company in Roanoke, you can ensure that your vessel is moved safely & efficiently, whether you're bringing it to the area to enjoy the local waterways or moving it elsewhere for storage or sale.

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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