A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting Your Boat
Whether you're buying a new vessel, selling an old one, or simply need to relocate your boat from one place to another, locating a reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be a daunting task. With Shiply, you can find & compare reputable boat transporters with just a few clicks, often with quotes up to 75% lower than standard prices. However, before you start, it's essential to identify precisely what service you need. This guide will assist you in doing exactly that.
The Expense of Transporting a Boat
Offering a precise cost for boat transportation can be challenging due to the various factors that can affect quotes. On average, short-distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer haul trips can cost between $600 and $1,000. Several elements can influence the expense of your boat transportation, including:
1. Distance - The mileage your boat needs to travel will significantly impact the cost. Domestic transportation within the US is generally less expensive than international travel. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
2. 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 alternative methods. The size of the boat can also influence the routes available for transportation by road.
3. Trailer - Whether you have your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to supply one can also impact the cost of your boat transportation.
4. Pickup & Delivery Locations - The accessibility of your pickup and delivery points can affect pricing. A boat being picked up from a remote area may incur additional costs for the extra miles required.
5. Time of Year - Seasonality can also influence pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can alter road conditions, which may change the available routes for transportation.
Precisely Measuring Your Boat
To obtain an accurate quote for transporting your boat, you need to provide potential boat movers with its dimensions. While the manufacturer usually supplies these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview:
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, and 7'8" wide. Boats exceeding this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Shiply Can Assist in Finding Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of locating a reliable boat transport company. Once you have the make, measurements, pickup, and drop-off locations of your boat, 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 a great place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you choose a reputable company. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details such as trailers and accessibility.
Using Shiply is not only good for the environment, as drivers are often making the journeys already and looking for extra loads, but it can also be up to 75% cheaper than standard rates.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've chosen a quote you're satisfied with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some steps you should take include:
1. Documents - If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have any necessary documents at hand to avoid late mishaps.
2. Cleaning - Thoroughly clean your boat before transport to remove personal belongings, expensive electronic equipment, and assess its condition prior to pickup. Secure loose items and disconnect the battery.
3. Empty Liquids - Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel prior to pickup, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
4. Remove Sails - If transporting a sailboat, remove all winches and rigging from the mast.
5. 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:
1. Check Vital Signs - Ensure the boat's engines still run and any electronic equipment left on the vessel operates as expected.
2. 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. If any issues are found, raise them with the boat transport company.
After the boat transport is complete, we ask that you leave feedback & 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 Kent, Washington, US
Kent, Washington, US, is a popular location for boat owners to transport their vessels to and from. Many people move their "boar" to Kent for various reasons, such as accessing nearby lakes and rivers or storing their boats during the off-season. Kent's central location within the state of Washington makes it a convenient hub for boat transport companies, offering easy access to major highways and waterways.
When searching for "boat transport kent" or "kent boat transport," it's crucial to choose a reputable company with experience in the area. Local boat movers will be familiar with the best routes and any specific regulations or requirements for transporting boats in and around Kent. By using Shiply to compare quotes and read reviews from previous customers, you can find a reliable boat transport service in Kent that meets your needs and budget.