Techniques for Transporting a Watercraft
Regardless of whether you're purchasing a watercraft, offloading an aged one, or simply need to relocate your vessel from one locale to another, discovering a dependable watercraft transportation enterprise that fulfills all your requirements can be challenging. On Shiply, you can locate & contrast trustworthy watercraft movers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% less than standard rates. However, first, you must determine precisely what service you require. This guide will assist you in accomplishing just that.
What is the Cost of Transporting a Watercraft?
It's challenging to provide an exact price due to all the factors that can influence quotes, but on average, short-distance transport can cost between $150 to $300, while lengthier trips can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. As mentioned above, there are several elements that can impact how much your watercraft transportation will cost. Here are some crucial things to consider:
- Distance - The distance your watercraft needs to travel will greatly affect the price. If the vessel only needs to be moved within the US, then the most likely method will be by trailer, which is usually cheaper than international travel. If the watercraft needs to go to another country, it can be more expensive. There are a few options for international watercraft transport, like Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, & submersion.
- Watercraft Size - The size of the vessel you want to transport can also greatly affect the pricing. For example, standard-sized watercraft can be shipped internationally using enclosed containers, while bigger vessels can't. The size of the watercraft can also affect which routes a boat transport company can take if moving by road.
- Trailer - Whether you have your own watercraft trailer or you need the vessel movers to provide one can also affect the cost of your watercraft transportation.
- Locations of Pickup & Delivery - The ease of access to your pick up and drop-off locations can affect pricing too, with ease of access playing a part. A watercraft being picked up from a remote area may also cost extra for the additional miles required to get it.
- Time of Year - Seasonality is another thing that can affect pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all affect road conditions, which can change the routes available for transportation.
How to Accurately Measure Your Watercraft
To get a precise quote for how much it will cost to transport your watercraft, you need to give the dimensions of it to potential vessel movers. While the manufacturer will usually provide you with these, we recommend double-checking yourself to avoid any mishaps on the day of transport. Here's a quick overview:
- Overall Length - This is measured from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.
- Overall Height - This is measured from the highest (non-removable) point of the watercraft to the bottom of the keel.
- Beam - The beam is just the overall width of the vessel, so measure from the two widest points.
A 'standard' watercraft is considered to be roughly 40' long, 7'10" high, & 7'8" wide. Vessels over this size may require a special permit to travel.
How Can Shiply Assist in Finding Watercraft Transport Companies?
There are many factors to consider when searching for a watercraft transport company, & often it can seem overwhelming given all the variables. This is where Shiply can aid you. Once you have the make & measurements of your vessel and the pickup and drop-off locations, you can simply enter this information on our site, & watercraft moving companies will send custom quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more accurate these quotes will be. This gives you an excellent place to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and feedback for any watercraft mover who quotes you, so you can stay safe knowing the company is reliable. You can also message anyone who quotes you within our platform to sort out details like trailers & accessibility. Another bonus of using Shiply is that often drivers are already making the trips & are 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 for Your Watercraft to be Shipped
Once you've looked at all your quotes & chosen one you're satisfied with, you need to get your vessel ready for transport. Here are some steps you should take:
- Documents - If your watercraft is being sold or traveling abroad, you may need some documents. Make sure you have these handy if you need them to avoid any last-minute problems.
- Cleaning - It's a great idea to thoroughly clean your vessel before it's transported. Not only will this let you remove any personal belongings & expensive electronic equipment that you don't want to get lost during transit, but it also means you can get a good idea of the condition of your watercraft before pick up in case anything happens. You should also make sure to secure any loose items that will stay on the vessel, like life jackets, & disconnect the battery and tidy the cables.
- Empty Liquids - You should empty the bilge, refuse stores, & most of your fuel before pickup, as well as disconnect the fuel tanks. This will make the watercraft lighter for transport & prevent any potential leaks that may occur in transit.
- Remove Sails - If it's a sailboat you're transporting, you need to remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence - We highly recommend that you document the condition of your vessel with time-stamped photos before it's picked up, as this will come in handy as evidence of its prior condition if any damages occur while it's being transported.
What to Do After Delivery
Once your watercraft has been transported to its destination, the hard part is over, but there are still a few steps you can take to make sure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs - Check that the vessel's engines still run & any electronic equipment left on the watercraft still works as expected.
- Exterior Condition - Compare the exterior condition of the watercraft upon arrival to the photos taken before pick up. This will help you spot any damages that occurred during transit, & you can then raise this with the watercraft transport company.
Once the watercraft transport is complete, we also ask that you leave feedback & a rating for your chosen vessel mover so future Shiply users can browse services with the same level of confidence, & to help your mover understand how their service was received.
Watercraft Transport in Olympia, Washington, US
Olympia, the capital city of Washington state, is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Located at the southern end of Puget Sound, Olympia offers easy access to the Pacific Ocean & a variety of scenic waterways. Many people choose to move their watercraft to and from Olympia for various reasons, such as changing residences, participating in boating events, or seeking maintenance & repairs at local marinas.
When it comes to watercraft transport Olympia, Washington, US, Shiply can connect you with reliable & experienced vessel movers who specialize in Olympia watercraft transport. Whether you're moving your watercraft to or from Olympia, our platform makes it easy to find trustworthy watercraft transport companies that can safely & efficiently transport your vessel. By comparing quotes from multiple Olympia watercraft transport providers, you can find the best deal & ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience when relocating your watercraft in the Olympia area.
