How to Convey a Watercraft
Whether you're purchasing a watercraft, disposing of an old one, or simply need to transport your vessel from one location to another, discovering a reliable boat transportation company that fulfills all your requirements can be challenging. On Shiply, you can locate & compare dependable boat haulers in just a few clicks, frequently with prices up to 75% lower than usual rates. However, first, you must determine precisely what service you require. This guide will assist you in accomplishing that.
How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Watercraft?
It's challenging to provide a precise price due to all the factors that can influence quotes. However, on average, short-distance transport can range from $150 to $300, while longer journeys can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000. As previously mentioned, several elements can alter the cost of your boat transportation. We've listed some crucial ones below:
- Distance - The distance your watercraft needs to travel will significantly impact the price. If the boat only needs to be transported within the US, the most probable method will be by trailer on the road, which is typically less expensive than international travel. If the boat needs to go to another country, it can be more costly.
- Boat Size - The dimensions of the watercraft you want to transport can also greatly influence the pricing. For instance, standard-sized boats can be shipped using enclosed containers, while larger boats cannot.
- Trailer - Depending on whether you have your own boat trailer or you require the boat haulers to provide one, this can also affect the cost of your boat transportation.
- Locations of Pickup & Delivery - The accessibility of your pick up and drop off points can impact pricing as well, with ease of access playing a role. A boat being collected from a remote area may also incur additional charges for the extra miles needed to retrieve it.
- Time of Year - The season is another factor that can influence pricing. Ice, wind, and snow can all alter road conditions, which can modify the routes available for transportation.
How to Accurately Measure Your Watercraft
To obtain an accurate quote for the cost of moving your boat, you need to provide the dimensions to potential boat haulers. While the manufacturer will usually supply these, we recommend verifying them yourself to prevent any issues on the day of transport. Here's a brief overview:
- Overall Length - This is measured from the very front to the center of the back.
- Overall Height - This is measured from the highest (non-removable) point of the watercraft to the bottom of the keel.
- Beam - The beam is simply the overall width of the boat, so measure 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 Can Shiply Assist in Finding Boat Transport Companies?
There are numerous factors to consider when searching for a boat transport company, & often it can appear overwhelming given all of the variables. This is where Shiply can help you. Once you have the make and measurements of your watercraft and the pickup & drop-off locations, you can simply enter this information on our site and boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more details you provide, the more precise these quotes will be. This offers you an excellent platform to compare your options.
Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and comments for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you can remain confident knowing that the company is reliable. You can also communicate with anyone who quotes you within our platform to arrange details like trailers and accessibility.
Another advantage of using Shiply is that often drivers are already making the trips and are seeking additional loads. This means not only is using Shiply beneficial for the environment, but it can also be up to 75% less expensive than standard rates.
Preparing for Your Watercraft to be Shipped
Once you've reviewed all your quotes & selected one you're satisfied with, you need to prepare your boat for transport. Some of the steps you should take are:
- Documents - If your watercraft is being sold or traveling to another country, you may require some documents. Ensure you have these ready if you need them to avoid any last-minute issues.
- Cleaning - It's an excellent idea to meticulously clean your boat before it's moved. Not only will this allow you to remove any personal belongings and expensive electronic equipment that you don't want to get lost during transit, but it also means you can assess the condition of your boat before pick up in case anything happens.
- 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 moving, then 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 collected. This will come in handy as proof 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 challenging part is over. However, this doesn't mean there aren't a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs - Verify that the boat's engines still run & any electronic equipment left on the vessel still functions as expected.
- Exterior Condition - Compare the outside condition of the watercraft when it arrives to the photos taken before pick up. This will help you identify any damages that occurred during transit & you can then address this with the boat transport company.
Once the boat transport is complete, we also request that you leave feedback & a rating for your chosen boat mover. This helps future Shiply users browse services with the same level of assurance, and also helps your mover understand how their service was perceived.
Watercraft Transport in Spokane Valley, Washington
Spokane Valley, situated in Washington state, is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Many people frequently move their vessels to & from Spokane Valley for various reasons. The city's proximity to several lakes & rivers makes it an ideal location for boating activities. Whether you're relocating to Spokane Valley or just visiting for a boating trip, you may require reliable boat transport services.
When searching for "boat transport spokane valley" or "spokane valley boat transport," it's crucial to choose a company with experience in the area. They should be familiar with the local regulations, routes, & any potential challenges that may arise during transportation. By using Shiply, you can easily find & compare trusted boat movers in Spokane Valley, ensuring your vessel arrives at its destination safely & efficiently.
