Transporting 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 reliable boat transport company that fulfills all your requirements can be demanding. Nevertheless, with Shiply, you can effortlessly locate & compare trustworthy boat movers in just a few clicks, frequently with quotes up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. Before you commence, it's essential to ascertain precisely what service you necessitate. This guide will assist you in doing just that, including information on boat transport sun prairie and sun prairie boat transport.
The Expense of Boat Transportation
Supplying a precise price for boat transportation is challenging due to the numerous variables that can influence quotes. On average, short distance transport can cost between $150 & $300, while longer haul journeys can range from $600 to $1,000. Factors that affect the cost include:
- Distance: Domestic transportation within the US is typically more affordable than international travel. For international boat transport, options include Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO), enclosed containers, flat racks, and submersion.
- Boat Size: Standard-sized boats can be transported using enclosed containers, while larger boats may necessitate special arrangements.
- Trailer: Whether you provide your own boat trailer or require the boat movers to supply one can impact the cost.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: Ease of access and remote locations may incur additional costs.
- Time of Year: Seasonality, such as ice, wind, & snow, can alter available transportation routes.
Measuring Your Boat for Precise Quotes
To receive accurate quotes from potential boat movers, you must provide your boat's dimensions. While the manufacturer usually supplies these, it's recommended to double-check the measurements yourself to avoid any issues on the day of transport. The key measurements include:
- Overall Length: Measured from the very end of the bow to the middle of the stern.
- Overall Height: Measured from the highest (non-removable) point of the boat to the bottom of the keel.
- 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 for transportation.
How Shiply Helps Find Boat Transport Companies
Shiply streamlines the process of finding boat transport companies. By providing your boat's make, measurements, and pickup and drop-off locations, boat moving companies will send personalized quotes directly to your inbox. The more information you provide, the more precise the quotes will be. Shiply's feedback & review system allows you to view ratings and feedback for any boat mover who quotes you, ensuring you choose a reliable company. You can also communicate with quoters within the platform to discuss details such as trailers and accessibility. Additionally, using Shiply is often up to 75% more affordable than standard rates, as drivers are frequently making the journeys already and seeking extra loads, which is also beneficial for the environment.
Preparing Your Boat for Shipping
Once you've selected a quote you're satisfied with, it's time to prepare your boat for transport. Some essential steps include:
- Documents: If your boat is being sold or traveling abroad, ensure you have all necessary documents readily available.
- 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.
- Empty Liquids: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and most of the fuel, and disconnect the fuel tanks to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leaks during transit.
- Remove Sails: For sailboats, remove all winches & rigging from the mast.
- Photographic Evidence: Document your vessel's condition with time-stamped photographs before pickup to serve as evidence of its prior condition in case of any damages during transport.
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin: A Popular Destination for Boat Transport
Sun Prairie, located in Dane County, Wisconsin, is a popular destination for boat owners. Many people often move their boats to and from Sun Prairie for various reasons, such as seasonal changes, recreational activities, or relocation. The city's proximity to several lakes and rivers, including Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, and the Yahara River, makes it an attractive spot for boating enthusiasts. When searching for boat transport services in the area, consider using keywords like "boat transport sun prairie" or "sun prairie boat transport" to find local providers who are familiar with the region's unique requirements and challenges.
Post-Delivery Checklist
After your boat has been transported to its destination, there are a few steps you can take to ensure everything is in order:
- Check Vital Signs: Verify that the boat's engines and any electronic equipment left on board are still functioning as expected.
- Exterior Condition: Compare the boat's exterior condition upon arrival to the photos taken before pickup to identify any damages that may have occurred during transit. If you notice any issues, raise them 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 and allows your mover to understand how their level of service was received.