Transporting a boat, whether you’re a buyer, seller, or simply relocating your vessel, requires careful planning and the right boat transportation company. Navigating the options to find a service that’s both reliable and fits your budget can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify the process, helping you understand the costs involved, the factors that influence them, and how to find the best Boat Transportation Companies for your needs.
Understanding Boat Transportation Costs
Determining the exact cost of boat transport is not straightforward, as numerous variables come into play. However, to give you a general idea, short-distance boat moves might range from $150 to $300, while longer journeys can cost anywhere between $600 to $1,000 or more. For precise quotes tailored to your specific situation, it’s always best to consult directly with boat transportation companies.
Several key factors will influence the final price you’ll be quoted:
Transportation Distance: The distance your boat needs to travel is a primary cost determinant. Domestic transport within the US often relies on trailer transport over land, generally less expensive than international shipping.
For international boat transport, costs can escalate. Several methods are available:
- Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO): This is a common method for international boat shipping where your boat remains on a trailer throughout its journey on a specialized vessel.
- Enclosed Containers: For standard-sized boats, enclosed containers loaded onto large shipping vessels can sometimes offer a more economical international transport solution.
- Flat Rack Shipping: Larger boats being transported internationally can be secured to flat racks, which are then loaded onto vessels. The boat is typically placed in its own cradle and strapped to the rack.
- Submersion Shipping: This method involves loading and unloading boats directly from the water, often used for international deliveries.
Boat Dimensions: The size of your boat significantly impacts transport costs. Standard-sized boats have more transport options available, such as enclosed containers for international shipping. Larger boats may require specialized handling and routing for road transport, affecting the overall price.
Trailer Availability: Whether you possess your own boat trailer or require the boat transport company to provide one will influence the cost. Using your own trailer can potentially reduce expenses.
Pickup and Delivery Locations: Accessibility to both pickup and delivery locations plays a role in pricing. Remote locations or sites with difficult access may incur additional charges due to increased logistical complexities and travel time.
Time of Year: Seasonal factors can also affect pricing. Inclement weather conditions like ice, wind, and snow can impact road conditions, potentially altering transport routes and increasing costs. Demand fluctuations throughout the year can also play a part.
Accurately Measuring Your Boat for Transport Quotes
To obtain accurate quotes from boat transportation companies, providing precise boat dimensions is essential. While manufacturer specifications are a good starting point, double-checking measurements yourself is highly recommended to avoid any issues on transport day.
Here’s a quick guide to measuring your boat:
- Overall Length: Measure from the foremost point of the bow to the rearmost point of the stern.
- Overall Height: Measure from the lowest point of the keel to the highest non-removable part of the boat.
- Beam (Width): Measure the widest point of the boat from side to side.
A ‘standard’ boat size is often considered around 40 feet in length, 7 feet 10 inches in height, and 7 feet 8 inches in width. Boats exceeding these dimensions might necessitate special permits for transportation.
Simplifying Your Search for Boat Transport Companies
Finding the ideal boat transport company involves considering various factors, which can initially seem daunting. However, streamlining your search process is achievable. Start by clearly defining your boat transport needs: boat type, dimensions, pickup and delivery locations, and desired timeframe.
Online platforms can significantly simplify the process of finding and comparing boat transportation companies. These platforms allow you to input your boat and transport details, and then receive quotes from multiple vetted boat movers. This competitive environment often results in more favorable pricing compared to contacting companies individually.
When evaluating boat transportation companies, consider these key aspects:
- Company Reputation and Reviews: Look for companies with positive customer reviews and a strong track record of reliable boat transport services. Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge customer satisfaction.
- Insurance and Licensing: Ensure the company is properly licensed and insured to cover potential damages during transport. Verify their credentials and insurance coverage for your peace of mind.
- Communication and Customer Service: Choose a company that is responsive, communicative, and provides excellent customer service. Clear communication throughout the process is crucial for a smooth transport experience.
- Service Options: Confirm that the company offers the specific services you require, such as trailer provision, international shipping expertise, or handling of oversized boats.
By using online platforms to compare quotes and carefully vetting potential boat transportation companies based on reputation, insurance, and service offerings, you can confidently select the right partner for your boat transport needs.
Preparing Your Boat for Shipping
Once you’ve selected a boat transport company and finalized the arrangements, preparing your boat for transport is crucial. Proper preparation ensures the safety of your vessel during transit and helps prevent any potential issues.
Follow these essential preparation steps:
- Documentation: If you are selling your boat or transporting it internationally, ensure you have all necessary documents readily available to prevent delays or complications.
- Cleaning and Inventory: Thoroughly clean your boat, removing any personal items and valuable electronics that you don’t want to risk losing or damaging during transport. Document the boat’s condition before pickup to have a reference point. Secure any items remaining on board, like life jackets, and disconnect the battery, tidying up cables.
- Fluid Drainage: Empty the bilge, refuse stores, and reduce fuel levels in tanks to minimize weight and prevent potential leaks during transit. Disconnect fuel tanks as an extra precaution.
- Sailboat Specifics: If transporting a sailboat, remove sails, winches, and rigging from the mast to prevent damage during transport.
- Photographic Record: Take dated photographs of your boat’s condition from all angles before pickup. This photographic evidence serves as valuable documentation of its pre-transport condition, should any damage occur during shipping.
What to Do Upon Boat Delivery
Upon arrival of your boat at its destination, a few crucial steps will ensure everything is in order.
- Vital Systems Check: Verify that the boat’s engines start and that any onboard electronic equipment is functioning correctly after transport.
- Exterior Inspection: Carefully compare the boat’s exterior condition upon arrival to the photographs taken before shipment. Note any new damages that may have occurred during transit and immediately report them to the boat transportation company.
After the boat transport is complete, providing feedback about your experience with the boat mover is beneficial. Sharing your feedback helps future customers make informed decisions and allows boat transportation companies to maintain and improve their service quality.
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the process of finding and working with boat transportation companies effectively, ensuring a smooth and successful boat move.
