Everything You Need to Know About Boat Shipping
Transporting a boat can pose a few challenges. The size and shape can make moving it a challenge. Because of this, it’s best to turn to a boat shipping company. If you are doing this, here are a few of the most important things you should know.
Preparing to Move Your Boat
Before you can start moving your boat, you’ll need to get it ready for the journey. First, you’ll need to remove any ballast. You might also need to drain the fuel tank and remove the batteries. This ensures that there won’t be an accident during the trip.
Next, you’ll need to make sure that everything has been secured properly. This might mean removing some gear from the boat, to stop it from sliding around. You’ll need to make sure that the windows are shut properly. To minimize the damage, you might want to seal them with tape.
As a theft-prevention tactic, you should remove all the valuable items from the boat. This can involve things like the GPS and radio.
You’ll need to measure the height of your boat. If it’s above 13 ft 6in, it will be declared oversized. This will introduce new difficulty when transporting it. If possible, you can try removing the arch. This might be enough to reduce the height. You can lay it on its side and use padding to stop it from getting damaged.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to take careful notes on the condition of the vehicle. Take note of any existing scrapes and dents. Take pictures. If there is an accident during transport, this evidence will make it easier for you to make a successful insurance claim.
How Much Does Moving a Boat Cost?
Often, the amount that you will be required to pay to ship your boat will depend on its size. The below table is a good generalization.
| Boat Size | Expected Costs Per Mile |
|---|---|
| Less than 9 feet | Between $1.5 to $2.5 |
| 9 feet | $2.75 |
| 10 feet | $2-$3 |
| 12 feet | $2.5 to $3.5 |
| Over 12 feet | $2.75 to $3.75 |
As a general rule of thumb, you can multiply the size of your boat (in feet) by the distance that you want to transport it. Though the shipping company will be able to give you a more accurate quote.
How Long Does Shipping a Boat Take?
The size of the boat will determine how long it will take to move. For example, larger boats might be classified as an oversized load. This would mean that the transportation company will need to take additional measures, like the use of a pilot vehicle. This will increase the costs, as the drivers will need to have the right permits.
Generally, though, you can ship a boat from California to Florida within three to seven days. If you are planning on transporting the boat internationally, it might take a few weeks. The shipping company will be able to give you a better understanding of how long it will take.
Conclusion
Boats are big, bulky items. Often, this means that you will need to move them by truck. The good news is that this doesn’t need to be a complicated process. With a few simple preparations, you should be able to move it fairly painlessly.
