As with any other piece of equipment, boats pose special challenges in terms of transport, in addition to being difficult to move. A reputable marine transport logistics contractor will ensure the boat is delivered in one piece, irrespective of the condition under which you want to relocate, sell, or buy a boat. It is essential to conduct thorough research and establish a transport cost analysis, cost comparison, and evaluate the methods of transport provided.
An Overview of Boat Shipping Companies
The service range does not stop with the smaller types of boats. A boat shipping company will also be responsible for the transportation of bigger vessels like yachts, which means they cater to sea vessels of all sizes and classes. These companies have the capability of shipping boats within the country and to other countries around the world. While a few businesses may decide to specialize, other companies may opt for a more broad-ranging approach.
Shipping a boat can be done via road, sea, or a combination of both. It can be determined based on the weight of the cargo, the distance, and your financial plan. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each transport method and the companies that provide such services will help you evaluate the most appropriate service provider that suits your needs.
Factors that can help you decide on a boat shipping company
1. Business Knowledge and Experience
A large part of the shipping sector is highly technical, and the degree of organization that is required is also considerable. Working with a boat shipping company that possesses years of experience moving vessels of your kind is best. Such experts are more skilled in dealing with some of the common issues, such as limited marina access, customs clearance, or unconventional loading configurations.
2. Licensing and Insurance
Be certain to confirm whether the firm has the appropriate license to operate in the marine transport industry. For instance, in the US, firms involved in interstate transport must get offers from the Department of Transport. Just like in licenses, you also have to check that the firm has comprehensive insurance, which covers all the risks of damage that may occur during the loading, transport, and unloading processes.
3. Safety Measures
The boat shipping service you select should have advanced technological systems that increase the protective measures for your vessel for the entire duration of the shipping process. Be sure to inquire about the company’s policies related to weather for loading and securing. The top boat shipping companies have modern systems for tying down and cradling the vessels, which eliminates the possibility of any relative motion and damage while in transport.
4. Customer Opinions and Contractor Testimonials
The reviews and ratings given to a business can assist you in knowing how the business operates and its level of professionalism. The feedback given by the customers of the company has to deal with factors like the company’s communication and the condition in which the boat arrives. Reputable businesses will gladly provide the needed references.
5. Costs
Trustworthy boat shipping companies are likely to provide a thorough shipping process with a detailed cost estimate. Companies that provide vague estimates or fail to provide a breakdown of the steps that will be taken should be avoided. A comprehensive cost estimate includes transportation, insurance, port fees, and auxiliary services like shrink-wrapping and cleaning.
Expected Cost: Ship Transport of Boats
There are several factors that will affect how much it costs to ship the boat.
The size of the boat: Larger and heavier boats will require more sophisticated logistical shipping.
Distance: Long and international routes are more costly.
Type of transport: Road transport is likely to be faster and more economical when shipping within a country.
Time of the year: Certain times of the year drive demand, which can increase the transport fees.
Extra services, which include preparation, storage, or expedited shipping, will be charged additionally.
For domestic shipping of smaller boats, the average price is between $500 $2,000. However, this price increases significantly for larger yachts or boats that need to be shipped internationally, costing anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
Boat Transport Overland With Special Trailers
1. Overland Transport
This method involves strapping the boat to a specially designed trailer for boats. This method works for smaller boats and yachts that can legally be driven on roads. It is more common for domestic shipping.
2. Roll on Roll off (RoRo)
This method uses trailers to take smaller boats to a ship, which is why it is internationally preferred, particularly for smaller boats.
3. Lift on, Lift off (LoLo) Shipping
Lifting larger yachts onto a vessel with cranes is why this shipping technique works well for them.
4. Shipping Containers
Sometimes, smaller boats are able to be placed inside large containers made for shipping.
This way of transporting smaller boats works for ships as long as the ships meet certain dimension requirements.
Preparing for Boat Shipment
Indeed, every boat shipment service will anticipate at some point for you tet ready the boat for shipment for the purpose of safety protocols and the entire operation’s efficiency. The safety protocols usually include the following:
Washing the Boat: The boat must be void of dirt, barnacles, and any part that would hinder a complete check-up.
Put on or detach electronics, antennas, and any other items that are electronics for items to be attached to sections that are loose.
Some courier companies will only accept your body, fuelled and empty water tanks.
Customs for international shipments, shredding other non-vital documents, and shredding documents that are vital documents.
There are advantages to using a boat shipping company, such as ensuring that your boat is not exposed to damage or loss.
With your boat, you have full control and will not expose it to any damage or risk.
You will not be exposed to the loss of time waiting for the trailer of the shafts, which will be prepared for you upon your arrival.
You will also have the right type of discharge crane waiting for your arrival, and it will not be readily accessible.
Thus, your boat would have been electronically pre-coordinated so that you do not have to waste time.
Avoid these firms.
Unverified lack of confirmable licensing or insurance.
Delay in the delivery of services.
Policies regarding the shipment of vital documents are not clearly defined, and therefore, limits on documents that can be shredded do not exist.
Table of Contents
Final Thoughts
To some individuals, boats may serve the purpose of a purchase, investment, or revenue-generating asset. It is quite important that a boat transport company is chosen with caution, since they can either ease the transport or make it a stressful and costly affair for the owner. Thorough scrutiny of the experience of a transport company, their safety protocols, costs, and the transport methods provided, assures that the vessel is delivered to the owner seamlessly.
Regardless of whether the location is the other side of the globe or the other side of the country, proper due diligence will ensure that the boat is secure and the owner’s peace of mind is protected as long as the trustworthy company is engaged.
