Discover Budget-Friendly & Dependable Boat Shipping with Shiply
Shiply eliminates the stress from boat transportation by linking you with cost-effective, trustworthy services that cater to your requirements. Simply create a listing on our platform & relax as shipping providers send you estimates to transport your boat. Once you discover a quote you prefer, reach out to the transporter, verify the specifics, and await the collection of your boat.
Reasons You May Require Boat Shipping
Whether you need transportation for a canal boat, sailing vessel, small craft, or luxury yacht, Shiply can help. Perhaps you've recently acquired a new boat and require delivery, or maybe you need to get your boat to an inland destination. It could be too sizable for you to move yourself. Regardless of the circumstance, Shiply can assist you in finding a dependable & professional company for transporting your boat at the appropriate price.
Opting for a specialized boat hauler will guarantee your vessel is in secure hands. Boat haulage companies in the UK & globally possess the knowledge to collaborate with boats, marinas, and ports, and should guide you through all facets of the shipping process.
Obtain Complimentary Estimates for Boat Shipping
When you post your boat transportation needs on Shiply, our network of shipping providers will offer you estimates. Simply complete a form with essential information about the boat to be moved, and you'll receive free quotes in pounds sterling or euros, depending on your location. Once you've obtained several estimates, you can compare companies based on their qualifications, customer reviews, & prices.
Elements Influencing Boat Shipping Prices
The price of boat transportation varies based on several factors. On average, you can anticipate paying between £100 to £260 for shorter distances and £450 to £750 for longer trips. The average cost per mile for standard boat shipping in the UK is around £1.50, but this can fluctuate based on the boat's dimensions.
Small boat shipping is relatively straightforward, as they can often be transported by road. However, larger vessels like sailboats or canal boats necessitate special attention and may cost more to move. Canal boats may require specialist canal boat movers due to their unique size.
International boat shipping will also cost significantly more than domestic transport and may necessitate different companies that specialize in global shipping.
Utilizing Shiply to Find a Boat Transporter
To create a listing on Shiply, simply fill in a brief form with details about your boat, pick-up and drop-off dates, & locations. Once your listing is finished, you'll start receiving complimentary estimates from various shipping providers. Some may contact you for more information to provide an accurate quote for the required services.
There are two primary methods of boat transportation, and the method you choose will depend on where your boat needs to go. If you require a specific transportation method, please specify this in your Shiply listing.
- By road – If your vessel needs to be hauled within the same country, road transportation is likely the best option. For non-starting boats or when moving boat parts, transportation by road is your only choice.
- By sea or river – If your craft needs to be sailed port-to-port, you can hire a crew to do this. Crews should inspect your vessel, plot courses, & check shipping forecasts for you.
When you receive estimates, verify the credentials and feedback of any skippers and crew members by viewing the shipping providers' company profiles on Shiply. If you're moving a sailboat, look for RYA or MCA accredited crews.
Regardless of the transportation type, it's crucial to check the level of experience & professional insurance cover offered by the shipping provider. Do not accept personal insurance. Feel free to ask the companies any questions about the shipping process, as they often have extensive expertise.
Finding the right boat shipping service can be overwhelming if you intend to compare all the prices & credentials. Larger companies might charge less, while smaller, family-run transporters could offer a more personalized service.
Readying Your Boat for Shipping
If your vessel is being moved by land, there are several preparatory tasks to ensure a smooth shipping process. Plan ahead to give yourself enough time to prepare for the transport and find a suitable shipping service. Boat deliveries can be carried out in various ways, but regardless of the method, ensure your boat is prepared correctly to prevent damage, leakage, or dangerous loose ends during the journey.
- Check the condition – Thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your vessel for any pre-existing damage. This way, you can determine if it suffers any damage during transit. Consider taking photographs of the condition before its journey.
- Remove valuables – Take anything valuable off your boat before transportation, as these items will not be insured.
- Empty bilge, water, refuse stores, & most of the fuel – Pump out wastewater and other liquids. Empty freshwater tanks and rubbish, disconnect fuel tanks, and remove most of the gasoline to make the boat lighter and prevent potential leakages during transport.
- Disconnect battery & tidy cables – This precaution helps avoid draining the battery and shortages in electronics. Despite being a waterborne vehicle, your boat might be exposed to different weather conditions when traveling on a trailer. Ensure all exposed electronics are covered and battery cables are tucked away.
- Secure everything – If accessories and life jackets aren't traveling separately, stow them away in lockers. Secure all doors & compartments in the galley and washrooms. Ensure the canopy is extra secure, as it might not be built to travel at the same speeds as a trailer.
- For sailboats – Remove all winches, rigging, etc., from the mast (also provide padding for points at which the mast will be tied down). Only remove pulpits, stanchions, & lifelines if they will make the boat too large to transport easily.
Consult with your boatyard for any additional precautions they recommend for safe transport. If your boat is going to be sailed to its destination, arrange with the captain what preparations need to be made before the handover.
Once your boat is ready, wait for the transporter to arrive. If any changes occur that may differ from what your shipping provider expects, contact them and make them aware so they can plan accordingly.
Finalizing Your Boat's Shipping
When your vessel safely reaches its destination on the delivery date, your boat transporter should assist with unloading or docking and may help with other maintenance and checks, depending on what you agreed upon. If you need help with any other services, specify these at the beginning of the process when listing your required service on Shiply.
Check your craft post-transit to ensure it hasn't been damaged, and ask the transporter about any discrepancies so they can be resolved quickly.
Once your boat is safely docked or secured, remove the tape and other securing materials, refill water tanks, reattach batteries & motors, or re-rig your sailboat so it's ready for use again.
When you're satisfied that the shipping job is complete, please leave a review for the service you used on their Shiply company profile. Leaving feedback is extremely helpful, as it assists other users in choosing a shipping provider for their own job and helps transporters continuously improve their service.
Why People Often Move Boats to and from Dover, Kent, UK
Dover, situated in Kent, UK, is a popular destination for boat shipping due to its strategic location & extensive port facilities. As the closest English port to mainland Europe, Dover serves as a major hub for both commercial and leisure boat shipping.
Many people move their boats to and from Dover for various reasons, such as:
- Accessing the English Channel & European waterways
- Participating in sailing events & regattas
- Relocating their boat for storage or maintenance
- Buying or selling a boat in the area
The Port of Dover offers a range of marine services, including boat lifting, storage, and maintenance, making it an attractive destination for boat owners. Additionally, the town's rich maritime history and stunning coastal scenery make it a popular spot for boating enthusiasts.
When transporting a boat to or from Dover, it's essential to work with experienced boat shipping providers who are familiar with the area and can navigate the specific requirements of the port. Shiply can help connect you with reliable boat transport dover services, ensuring your vessel arrives at its destination safely & efficiently.
