Shiply Simplifies Boat Transportation
Shiply eliminates the inconvenience of boat transport by assisting you in finding an economical and dependable service that meets your needs. Simply create a listing on our website and relax as transport providers present you with quotes to relocate your boat. Once you find a quote that appeals to you, contact the driver, confirm the details, and await the collection of your boat.
Reasons for Requiring Boat Transportation
Whether you need to transport a narrowboat, sailboat, small boat, or yacht, Shiply can help. Perhaps you've recently acquired a new boat and need it delivered, or you need to get your boat to a land-based destination. Maybe it's too large for you to transport on your own. Regardless of the reason, Shiply can assist you in finding a trustworthy and professional company to ship your boat at a fair price. Choosing a specialized boat hauler will ensure that you're in capable hands. Boat haulage companies in the UK and internationally are well-versed in working with boats, marinas, and ports, and should guide you through all aspects of the transportation process.
By listing your boat transportation needs on Shiply, our network of transport providers will provide you with price quotes. Simply fill out a form with basic information about your boat and its transportation requirements, and you'll receive free quotes in pounds sterling or euros, depending on your location. After receiving several quotes, you can compare companies based on their credentials, customer feedback, and costs.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Boat Transport
The expense of boat transport varies based on several factors, but on average, you can anticipate paying between £100 to £260 for shorter distances and between £450 and £750 for longer journeys. The average cost per mile for standard boat transport in the UK is around £1.50, but this can fluctuate depending on the boat's size. The dimensions of the boat being transported significantly impact the cost. For instance, small boat transport is straightforward as they can often be hauled on the road, whereas larger sailboats or narrowboats require special attention and may incur higher transportation costs. Narrowboats may necessitate specialized narrowboat movers due to their unique size. Whether the boat needs to be transported within the UK or internationally also affects the pricing, as international boat transport is considerably more expensive and may require different companies than those in the UK that specialize in road transport.
Utilizing Shiply to Find a Boat Transporter
To create a listing on Shiply, simply complete a brief form with details about your boat, pick-up and drop-off dates, and locations. Once your listing is live, you'll start receiving free quotes from various transport providers, some of whom may reach out to you for a clearer understanding of the required services to provide an accurate quote.
There are two primary methods of boat transportation, and the method you choose will depend on your boat's destination. If you require your boat to be transported in a specific manner, 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. If you're moving only parts of a boat or a non-starting boat, 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 accomplish this. Crews should inspect your vessel, plot courses, and check shipping forecasts on your behalf.
After receiving quotes, ensure that you verify the credentials and feedback of any skippers and crew hands by viewing the transport providers' company profiles on Shiply. If you're moving a sailboat, look for RYA or MCA accredited crews.
Regardless of the type of transportation, it's crucial to check the level of experience and professional insurance coverage offered by the providers (do not accept personal insurance) to make the most informed decision for your specific situation.
Don't hesitate to ask the companies any questions about the transportation process, as they often have extensive experience.
Finding the right boat transport service can be overwhelming if you intend to compare all the prices and credentials. Larger companies might charge less, whereas smaller family-run transporters could offer you a more personalized service.
Readying Your Boat for Transport
If your vessel is being transported by land, there are several preparatory tasks to ensure a smooth transportation process. Plan as far ahead as possible to allow sufficient time for preparation and finding a suitable transport service. Boat deliveries can be carried out in various ways, but regardless of the method, ensure that your boat is properly prepared to prevent damage, leakage, or dangerous loose ends during the journey.
Inspect the condition - Thoroughly examine the interior and exterior of your vessel for any pre-existing damage. This way, you can determine if it sustains 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 the bilge, water, refuse stores, and most of the fuel - Pump out wastewater and other liquids. Empty any freshwater tanks and rubbish, disconnect fuel tanks, and remove the majority of the gasoline to make the boat lighter for delivery and prevent potential leakages during transport.
Disconnect battery and tidy cables - This precaution will help avoid draining the battery and any shortages in electronics. Despite being a waterborne vehicle, your boat might be exposed to different weather conditions when traveling on a trailer. Ensure that all exposed electronics are covered and battery cables are tucked away.
Secure items - If they aren't traveling separately, stow all accessories and life jackets in lockers. Secure all doors and compartments in the galley and washrooms. Also, ensure that 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, and lifelines if they will make the boat too large to transport easily.
You can also check with your boatyard for any other precautions they might consider important for safe transport. If your boat is going to be sailed to its destination, arrange with the captain what preparations need to be made prior to the handover.
Once your boat is ready, all you need to do is wait for the transporter to arrive. After accepting a quote on Shiply, you can communicate with the transport provider to arrange the details of the collection.
If any changes occur that may differ from what your transport provider is expecting, make sure they are contacted and made aware so they can plan accordingly.
Finalizing Your Boat's Transportation
When your vessel safely reaches its destination on the delivery date, your boat transporter should assist you with unloading or docking and may help with other aspects of maintenance and checks (depending on what you agreed upon). If there are any other services you need help with, specify these at the beginning of the process when listing your required service on Shiply.
Regardless, it's important to check your craft post-transit to ensure that 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 and motors, or re-rig your sailboat so it's ready for use again.
When you're satisfied that the transportation job has been completed, please leave a review for the service you used on Shiply on their company profile. Leaving feedback is extremely helpful to us, as it assists other users in choosing a transport provider for their own job and helps transporters continuously improve their service.
Boat Transport in Blackpool
Blackpool, situated in Lancashire, UK, is a popular destination for boat owners. Many people frequently move their boats to and from Blackpool for various reasons, such as participating in boating events, seeking repairs or maintenance, or simply enjoying the coastal waters. Due to the city's thriving boating community and its proximity to the Irish Sea, Blackpool boat transport services are in high demand.
When searching for reliable boat transport in Blackpool, it's essential to choose a company with experience in handling various types of boats, from small recreational crafts to larger yachts. Shiply can help connect you with professional Blackpool boat transport providers who understand the unique requirements of transporting vessels in the area, ensuring that your boat arrives at its destination safely and on time.
