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Boat delivery types
There are many reasons why boat owners may want to ship their vessel by a method other than water. The most common factor being that the boat is brand new. As a buyer it is reasonable to expect yachts, speed boats and even larger industrial ships to be presented in their 'fresh from the factory ' state. Of course, if the boat has already set sail on a journey to reach its buyer, the vessel is technically no longer a 'new boat'.
So if we are to disregard water, how does the shipment of boats happen? Boat delivery by road is a popular method among boat transportation companies, but this technique requires careful preparation of a boat before it’s secured to the trailer.
Boat delivery preparation
Any items that could be considered delicate should secured if possible. Batteries should be switched off and any upright aerials for radio or radar should be taken down before setting off.
There is a large risk for any overhead covering or canopies that furnish the boat, as they could become unattached during the journey and become hazardous for other drivers. Normally, boat transporters will remove and store all overhead covering for this reason.
Should any damage occur during any of these processes, the protocol is for boat shipping companies to photograph the part of the boat affected, and inform the owner on arrival.
Boat transport options
The price of various boat transportation services on the market depends on the nature of the task in hand, the value and dimensions of the boat, the distance, and even considerations such as traffic and a possible escort for the transport vehicle. Everything must be taken into account before a quote is provided.
Water is sometimes used to move new boats. Large commercial 'heavy lift' ships are often used by boat transporters to move larger boats that are impossible to move by road, such as those used for fishing, workboats and large barges. The plans for stowage and choice of container ship often depends on the size of the boat, and space is obviously another factor which ultimately relates to cost.
There is even a ship designed especially for the purpose of moving other ships! Semi-Submersible Ships or SSS as they are sometimes known, transport huge cargoes including yachts and other large boats, and work by allowing the vessels they are carrying to enter via the water, as the deck moves down and goes under the surface. The SSS then 'deballasts', moving up and shedding the water, before beginning its journey. When the SSS arrives at its destination, the process is executed again but in reverse - with the deck lowering beneath the water level, allowing the vessels to disembark.
So boat transportation offers many options, catering for all vessels and distances, big or small!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Shiply Cover My Area?
Yes! There are couriers using Shiply all over the country and abroad, so whether you need to move a sofa across town or send a car across Europe, we have got you covered.
Does Shiply Have Different Sized Vehicles?
There are thousands of couriers on Shiply, with a wide range of vehicle sizes capable of handling any delivery. Providing the rough dimensions (and pictures if possible) on your listing will allow the delivery company to get the right vehicle sent out to you.
How Can I Contact Shiply?
You can also send an email to our support team: .
Who Will Carry Out My Delivery?
Whoever you choose! There are thousands of rated transport providers on our platform ready to make a bid to carry out your delivery. It is up to you to decide which quote to accept.
When Will I Receive A Quote?
You will typically start to receive quotes within 30 minutes. If you are worried about the lack of quotes, try adding some more detail to your listing as transport providers may be unsure of dimensions or weight and feel unable to provide an accurate quote. If your delivery is urgent, you can try our 'featured delivery' feature which moves your listing to the top of the search page for couriers.
How Many Quotes Will I Receive?
Whilst there is no guarantee of quotes, 98% of our listings receive at least 3 quotes, so you are likely to find someone who can undertake the delivery of your items.
Does Shiply Provide Packing Materials?
If your item requires packing materials or extra care then you should make sure this is highlighted in your listing and discussed with any transport provider whose quote you are considering. Couriers on Shiply are able to provide all levels of service and can help pack your items, just ensure you inform them of your needs.
Will My Goods Be Tied Up Securely?
Transport providers will almost always tie up an item in the transport vehicle, as the risk of damage from moving around during transit is high. You should always confirm safety precautions and packing needs with transport providers before accepting a quote.
Can Items Be Taken Upstairs?
Yes, items can be taken upstairs if needed, and can also be assembled. Transport providers on Shiply are happy to provide these services, but you should ensure that you are mentioning these requirements in your listings as it may mean a second person is required for the move.
Can I Travel With My Goods?
The majority of transport providers on Shiply are only insured for the transportation of goods, however, some are also able to take people. If you need to travel with your goods, make sure to mention this in your listing and to highlight this to any courier who quotes on your listing.
What If I Need To Cancel My Booking?
If you have accepted a quote and paid the deposit but wish to cancel the delivery, then you should first inform your chosen transport provider that you no longer require the delivery. You should then contact us at to have your deposit refunded.
Can I Change The Address Of The Delivery?
If you have not yet accepted a quote then you are able to change the address of your listing. Note that editing details of your listing after publishing will result in active quotes being voided, so you will have to wait for new quotes to come in. If you have already accepted a quote and need to change the address, please let your transport provider know and contact us at .
Do I Need To Take My Boat Anywhere?
Typically, boat transporters on Shiply will be able to pick your boat up from wherever it is located and will use special boat trailers to do so. If your journey is strictly overseas then it may be cheaper to drive to the port yourself, but boat transporters will always be able to collect your boat, wherever it is.
Can I Keep Items In My Boat During Transportation?
This will likely be up to your boat transporter's discretion, so make sure to ask! One thing to note is that the items will likely not be covered by the insurance that covers the boat, so don't leave anything in there you cannot easily replace.
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How Shiply Works
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Sit back and relax while your item is safely delivered by your chosen transport provider.
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