Are you planning to move your boat across town or to a completely different region of the country? Are you worried about the boat transport price and process? We know that when it comes to shipping your prized boat, you want the safest transportation.
Moreover, you don't want to pay an arm and a leg to move your boat. If you are looking for more information on the best boat transportation companies and their associated costs, continue reading below! We will cover what you can expect to pay to transport your boat and who you can contact for the best rate.
Measure Your Boat
Before you can calculate the overall cost of your boat transport, you will need to measure your boat. Make sure to measure from the bow's tip in the straight line to the stern center.
You can measure your boat's height from the base of the keel to the highest point of your boat. Make sure that the highest point of your boat is a non-removable point.
How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Boat?
The price of your boat transport will vary based on the season, the size of your boat, and other factors. If your beam width is over 12 feet, you can expect to pay between $2.75 to $3.75 per mile.
The smaller your boat is, the less you will have to pay for a mile. The average boat transport cost per mile is about $1.63.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Houseboat?
As mentioned above, the cost for your boat transport will vary based on several different factors. You will also want to take your boat weight, shipping distance, and type of shipment trailer into account.
These are the most prominent factors that will affect the overall cost of your boat hauling service. The price for your houseboat transport will vary per mile and the width of your boat. You can expect to pay around $1.60 per mile for your houseboat transport cost.
Plan Your Boat Transport
Boat transport companies recommend that you plan ahead of time when picking the date and time you want to move your boat. The price for boat hauling service varies depending on the season and the demand for transporters. Make sure to reach out to different boat shipping companies ahead of your preferred date to find out how their rates differ during different times of the year.
If you can be flexible for your boat transport days, you may be able to save money. The weeks right before summer and right after are the busiest times of the year for boat transport companies. If you move your boat outside of this busy time, you will find that your boat shipping rates will be considerably lower.
Find the Best Boat Hauling Service
The overall cost for your boat transporting service varies from company to company. No two companies will price the same, so it is best to reach out to each company for a boat shipping quote. Receiving referrals from family members and friends is also a great resource when deciding on the best route for your boat shipping.
When you are comparing boat shipping quotes, make sure that you input the same information throughout the application. For example, make sure that you have your boat's accurate weight, height, and width in each quote. Make sure that you also have the proper mileage updated and the location of where you need to have the boat moved to.
Boat Transport Factors to Consider
Besides knowing how much the boat transport cost is, you will want to consider the transporter's experience and reviews. When you find a company that you think you want to work with, make sure to take a look at their reviews.
They may have some reviews on their website, but it is always best to cross-check those reviews with what other people say on third-party websites. Yelp, Google Reviews, and Trust Pilot are excellent resources for you to use to gain a better understanding of what is great about the company and what major pain points other customers had.
Interstate Boat Transport Insurance
Regardless of whether you are moving your boat across town or plan on having an interstate boat transport service, it is essential to see what insurance the transporter has. Most boat moving companies have insurance over their transporters and the vehicles used to move your boat.
When comparing boat moving companies, ensure that you inquire about what type of insurance they have in place. They may have insurance that will cover any damages done during the transport or if the boat gets lost in transit. Some companies may even offer you an additional insurance option to cover every possible incident that may occur during your boat transport.
Prepare for Your Boat Transport
Before you can send your boat on its way to its next destination, there are a few things you will need to do to prep your boat for shipment. Before you start to dismantle anything on your boat, make sure to take photos to reference when you reassemble to make sure there were no damages. It is also recommended to clean your boat's exterior and to secure any loose gear stored above and below the deck.
Other ways to prep your boat:
- Close and lock your boat hatches
- Close all cabin windows
- Drank all water tanks
- Disconnect all batteries
- Secure all cables
Properly preparing your ship before transportation is key to making sure that there are no mishaps during transport. It is also recommended to have your boat inspected by a licensed marine surveyor.
Boat Transport With Nexus
Nexus is an extremely reputable company with expertise in boat hauling services. Scheduling your boat transport with Nexus is extremely easy.
Step One: Schedule Online
You have the option to schedule your boat transport online, or you can give us a call to set up the transport. If you decide to submit your shipment online, you will simply input the zip code of where we need to pick up the boat and the zip code of where it needs to go. You will then input your boat's information and pick when you need to have the boat moved.
When you use Nexus, you are bound to find an extremely reasonable and fair shipping rate that works for you and your needs. You can reserve your boat transport with a refundable $75 fee.
Step Two: Boat Transport Pick Up
One of Nexus's expert boat transport coordinators will work with you to arrange a boat pickup date and time that works best for you and your schedule. All you have to do at this point is prepare your boat for transport by securing everything and removing any valuables.
On the day of pick up, you or someone you authorize from Nexus will review and inspect your boat to mark any preexisting damages and any other applicable concerns. Lastly, you will sign off on the inspection report, and your boat transportation journey will begin!
Step Three: Boat Delivery
If you would like, you have the ability to contact your boat transporter at any time during the shipment. You are free to ask any questions or concerns about the trip, including the estimated arrival time. Nexus's transport operators go through rigorous safety training to ensure that your boat gets to its destination safely.
Once your boat reaches its destination, the operator will try to get as close as they can to your listed address to deliver the vessel. You can pay any balance due at arrival to the hauler upon arrival.
You have the option to conduct the final inspection on your own or to appoint someone else to do it for you. Once you sign off on the Bill of Landing, you are all set! If you are moving to a brand new location, make sure that you update your licenses and tags when it arrives.
Hiring the Best Boat Transport
Now that you know how much it costs to transport your boat to wherever you need it to go, it's time for you to start your quote. Not only is the cost a defining factor of who you decide to use to transport your boat, but the quality of service is another factor you need to consider.
If you are looking for more information on the cost of boat transport, contact us now. Our team will create an affordable quote for you, free of any obligations.
