Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Boat Transport Quotes

Patrick MacFarland Patrick MacFarland · Updated January 16, 2024

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If you own a boat and plan to transport it to another location, the first thing that comes to mind is to look for boat transport services. One of the essential factors to consider when hiring a boat shipping company is the cost of shipping. This is where boat transport quotes come in handy. With a quote, you can estimate the cost and plan your budget accordingly. In this post, we’ll discuss where and how to get the best boat shipping quotes.

1. Research Online

The first and foremost place to start searching for boat hauling quotes is online. There are various online marketplaces and directories that can provide boat shipping quotes based on your requirements. All you need to do is input the necessary information like the type of boat, pickup and delivery locations, dimensions, and weight. Based on these details, you will receive a quote from the company.

One of the best online marketplaces for boat transport services is CitizenShipper. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily input the required details and get instant boat shipping quotes from trusted and verified boat transport companies. Moreover, CitizenShipper has a rating and feedback system that allows you to check the company’s reputation and past performance before hiring them to ship your boat.

2. Ask for Recommendations

If you’re looking for reliable and trustworthy boat transport companies, it’s always best to ask for recommendations from your friends and family. Chances are they might have gone through a similar process and have hired boat transport services in the past. They can provide you with a list of reliable companies that offer quality boat shipping services.

However, it’s important to consider that the shipping requirements may differ depending on the type of boat and the shipping route. So, make sure to compare the quotes received from the recommended companies with other providers to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.

3. Contact Local Boat Transport Companies

Another option for finding the best boat shipping quotes is to contact local boat transport companies. Local companies are aware of the shipping requirements and regulations of your area, which makes the shipping process smoother and hassle-free. Moreover, by contacting them directly, you may get a better deal and customize the shipping options based on your preferences.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that local boat delivery companies may have limited resources and may not cover all shipping routes. Therefore, it’s vital to check their credibility and insurance coverage before hiring them for your boat shipping.

4. Compare the Quotes

Once you’ve gathered the boat shipping quotes from different sources, it’s time to start comparing the prices and the services offered by the companies. Check if the quotes are inclusive of all the charges, like insurance, fuel surcharges and taxes. This will help you avoid any additional charges and plan your budget accordingly.

Moreover, make sure to compare the services offered by different companies. Some companies charge flat rates and others charge per mile. Check if the company provides door-to-door delivery, or if you need to transport the boat to a designated dock. Also, consider the transit time and the shipping route. It’s always best to choose a transport service that offers a secure and fast shipping process at an affordable price.

Preparing For Boat Shipping

Preparing for boat shipping is time consuming but essential. The preparations you make ensure that your boat arrives safely to its final destination. 

Get Your Boat’s Dimensions?

You need to measure your boat for:

 

  • The width of the boat
  • Length from the bow to the stern
  • The boat’s height — measured from the bottom of the keel to the highest permanent part of the boat.

Documents

You should have a copy of the bill of lading, your boat title and bill of sale.

Item Removal

Make sure you remove all personal items from the boat before shipping. You should also remove any items that could be damaged during transport.

Tie Down Loose Items

Make sure you have crossed off doing these items before handing over the keys to the boat shipping company.

  • Keep at least a quarter of a gas tank in the boat.
  • Drain water tanks and secure engines.
  • Lock or tie any hatches, doors and lock or tape windows from the outside.
  • Ensure all water systems and pumps are drained, and everything that is plugged in unplugged.
  • Give a spare set of keys of the interior to the boat shipping company, just in case they need to enter for an emergency.
  • Keep the dinghy or large objects padded and secured to avoid damage and movement during the transport.
  • Clean your boat, and do it with hot water, as required by the Department of Transportation because if you don’t, you will get fined.
  • Winterize your boat by buying a cover for it or shrink wrapping it

Bottom Line

Transporting a boat to another location can be a daunting task, but by following the guidelines mentioned above, you can find the best boat shipping rates that suit your requirements. CitizenShipper is an excellent choice for finding boat transportation services. With its user-friendly interface and trusted network of verified transport companies, it can provide you with instant and accurate boat shipping quotes. So, what are you waiting for? Start your boat shipping journey today!