A Complete Guide on How to Save When Transporting Your Boat

Patrick MacFarland Patrick MacFarland · Updated February 23, 2024

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The thrill of boating is unmatched. It can rejuvenate and refresh your mind with each passing wave. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a newbie, it’s hard to deny that boats require constant attention and maintenance. Often this maintenance requires transporting your boat, especially if you don’t have ready access to water or you’re moving homes.

At CitizenShipper, we know how much you value your boat and how much effort and investment goes into owning and maintaining one. That’s why we’ve come up with a complete guide to help you save when shipping a boat.

Keep reading as we discuss some money-saving tips, tricks, best practices, and things to consider when shipping a boat.

1. Research your Boat Transportation Options

When it comes to transporting your boat, the first money-saving step is to conduct thorough research on your transport options.

You may have the urge just to call the first boat transporter you come across or book the larger, more expensive transport service. However, as you may realize later, this choice can turn out to be costly.

It is essential to consider boat transport companies extensively and to look beyond the big names to save more. You can browse online resources, and it’s advisable to read reviews and check ratings on sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Additionally, check if the transport service offers services that cater to your needs. For instance, if you’re in a hurry, you need timely delivery, if you’re transporting across states, you may require a more specialized service that offers full insurance coverage.

Also, take your time to compare prices quoted by different companies to have a rough estimate of the costs.

2. Take advantage of the offseason

Timing is everything! Choosing the right time to ship your boat can significantly affect the cost to transport.

The same principle applies to boating outside of peak seasons. The offseason, typically from October to March, is often the best time to transport your boat, as most people are not boating during these months.

Consequently, most boat shipping companies have reduced demand in the offseason and, therefore, offer discounts to attract customers.

Generally, there’s less traffic on the road at this time, and it’s easier and less expensive to get your boat transported from one location to another. Taking advantage of the offseason could save you a few hundred dollars on the total cost of transportation.

3. Proper Planning for a Smooth Process

The process of transporting a boat requires proper planning to minimize the chances of delays, damages, and overall logistical inefficiencies.

From the point of pickup to delivery, you must keep track of everything. Record details of the carrier and their insurance policy, preparation of the boat for transport, and clear its contents.

When you’re in contact with the transport company, ensure that you make them aware of your expectations and communicate information such as your pickup and delivery timelines to avoid confusion.

The costs for these services vary and depend on the type of shipment, the size of your boat, and the distance between your point of departure and your destination.

It’s always best to prepare your boat for transport with good planning, as it will eliminate any unnecessary costs and ensure a successful delivery.

4. Choose the Right Trailer

The right boat trailer is an essential aspect of the boat transportation process. If you plan on transporting your boat yourself, ensure that you choose the right trailer.

A suitable trailer should be compatible with the size and weight of your boat. Please take note of your vehicle’s towing weight capacity, so you don’t cause any damages or incur any fines.

Alternatively, a flatbed trailer is an excellent option if you’re opting for professional boat transport services. A flatbed trailer allows for easy loading of the boat and offers added security to prevent damage.

5. Consider connecting with Drivers on Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces provide an avenue for connecting with professional, licensed, and insured operators willing to transport your boat at an affordable cost.

You can save up to 50% in the cost to transport a boat than traditional methods of shipping your boat by using online marketplaces.

At CitizenShipper, we aspire to connect the largest and the most diverse network of service providers throughout the United States to people like you who need to transport their boats.

Using online marketplaces also offers more flexibility with transport methods as the drivers are usually independent contractors who cater to your exact specifications.

Online marketplaces save both time and money, and you may end up getting discounts no other platform can offer, making them a cost-effective solution for boat transport.

Bottom Line

There you have it – the complete guide on how to save when transporting your boat. From comparing carriers to selecting the right time, proper planning, choosing the right trailer, to leveraging online marketplaces, you now have the tips and tricks you need to get it done.

At CitizenShipper, we’re proud to provide our clients with a robust and reliable online marketplace that connects them with the best service providers in the industry. We make sure that we are there to provide you with the necessary information to help you make the right decisions and get value for your money.

So, whether you’re a boating enthusiast or a professional and need to ship your boat, you can always count on CitizenShipper.