Preparing your motorboat for transport
It is highly crucial to prepare your motorboat fully before transit, and here is a checklist for that:
- Clean the Bottom of the Boat: Remove any growth or marine residue from the hull and through-hull valves to comply with state regulations at state inspection stations.
- Secure and Remove Loose Items: Remove all detachable items, such as safety harnesses, buoys, and anchors. Clear out the cockpit and secure anything that might move during transport and cause damage.
- Empty Fuel and Water Tanks: Drain all fuel and water tanks to prevent leaks and ensure proper operation. Unplug battery terminals and disconnect all power sources for safety.
- Remove Personal and Flammable Items: Remove all non-boat-related items, such as clothes, food, linens, electronics, and especially flammable materials like propane, Sterno cans, and emergency flares.
- Inspect and Declare Preexisting Damage: Check your boat thoroughly and document any scratches or dents as a reference to compare in the event of any after-damage.
- Take Time-Stamped Photos: Photograph your boat from all angles, tracking the date and time for any insurance purposes afterwards.
How Much Does Shipping a Motorboat with Us Cost You?
When planning a shipment, cost is one of the most deciding factors. All-state-to-state is providing the best shipping services at the best affordable prices. Although there is no single price for every shipment, the average cost of shipping a motorboat can range from $1.25 to $15.00, depending on the type of shipping and method of transport, among other factors. Certain factors will decide the final cost of the shipping.
1. Boat Size
The size of your boat is a primary factor in determining shipping costs. Generally, larger boats cost more to ship per mile. Here’s what you need to measure:
Length: From the bow’s tip to the stern center
Height: From the keel base to the highest non-removable point
Width (Beam): The widest points, including the rub rail.
Boats taller than 13'6 "typically require specialized transport arrangements, while those with a beam exceeding 8'6" are classified as oversized loads, necessitating special permits and contributing to the overall shipping cost.
2. Distance
Long-distance transport can be cheaper per mile, while short-distance transport may cost more per mile. However, the overall cost will be higher on longer routes. Prices also vary depending on the route, such as whether it is local or national, and whether it is a straight route or a complex transport route.
3. Ease of Access: Depending on the ease of access to the pickup and delivery location, prices may fluctuate. Remote areas, with limited access, may cost more than central locations, as they require extra miles to pick up the boat.
4. Seasonal demand
Boat shipping costs fluctuate throughout the year. During the summer, it is considered the peak season, with an increase in demand and limited carrier availability, resulting in higher prices.
5. Flexibility of schedule: Flexible shipping dates often lead to better rates. Rushed or guaranteed delivery services will typically cost more.
It is essential to consider all these factors when calculating or estimating the cost of shipping a motorboat.
