- Different Ways To Ship Boat You May Use in Long Island
- Shipping a Boat on its Own Trailer
- Shipping a Boat on its Own Bottom
- Shipping a Boat Over Land
- Shipping a Boat on a Yacht Transport Ship
- How To Prepare Boat For Shipping Throughout Long Island?
- Carefully Measure Your Boat to Know How Much It Will Cost to Ship
- Ask Shipping Company About the Suitable Mode for Shipping
- (RO/RO)
- Flat Rack
- Enclosed Container
- Set Up Your Boat and Remove Extras
- Get to Know about the Shipping Costs and Documentation in Advance
- Prepared Documents in Advance
- Have an Idea About the Cost
- Tips For Transporting Boats In Short Time
- Always Have a Rough Estimate of the Budget
- Pick the Shipping Company After Considering their Experience and Repute
- Remember, the Size of the Boat Matters!
- What Factors Play Their Part in Determining the Potential Cost of Boat Transport?
- Boat Dimensions
- Boat Type
- Distance
- Transport Company
- Conclusion
Are you a boat owner living on Long Island? Whether you need to transport your boat for relocation purposes or have just bought a boat for someone you love and need their gift to reach soundly to them, you’d want to transport your boat safely.
But, transporting a boat is not as easy as it seems, especially if you don’t have the proper equipment or experience. That’s why it’s important to leave the job to the professionals.
Here’s the thing, though…
The right person for the job is not always easy to find. There are many options if you need boat shipping, and it can be overwhelming trying them all out yourself!
This article will give some tips on choosing your boat transporter, what kind of transportation is the best for short runs around town, and what will be the top choice for long-distance moves.
If you’re among those whose boat is registered in the USA and has been used for recreational purposes at least once per year, it probably hasn’t gone through an easy time while being shipped.
According to Statista, about 12 million boats were registered with US authorities in 2016.
And as per an estimate by National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), 100 Million Americans go boating each year.
Hence, every recreational boater knows what a frustrating experience dealing with shipping issues can be!
So, in this blog post, we’ll provide tips for safely transporting your boat and avoiding damage. Make sure to read till the end so you can learn how to transport your boat like a pro!
Let’s learn about shopping methods to transport a boat first.
4 Different Ways To Ship Boat You May Use in Long Island
A boat can be shipped in four ways, depending on its size.
- Shipping the boat on a trailer
- Shipping the boat on its bottom
- Shipping the boat overland with a professional boat hauler
- Shipping the boat on a yacht transport ship
Let’s look at them in more detail.
Shipping a Boat on its Own Trailer
If you have bought a full package of the boat, trailer, and motor, you may be able to deliver it yourself without paying anything. You have to invest your time and pay for the price of fuel.
This means you will need a tow vehicle that can handle the load. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, we suggest hiring a professional. So, you can ship your boat without any problem.
Shipping a Boat on its Own Bottom
If you have a large boat or yacht, the best way to transport it may be by putting it on its bottom. It is something you may want to do yourself.
Usually, some boat owners deliver their boats to their home ports from the manufacturer’s hometown by making a long cruise, or they also do this by taking an Intracoastal trip.
However, depending on how far away your boat is, the time it will take to transport can be a lot. More often, boats shipped through this method are delivered by a captain of a professional transporting company.
When shipping a boat, there are some things you need to take into account.
You might need to buy insurance for your boat trip. You might also need to provide food and a place for the captain and crew to sleep.
You will often be expected to pay for the captain and crew travel expenses after complete delivery.
Since this type of delivery happens on the water, you need to be prepared for mechanical issues, bad weather, or other problems. If a hurricane hits and your boat and crew are stuck in a distant port, you’ll need a contingency plan.
Shipping a Boat Over Land
Almost all boats are shipped overland. This is done by placing the boat on a trailer and driving it to the new location. However, there are a few specific things you need to keep in mind when transporting a boat this way. All boats being transported by land must meet the following criteria:
- Your boat should be no wider than 12’0”.
- It should also not be taller than 13’6”. However, in some cases, towers, bridges, masts, and some parts can be removed before shipping to their destination.
- Make sure you are ready for pick-up. You will need a destination with enough overhead clearance to load and unload your items. This is usually around 14’0”, but it may vary depending on your needs.
If your boat fulfills these requirements, you will need to find a professional company that offers this type of service and makes sure to give them all of the necessary information. It will be expensive, but it is going to be worth it.
Shipping a Boat on a Yacht Transport Ship
For very large boats and yachts going on a long trip or to a different country, shipping them on a yacht transport is considered the best option. These cases are rare, and you have to be prepared because they are much more expensive, costing you thousands of dollars.
First, you have to book a space on the yacht for your boat. It usually means working with a freight forwarding company. Freight forwarding companies are called OTI or Ocean Transport Intermediaries.
These companies specialize in reserving space on a yacht to transport your boat to a new location. No matter how big or small your boat is, there is a company that can help you. They can also help with the paperwork and other necessary documentation needed while shipping.
How To Prepare Boat For Shipping Throughout Long Island?
Shipping a boat from one point to another in Long Island is difficult. You need to plan and talk to a professional boat shipping company about your move beforehand.
A boat shipping company can help you create a plan that will make transporting your boat throughout Long Island easier.
Following are the tips which will help you to ship your boat correctly.
Carefully Measure Your Boat to Know How Much It Will Cost to Ship
To get an accurate cost estimate for shipping your boat, you will need to know your boat’s length, width, and height. Include any platforms, motors, or other parts in your exterior dimensions when determining the size of your boat.
You need to know the height and width of your boat to get the right permits from the Department of Transportation (DoT). You also need to tell the shipper what type of handling to use, based on the size of your boat.
Ask Shipping Company About the Suitable Mode for Shipping
There are various methods to transport your boat, so you should ask the shipping service. Some of the most common ways to move your boat over land are discussed below:
(RO/RO):
Roll-on/Roll-off shipping is the most common way to transport a boat overseas.
This method involves the boat staying on the trailer for the whole trip. Although it can be the carrier’s trailer, it can also be your trailer.
Flat Rack:
The most common way to ship a big boat is through a flat rack. The boat is cradled in a custom holder and strapped down to the cargo ship.
You will need to remove any high bridges or other large objects before shipping with this method. It is not only for safety reasons but also to save money. Depending on their size, there are different ways to ship boats with this method. Boats can also be shipped on trailers, containers, cradles, or submersion.
Enclosed Container:
Cargo ships and freighters usually carry enclosed shipping containers filled with different types of goods.
The standard dimensions for these containers are 40’ long, 7’8” wide, and 7’10” high.
So you need to make sure that your boat can fit within those dimensions if you want to use this transport option. It is less expensive than the roll-on/roll-off transport method, but it is not used as much because boats do not usually fit according to these dimensions.
Set Up Your Boat and Remove Extras.
You have to remove propellers, antennas, lights, anchors, electronics, and other valuable items. Store them safely below for safety purposes.
Make sure all cabinets are locked and covered. Remove the batteries and fuels. Secure your cabin windows by using a latch and some tape. If you want to keep your boat from being too heavy, you should remove any cargo. Also, make sure that the exterior of the boat is clean.
If you have a wooden boat, you can protect it by applying a linseed oil coat. It will help keep the wood from drying out. You may also want to consider transporting it on its custom cradle.
Make sure you are prepared to load and unload your boat in advance.
Get to Know about the Shipping Costs and Documentation in Advance
Find out the port fees, customs clearance, and taxes in the country where you are shipping your boat. This way, you won’t be surprised by any extra costs.
Prepared Documents in Advance
To ship your boat to another country, you need to contact that country’s embassy. They will be able to tell you what paperwork and documentation you need. This usually includes a bill of lading, a bill of sale, a copy of the boat title, and shipping documents from your shipping company.
Eventually, it will help customs officials clear your boat through their process more quickly and smoothly.
Have an Idea About the Cost
When you want to ship your boat internationally, a few things are usually included in the cost. It includes picking up your boat, delivering it to the port, and shipping it across the ocean to its final destination.
You’ll also need to get marine shipping insurance. Your boat transport specialist will help you with all the paperwork and guide you through getting your boat ready for transportation. They will also help you with all steps of the process during transportation.
Note: If you want to ship your boat, follow these tips. They will help you prepare your boat for shipping easily.
3 Tips For Transporting Boats In Short Time
There are a few tips which can help you to transport your boat in a short time. Some of them are discussed below.
Always Have a Rough Estimate of the Budget
Before you reach out to professionals, ensure to know how much they cost for their services. This will be a rough estimate, but it can help you negotiate with professionals.
The distance and size of the boat are the main factors that affect boat shipping rates. For example, if a boat is 10 feet wide, it will cost more to ship than a boat that is 5 feet wide. The average rate for transporting a 10 feet wide boat is about $2-$3 each mile.
So if your boat is 1,000 miles away, the transport cost would be about $2,500.
This estimate is just a rough idea of how much your bid might be. You should not set your price based on this estimate. Drivers might charge high or low because it also depends on other factors.
Pick the Shipping Company After Considering their Experience and Repute
Contact the shipping company once you know how much you want to spend. While talking with the shipment company, discuss all the details about your boat. Then, when they start bidding, look at their offers and choose the one you find the best.
When choosing a company to ship your boat, it is important to consider their experience and reputation. Make sure to list all the details of your boat so that the company can choose the right equipment for the job.
Also, ask about the driver’s cargo insurance provider to ensure your boat is protected during transport. By looking at all these aspects, you will be sure that you have hired the best company.
Remember, the Size of the Boat Matters!
The size of a boat is very important when shipping it. It is because the size of the boat can cause problems on the road, such as with navigation.
Additionally, some countries have restrictions on what hours boats can be shipped in, delaying their arrival at their final destination. Ensure to include all the measurements when looking for a shipping company, as the boat’s size affects the potential cost of boat shipment.
When discussing the shipment with the company, you might consider the planned route. But it would be best if you also let the driver decide what roads to take, as long as the delivery is on time.
What Factors Play Their Part in Determining the Potential Cost of Boat Transport?
Many factors go into the charges of transporting a boat. You need to ensure you get the best service at the best price. Some of the factors that affect the cost include:
Boat Dimensions:
The size of your boat will determine the trailer size needed and how much it will cost to transport. If the boat is large, it will cost more, and if the boat size is small, the cost will be less.
Boat Type:
The type of boat you own will also play a role in how much it costs to transport. Larger boats are typically more expensive to transport than smaller boats. It is because they are often larger and require more specialized care.
Distance:
The distance the boat needs to be transported will also affect the cost. If the boat is going a long distance, it will cost more to transport than if it is going a shorter distance because the use of gas or diesel will be less on a short distance.
Transport Company:
The company you choose to transport your boat will also affect the cost. Some companies are more expensive than others, so it is important to do your research and get quotes from multiple companies before deciding.
Many other factors affect the potential cost of boat transport, but these are the most important ones to consider. When looking for a transport company, be sure to ask about all of the factors that will affect the cost to get an accurate quote.
Conclusion
That’s all about transporting a boat on Long Island.
If you’re looking for an easy way to transport your boat, consider using a trailer. Boat trailers are specially designed to safely and securely transport boats of all shapes and sizes.
When looking for a boat trailer, make sure to find one that is the right size for your boat and fits your vehicle. Trailers also come with different features, so you can choose one that meets your specific needs.
So, if you need to transport your boat, do your research and compare rates to find the best option for you, following these simple steps. And, you can rest assured that your boat will arrive safely and sound at its destination.