Shipping a boat from its present location (whether that be a home or marina) to a new one follows many of the same principles of shipping a car, and many professional auto shipping companies have the equipment and skill to assist you with this kind of transport. When moving a boat from one marina to another, it may be possible simply to take the boat on its own power (or hire individuals to do so), but this faces many complications with insurance, damage, and general wear and tear on the boat – all of which are complications shared by cars driven across country.
Preparing to Ship a Boat
As in the case of a car, a boat must be properly prepared for shipping, which involves making sure there are no loose pieces of equipment or personal items in the boat, documenting any damage which the boat may have before it is picked up, and making sure to get all elements of your agreement with the auto shipping company you have chosen included in a written contract which both parties can refer to.
By filling out the form at the top of this page, you enter some simple information about your boat (make, model, dimensions) and receive several free instant online quotes from qualified and approved auto shipping companies who are the best matches for your needs. Rather than simply accepting the cheapest quote, you should speak with each company and discuss your boat and your transport needs with their representative. Having this conversation is crucial, as you will want to be sure that your boat will be in the hands of someone you trust and can relate to. Make sure that the sales rep from your shipping company can answer any of your questions about the operations of their company, how many boats they have transported, and what kinds of customer feedback they have had in the past.
Delivering a Boat
While your boat is in transit, it should be covered by your auto shipper’s insurance. Confirm with the shipping company you select that their insurance policy also covers boats. You should also discuss the upcoming move with your insurance company to make sure there are no additional riders that need to be purchased to provide your boat with adequate coverage during transport.
Many boat owners like to have updates on the progress of their boat during its transport, and shipping companies may be able to provide phone calls and other methods of update as they transport your boat to its new location. GPS tracking may also be an available feature.
Once your boat arrives at its destination, you will have a drop-off meeting which closely mirrors the pick-up inspection you had at the beginning of your boat’s journey. You, or a representative you designate, should be present to inspect the boat with the transport company’s representative. Both parties should inspect the boat; having a camera on hand to document any damage is always a good idea. Once you have completed and agreed upon a written bill of the condition of your boat, both parties will have a copy. You should immediately follow up any instances of damage with your shipping company rather than leaving this too long, and your auto shipping company should help you resolve all issues to your satisfaction. Ship a boat with the confidence of reading this guide, and make sure to hire a reputable company to keep it safe!