When you are moving from one place to another, you may find that some belongings are more challenging to transport than others. This is especially true if you own a boat. They are very different to move than other types of vehicles because of their sizes and inability to be driven on land. Hence, moving a ship requires a great deal of planning and preparation. Furthermore, it is more costly than other types of moves you may require. The following information will discuss everything you need to know about boat and yacht shipping. 

Always Plan For Boat And Yacht Shipping

Before we get started, it’s important to note that the process should be planned in advance, soon after you decide to ship a boat or yacht. After all, you want your boat to be delivered in the same condition it was in when it left your possession. 

So, when you decide to ship your boat or yacht, you’ll need to take a careful and detailed approach. You may find that some carriers will handle the move and all the details for you, but not all do this. Either way, you should handle most of the preparations personally because if the boat is not prepared well, it may be shipped “as-is,” in which case the company isn’t responsible for any damages that occur during transit. 

How To Properly Prepare Your Boat Or Yacht For Transit

With that being said, it’s crucial to understand how to prepare your yacht or boat for the move. You’ll want to begin the process by removing any personal items or other objects that may be thrown around during transit. Other things that should be removed are:

• Outriggers

• Antennas

• Anchors

• Propellers

• Windshields

• Screens

• Depth sounders

• Valuable items

• Canvas covers and cushions

• Radar transmitters

• Electronic items

• Flagstaffs

Hence, everything outside and inside the boat should be removed before transport. Also, be sure there is no water on the ship in areas such as the bilge, air conditioners, pumps, and water systems. 

Here are some other things to consider: 

• Leave around one-fourth tank of gas for the trip. 

• Check that all hatches are closed and secured through taping or tying them. 

• Be sure all cabin windows are latched and tape them from the outside. 

• All the hatches and doors that can be locked should be, and keep the keys with you. 

• It may be a good idea to leave a spare set of keys with the movers so they can access the boat’s interior if they need to do so. 

• Choose a boatyard or marina with a loading spot that offers at least 14’ of clearance. 

• Disconnect all batteries and secure the cables in a way that they will not have contact. 

• Secure large items such as dinghies on board and pad them well. 

• Remove all drain plugs from the boat’s hull and drain all of the air conditioners, pumps, and water systems. 

• Remove all anchors and other valuable electronics from the deck, and then pad them and secure them in the cabin. 
  

Choose A Transport Service Based On Your Boat’s Style

Boats and yachts can cost a lot of money, so it’s vital to protect your boat during a move as much as you can. Therefore, you should choose a transport service based on the style of your boat. Here are two examples: 

Wooden Boats

If you own a wooden boat, the vessel should be carried out on its own custom-made cradle. This process will help balance out structural weaknesses if any are present. You may need to sign a liability release while shipping a wooden boat. 

Speed Or Power Boats

When dealing with these types of boats, you should first ensure the windshield is strong enough to withstand the winds the boat will encounter during transport. Also, check that the screws and seals on the boat are fixed tightly. 

How Much Does Boat And Yacht Shipping Cost?

The cost of shipping a boat or yacht depends on the distance the vessel is traveling and the size of the boat. Here are a few estimates to give you a good idea of cost per mile: 

• Less than 9’ – $1.50 to $2.50 per mile

• 10’ – $2 to $3 per mile

• 12’ – $2.50 to $3.50 per mile

• Over 12’ – $2.75 to $3.75 per mile
  

Going off of these estimates, it would cost about $2,250 to ship a nine-foot boat 1,000 miles, while shipping a 12’ vessel the same distance would cost $3,250. 

In the end, moving a boat can be complicated. To make the process easier, be sure to plan enough time in advance and properly prepare your boat for transit. We here at National Car Transportation would love to help arrange your boat shipment. Give us a call today for a quote – just be sure to have your boat’s measurements and shipping distance handy!