Cheapest Way to Ship a Boat

What is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Boat?

Boats are a luxury not afforded to all, and those who have the privilege of being a boat owner are certainly aware of their good fortune. Most people who own boats have some means of transport already, otherwise, it would be very difficult to move the vessel from your garage to a body of water.

But what if you need to move your boat over great distances, either because you are selling it or because you are relocating? If you believe the old saying that "BOAT" stands for "Break Out Another Thousand," then you already know that activities involving boats may be quite pricey. By following this guidance, you can reduce the financial impact of transporting your boat and ensure its safe arrival at its destination.

Weigh Out the Pros and Cons.

If you and all your belongings are relocating, and you have decided to drive in the vehicle you use to tow your boat, you may think it beneficial to transport your boat yourself. However, the wear and tear your vehicle will undergo when towing a vessel this size such a far distance, plus the personal liability you assume in doing so, sometimes makes this plan not a good option. You should also take into account how much longer it will take you to make the trip, driving slower on account of the boat, and the decreased gas efficiency you will surely suffer. If you have a reputable company take on this responsibility, you can rest easy knowing your boat is in good hands, and you don't have to worry about the additional obstacles involved in boat transport by leaving it to a professional. Of course, transporting the boat by yourself is not even a feasible option if you are selling it out of the area, in which case, move on to the next step.

Research Potential Boat Transport Companies.

In this fascinating cyber/digital/inter-web world we live in, it is amazing how much information we can gather with a few simple clicks of the mouse. Although there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of auto/boat transport companies out there, the number of trusted, professional, and experienced options is much, much lower. You want to find a company that has adequate experience working with boats, ideally, the same type of boat you intend to transport. Not just any auto transport company will do. Check out the Better Business Bureau to determine if the company has a good history of resolving conflicts. Online review websites such as Yelp can be helpful, but only if there are adequate reviews, one or two is not enough to generate a good idea of the company's business practices, positive or negative. If you are having a difficult time finding information about a company, but they seem to be a good fit, feel free to ask for references. A great transport company will have no problem providing this information upon request.

Trust Your Gut.

A lot can be determined from first impressions, and it is important to go with your gut when picking a company. Find someone professional from the get-go, and knowledgeable about the entire boat transport process. If you want the absolute cheapest method of transport, be sure to request an open carrier, and be flexible with your shipping dates. Certain companies are willing to work with your budget if you are upfront about what you are willing to spend. If you are flexible, oftentimes they will be as well. However, beware of any company that comes back with a quote drastically lower than all others. These are the ones who like to tack on additional fees later or perhaps do not have a good track record at all. If you adhere to these helpful tips, you can be on the fast track to affordable boat transport in no time at all.

Related Information.

• Cost of boat shipping (per mile)
• Interstate boat transport
• Shipping a boat across the country
• Boat shipping East Coast to West Coast