Differences Of Shipping A Boat Vs. Shipping A Car

If you have previously bought either a boat or a car, you may be wondering whether the processes are similar. In this article, we look at the differences between transporting a boat and a car.

In general, shipping both cars and boats requires a documentation process. However, there are certain procedures that differ. These are the preparation processes, hauling methods, restrictions, and costs.

The preparation process

Most of the preparations for both boats and cars are similar except for;

1. While a boat should have all the fuel and water tanks drained, a car can have its gas tank not more than a ¼ tank full.
2. A boat requires winterization when relocated during winter months. A car does not.
3. You will need to measure your boat size before shipping it. on the contrary, for cars, all that is considered is the manufacturer’s specifications.

Hauling Costs

When considering the shipping costs, distance is the most important factor for a car. For a boat, the shipping costs largely depend on the vessel’s size.

To estimate the relocating costs of a car, most companies provide an estimate depending on the type of car, delivery options, vehicle manufacturer, hauling route, and destination. Alternatively, estimating the shipping costs of a boat depends on several factors. Hauling companies require that you provide details of the boat size, place of origin, route, and location for a cost estimate.

Shifting Restrictions

Depending on the size of the boat, certain restrictions may apply. Oversized boats may not be transported at night and may need special permits. Contrary, transporting cars is much easier with no restrictions on sizes.

Routing for cars is determined by you or your company based on preferences. Although you may choose your preferred routes, boat specifications may override your choice.

To reduce the height of a boat, you may consider dismantling certain attachments. In contrast, a car is moved without any alterations.

Transporting salvage vehicles

You can move a salvage boat or a salvage car at a premium cost. Normally, a boat will attract a higher cost than a car.

Services We offer:

Due to their sizes, cars and boats have different shipping options.

Cars

1. Open air hauling service is where several cars are shipped in a multi-carrier.
2. The enclosed transport provides cover for cars during transport. The cover can be soft-sided where a canvas or a vinyl is placed over the vehicles. A hard-sided cover can also be used where the car is completely enclosed.
3. The terminal-to-terminal hauling options require a client to take their car to and from a terminal.
4. Cars can also use door-to-door services. Here, the company takes cars to the owner. It is a much faster option but it is also more expensive than the alternatives.

Boats

1. Shrinkwrapping is where a boat is covered to protect it from salt damage.
2. Overland transport services allow you to move a boat from an inland location to a shipping port.
3. International yacht services deliver boats outside the United States.
4. The full-service moving involves hauling under special requests of private owners, brokers, or manufacturers.