Boat Shipping to and from Minneapolis, Minnesota
The process of planning, controlling, and implementing the movement of a boat to or from Minneapolis, Minnesota, requires access to specialized equipment and routes that a boat owner may not be familiar with. Attempting to perfect the process with the hope of a beginner's luck may lead to the eventual damage of the boat. A-1 Auto Transport is an agency that has access to the specialized equipment of boat shipping and knowledge of the best routes to ensure safe and timely delivery.
Types of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Boat Transport Services
Your boat shipping complexities will not begin with the physical transportation process. It will begin with understanding and adhering to the boat shipping regulations of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Here are some of the services we offer:
- Powerboat Transport
- Sailboat Transport
- charter ships
- catamarans
- fishing boats
- dinghies
- Yacht Transport
- Small Boat Transport
Boat transport
Boat transport requires equipment like travel/forklift for loading and unloading, shrink wrap for environmental protection, and other equipment that is based on your boat transportation method. However, you can not determine the method without knowing the size of your boat and ensuring the size is in line with regulatory standards. You can request help from an agency or your Mariner for the assembly and disassembly process. Without assistance, the process can easily be seen as overwhelming and tiresome.
Powerboat shipping
It is best to use a power lift or crane to lift the powerboat before washing the boat. The bottom of the hull easily sticks to plants, grasses, and other living organisms. Regulatory inspectors do not allow boat transportation until the bottom of the powerboat is properly cleaned.
Sailboat Transport
You should remove or secure the mast, spreaders, winches, stanchions, antennas, anchors, sheaves, electronic items, and other equipment that could be damaged during transit. If you are shipping the Sailboat locally and over a short distance, it is best to use a pole car escort rather than go through the stress of removing and securing these items.
Yacht shipping
Proper preparation and planning are key to ensuring a safe and successful yacht shipping experience. Yachts are big boats that require special permits because of their size. You should measure your yacht and inform the receiving Mariner of the size to know if the Mariner can have a height clearance for such a yacht.
Small boat transport
Towing a small boat requires certain skills and experience, as well as a properly equipped trailer. It is important to ensure that the trailer is properly attached to the vehicle and that the weight distribution is appropriate. Failing to do so can result in accidents, damage to the boat or trailer, and legal liabilities that can cost you well over the cost of acquiring an agency service.
International Boat Shipping
Several factors determine the cost of shipping a boat internationally, including its size, weight, dimensions, and sometimes the special features of the boat. The destination of the boat can also affect the cost of shipping. Different ports and shipping routes may have different charges, and the distance of the shipment can impact the cost.
Container Boat Shipping
The container boat shipping method provides greater security for boats as they are sealed inside the container and can only be accessed by authorized personnel. It is more expensive than other shipping methods and not suitable for all types of boats.
How to Prepare a Boat for Shipping
- Remove all valuable items from the boat to prevent possible damage or loss during the transit process.
- Disconnect the battery and cables.
- Drain the fuel and water tanks to a quarter of the tank to prevent moisture buildup.
- Secure the engines by covering them with a tarp or securing them with straps to prevent them from moving during transport.
- Remove any antennas, satellite dishes, or radar units from the boat to prevent them from getting damaged during transport.
- Secure or remove all lines by coiling them neatly and tying them securely to the dock or the boat to prevent them from getting tangled or lost.
- Check the bilge pump to ensure that it is working properly.
- Inspect the hull for any signs of damage and repair if necessary.
- Cover the boat with a waterproof tarp or shrink wrap to protect it from weather elements during transport.
- Double-check that all steps have been completed before leaving the boat to ensure safe and secure transport.
You may see your boat just as a vessel, but we see it as an investment. Hence, we ensure that our shipping is conducted with professionalism and a guarantee of insurance. Reach out to us today at 1-888-230-9116 to help you get started.