What’s Included in Boat Shipping Cost?

Shipping a boat from one location to another can be expensive sometimes. There are lots of factors and measures that require proper planning to ship a boat. Understanding what is included in the price may help you reduce boat shipping costs and can ensure a smooth shipping experience. 

Understanding Boat Shipping Cost

The shipping cost of a boat depends on various factors and conditions. The best method to know the shipping cost is to use the boat shipping cost calculator. This is an online tool provided by many transportation companies to help their customers budget their shipping accurately. Gather the details mentioned below to calculate the shipping cost.

• Type of Boat: Sailing boat/motorboat/yacht

• Dimensions: Length, width, height. Height applicable if cranes will be used alongside the delivery

• Weight: Total weight, including all gear and accessories

• Pick-up location: Pick-up address or port

• Delivery location: Delivery address or port

• Shipping method: Indicate whether open transport or enclosed transport.

• Transport Date: The date or period when you need the boat to be transported.

• More Services: You may need crating, insurance, or special care. Mention this in your application.

Factors Influencing Factors 

The actual cost can be influenced by various factors, such as shipping distance, boat size, and transportation method. Understanding the influential factors helps you better understand what you’re paying for and prevents you from overpaying. 

1. Distance

The more distance your boat has to cover, the more costly your shipping would be. Domestic is based on the same state or region; hence, it is cheaper compared with cross-country transport.

2. Boat Size and Weight 

The transport of bigger boats costs more since more resources are involved in transporting larger boats, depending on the boat size and weight. The boat’s size and weight affect the logistics involved, including whether a trailer or a truck is needed to transport the boat or if the boat requires some equipment.

3. Shipping Method 

The cost of shipping also depends on the shipping methods. There are basically two ways to ship a boat:

• Open Transport: This is the cheapest boat shipping method. The open transport method hauls the boat in an open-air trailer, but the boat will be exposed to the external elements.

• Enclosed Transport: This shipping method is more expensive than open transport. Enclosed transport gives your boat protection from the elements, road debris, and possible transit damages during transport. This method is well-suited for luxury boats and yachts.

4. Location and Route Accessibility

There will be extra handling fees if your boat has to be collected or delivered from hard-to-reach access areas, such as marinas and private docks. Sometimes, the services will charge you an additional terminal fee on the shipment of your boat from or to a port or facility rather than shipping it to a home address.

5. Season

The shipping cost changes seasonally with seasonal demand. Boat shipping demands are higher during peak boating seasons, although this can vary by region. Some regions are slower during the winter months, which can make for better prices during those timeframes.

6. Insurance Coverage

Shipping a boat is a risky task, which is why it requires insurance. The coverage level that you take will determine the final shipping cost.

How to Save Money When Shipping a Boat

Sometimes, shipping a boat from one location to another can be expensive. If you have a better knowledge of the factors and process, you can reduce the shipping cost. Some tips are mentioned here so that you can save some money over boat shipping.

• Compare Quotes: Gather multiple quotes from shipping companies that must be compared in order to find a suitable quote. Select one that offers good service at an affordable cost.

• Plan Ahead: The advance booking of shipping services will give you much time to get your shipping done at a lower rate, even during peak season.

• Be flexible with dates: If you are flexible enough to change your shipping dates, you may find relatively cheaper prices if scheduled off-season.

• Reduce excess weight: Unpack unnecessary gear or accessories. It reduces unnecessary weight and volume on your boat; hence, it saves on shipping costs.

• Negotiate: Don’t be shy when using several quotations for negotiating with shipping companies to gain better quotes.

• Use Open Transport: Use an open trailer whenever the distance is relatively short. Open transport could even be cheaper than shipping by the enclosed transport method.

• Insurance: Prudent: Do not take too much insurance. Only the rightful amount of insurance should be taken.

• Seasonal discounts: Certain organizations give discounted prices at off-peak times. So, shipping at off-peak times also saves you some money.

Conclusion

Knowing what affects the cost of shipping a boat can help you effectively budget. Once you get all the relevant information, use the boat shipping cost calculator. Get a shipping quote and plan ahead to take your money-saving skills to the next level. Then, you can make sure that you get safe, smooth, and cheap transport for your boat.