Boat Transport

Ever heard the phrase, “first world problems?” These are “problems” that folks in the first world, the developed world, face. For example, needing to come up with a Plan B for breakfast because the oat grain cereal you and your family have been eating for the past 8 months suffered a supply chain hiccup and is not available at your local supermarket. That’s a real bummer. Another problem, the auto wax you use on your BMW has been discovered to have an element in it that discolors the car resulting in the need to now re-touch the paint which equates to spending a couple hundred bucks.

We could go and on, problems that for most that read this blog sound like problems but try telling that to a guy in Bangladesh that needs to traverse 3 hours a day (one way) for fresh water. That’s a problem! Well, boat transport is another first world problem. You got a boat, but now need to get it from A to B, and you’re not on the water! Hence, the transport part.

Boat transporters come in all shapes and sizes. Before considering any of them, here are some fast tips. First, whichever carrier you end up with make sure they are authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Authority and the Federal DOT. Within the uShip profile, the numbers of the carrier should be verified and the website SAFER will allow you to corroborate all of this.

On the insurance side you will need additional insurance from the shipping company you choose because personal boat insurance likely will not cover damages resulting from the transportation. The company should also be able to provide cargo insurance and if the policy does not cover the entirety of the boat’s value you should inquire about purchasing additional coverage.

Prior to choosing a provider it is recommended, like other services, to receive multiple quotes. Boat transport service quotes are based on the destination, the measurements of the boat, the origin and the desired transport dates. Having this information at-hand coupled with the make and model of the boat will give the carrier the ability to get you the most accurate quote possible. The quotes you receive should be all-inclusive, and for the transporter this will include the cost of the gas, tolls, permit fees plus the profit of course. Don’t hire a carrier who will cut corners (although few will tell you) but having all this information at-hand with multiple carrier quotes will help in comparing across a range of providers.

When it comes to the actual transporting of your boat, be present. Of course, there are occasions where this won’t be possible, but it is important to keep an eye on this process. Your boat is a pricey purchase, leaving it in the hands of a third-party is fine, but keep an eye on your baby.