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Have you ever been excited about your boating activity but then got the boat transportation quotes and felt it would drain your budget faster than a leaky hull? As a boat owner, you may know that boat transport is not very cheap, and its cost increases per mile, especially if you are transporting across multiple states. Different factors can increase the cost per mile, such as peak season, last-minute moves, route complexity, different permits for various states, strong legal compliance, fuel price, long distance, size, and dimension of the boat.
These factors can quickly increase boat transport cost per mile, whether you have a large yacht or a small powerboat. So, in this blog, let's discuss the strategies you can use to reduce the price of your boat transport per mile without compromising the safety of your boat.
Your chosen mode of transportation has a great impact on the sailboat transport cost per mile because open trailers are less expensive than enclosed trailers. Before choosing the trailers to transport your boat, check whether your boat needs an open or enclosed trailer to get safely transported.
You can save a lot of money by using an open trailer if your boat doesn't require additional protection. Usually, a big yacht transported by road requires an enclosed trailer or specialized cradles; otherwise, you can choose an open transport option for small boats with a detachable mast.
If your boat exceeds the standard road size limitations, then you need special permits, which can increase the boat transport cost per mile. An oversized boat not only costs you more but also requires escort cars. To avoid this, first check the height, width, and length of your boat before arranging transportation.
Simple changes can help reduce costs if you're getting near the road size limitations. You can remove large fittings or unstep the mast from the boat to keep your boat under the size limitations. This way, you can reduce your overall yacht shipping cost per mile and save on the additional paperwork and escort fees.
Fuel and tolls are included in the quotes of certain transportation companies, but some companies do not include these costs in their initial package and may charge you later. If you find the given packages cost too low, then verify whether fuel and toll charges are included or not.
Knowing these details earlier lets you better understand the whole cost and avoid hidden charges. Even little fuel surcharges can greatly affect the total price when you are transporting a yacht by road.
Transporting a heavier boat requires more fuel and effort. To reduce the weight of your boat, empty the water and fuel tanks, take off personal belongings, and remove anything that is not required for transportation before the relocation.
You can follow these practices if you have a larger boat, such as a sailboat or a yacht, which often has extra supplies, tools, and equipment that can be temporarily removed. A lighter boat can greatly reduce your boat transport cost per mile because it is easier to handle and transport.
You can get practical advice related to yacht transport by road from other boat owners. You can connect with other boat owners through local marina associations or online boating forums. You can even ask for references and get information about reliable and affordable boat transporters in your area through online forums.
These forums even feature posts about reducing the sailboat transport cost per mile, locating shared boat deliveries, or selecting a reliable company for shipping a yacht by road.
Strict guidelines related to the dimensions, weight, and duration of travel for vehicles transporting boats are enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Certain states of the USA even have additional strict rules for yachts with towers or wide-beam sailboats.
By being aware of these guidelines, you can avoid an increase in miles due to changes in route and last-minute permission problems. To reduce the cost, you can collaborate with an experienced transport company with a deep understanding of DOT regulations and plan accordingly.
You can move your boat safely and affordably if you choose the right mode of transportation and take the right actions to reduce the size and weight of your boat. To avoid hidden costs, you can verify the services included in your package, and being aware of DOT regulations can also help you avoid permission penalties and delays. You can join online forums to find a reliable boat transporter.
If you are looking for professional services, then check the services and packages of Set Sail Boat Transport because we offer affordable packages and clearly define the services included in the package to maintain transparency.