The Pros & Cons of House Boat Movers,
and Tips about Houseboat Transport.
Having personally used House Boat Movers to ship our various Houseboats, we have come to the following conclusion.You get what you pay for, and secondly, to choose a good Hauler in order to Do it Right the First Time!
Because of our boating experience, you will find information on The Basics of Houseboat Transport, the Questions to Ask a Shipper, a Houseboat Prep Guide, and a listing of House Boat Movers, all in an easy to read format.
The Basics about Houseboat Transport.Why do prices on some Shipping Quotes vary by SO MUCH?
Price & Cost seem similar, yet are very, very, different. You don't want to make a mistake by choosing a House Boat Mover based solely on price, because it might "cost" you much more in the long run. I should write an eBook on the "bad experiences" from people who chose solely on price.
We all know the old saying, you get what you pay for, so don't try to save a few bucks by taking someone who doesn't have the proper credentials. Be sure to do your homework, and try to compare "apples with apples".
Permits are an necessity for crossing state lines. Permits cost money.
Mileage is calculated possibly both ways, if "no load" on the return trip.
Size & Weight are big factors, since they may require "escort vehicles".
Return Trips need to be calculated, unless there's a "boat" to pickup.
Carrier Insurance is a hidden cost that reputable firms have to absorb.
The Questions you want to Ask!When it comes to shipping your Houseboat, there's some questions that should be answered beforehand in order to have a smooth experience.
Licensing is an important requirement, and they should provide you with their DOT & MC numbers, which can be verified at the FMCA website.
Adequate Insurance is necessary in order to be compensated in case of damage or loss. An uninsured, or under-insured carrier can be costly.
Read the Contract and fine print to be aware of any important details.
Down Payment amounts should be discussed prior to accepting.
Refunds are sometimes allowed, so verify what are the conditions.
Full Payment is due when? Upon delivery, or before departing?
Schedules & Delays are inevitable, but how do they charge for them?
List of House Boat Movers & Transport.There's plenty of Houseboat Movers, and they are not all created equal. You can use the list below as a starting point to source a reputable and reliable shipper. Use the tips above to evaluate and find your Transporter. The companies below are well known, and blue links have good feedback.
| Express TransportersFind A Hauler1st Aboard Transport | PK Boat TransportDeep Water TransportuShip (use the banner below) |
We'll be adding more "links" as we get positive feedback from our readers. If you've had good success, we would love your feedback.
Houseboat Preparation Guide.Preparing a houseboat for safe transport is an important step to insure a smooth & timely shipment. The Prep Guide will help in identifying areas that need your attention. Remember that general height limitations are 13'6".
Choose the right marina to begin and end the shipment, since you'll most likely need a Travel Lift or Hydraulic Trailer to load, and unload, the House Boat. Keep your eyes open on the road access and height available at the marina, since the Truck Driver will need to back in to launch her.
Disassemble Fly bridge and Radar Arch if their height is above 13'6" once on the trailer or flatbed. Take into account antennas or flagpoles.
Loose gear, anchors, and any other items should be securely stowed.
Dinghy and PWC should not be left in their davits, but stored on board.
Drain water and fuel tanks to a minimum, and remember to winterize.
Lock hatches, doors, and windows, to eliminate water damage & theft.
Disconnect batteries, as so to protect against equipment damage.
Feedback on your Experiences.By contacting us and giving your feedback on your House Boat Movers experiences, it allows us to better help our readers, and provides us with important information. If you've had a positive experience with someone transporting your houseboat, than please be sure to let us know about it.
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