How to Ship Your Boat or Yacht Overseas?

By International Sea and Air Shipping / January 22, 2020

Some things worth knowing about international boat shipping. It’s all very cool, and it makes me smile to think about shipping a boat overseas. Whether you are relocating out of the country or selling your boat to a party in another part of the world, shipping a boat internationally is something you should be familiar with.

So much to consider, from choosing the best way to ship to ensuring that customs isn’t a hassle. This international boat shipping guide will give you details on the different methods for shipping a boat abroad, what to consider, and who should be handling the process—ideally an established international moving company. So, if you’re ready to dive into your boat shipping abroad journey, let’s get started!

How Do You Ship a Boat Overseas?

And should you decide to purchase your boat from outside the U.S., make sure to contract with a freight forwarder or NVOCC (non-vessel common carrier). They will secure space on a shipping vessel for your boat, book transit, take care of the paperwork, and charge you a fee for their services. The Federal Maritime Commission regulates both NVOCCs and freight forwarders.

Choose an International Shipping Company

Do some research and try to find a well-established international moving company that knows about boat shipping. Search for the companies that are specialized in shipping boats and yachts, as they have the required experience and equipment to get it done.

Begin by trying to find a Federal Maritime Commission-registered company to ship your boat. Check their history and longevity; the longer a company has been around, the more financially stable it usually is.

Obtain Necessary Documents

Collect all documentation to take with you: deeds, registration information, insurance policies, and any permits or certificates that the new country of residence may require.

You can also use a yacht broker, who arranges buyers and carriers and locates the best shipping deal. Both brokers and freight forwarders (FFs) process the paperwork and ensure that there is sufficient insurance to cover the items being shipped, as yacht insurance does not cover the yacht while it is in transit between factories.

Prepare the Boat for Shipment

Before you leave, take the proper steps to prep your boat and avoid possible damage while in transit. This could include the following:

• Winterize the boat: Keep water from freezing in the engine and ensure that condensation doesn’t damage the interior
• Take your stuff off: Take out all possible personal items as well as gear of yours that could be damaged or lost in transport
• Shrink wrap: Shrink wrapping can keep a boat safe from debris, dirt, and moisture
• Tie down loose items: Tie down anything that’s not secured to the boat, as it may shift when you travel

Cost to Move Boat or Yacht

The cost to move a boat or yacht can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the following:

• Size and Weight: Boats bigger in size and weight cost more because of the logistics
• Type of Boat: Other vessels have specific transporting requirements that can affect pricing
• Transport Method: The selected manner of transportation for the vehicle (Ro/Ro, Lo/Lo, or container) will affect pricing
• Distance and Destination: Shipping distance and place also affect the overall price
• Additional Services: Optional extras (marine insurance, cradle construction) are charged for
• Customs and Regulations: Import/export duties and taxes are subject to change

If you want the best quote for international movers, we encourage you to work with a reputable moving company. Tell them details about your boat or yacht, how the transportation would be laid out, and any special needs. They can provide you with a specific quote based on your particular needs.

Different shipping methods for boat shipping

There are a variety of ways to ship boats, and what is appropriate will depend on the type or size of boat. These are the options for international boat shipping.

• Roll on/Roll off (Ro/Ro) shipping: The boat is rolled onto a purpose-built vessel with the aid of a trailer or cradle
• Lift on/Lift off (Lo/Lo): This option is Lo/Lo service, suitable for larger boats that cannot be rolled onto a vessel and hence must be lifted on using a crane
• Container Shipping: If you can fit a boat in a standard shipping container, this is the way to go
• Flat Rack Shipping: Boats that are not of a standard configuration or size can be shipped on a flat rack
• Semi-Submersible Vessel: Carries huge superyachts and boats that would be too long for standard vessels

The method is selected based on the size, type, and specific transport requirements of the boat, and each has its advantages. To send a boat? It It sounds like this boat will need to be shipped, and for that, it is best to hire an experienced international moving company that understands your boat’s specific needs and can ensure a successful transport.

Loading and Unloading – What is it About

The loading and stowing of a boat for shipment requires the boat to be made ready, selecting which method (Ro/Ro, Lo/Lo, container, flat rack, or semi-submersible) is suitable, and safely fastening it down in the vessel or container. The boat is then unloaded at the destination port using an appropriate method, and if further transport is necessary, this can also be arranged.

Important Ports that Do boat or Yacht Shipping

There are many major ports throughout the world that deal with boat and yacht transport. These ports have great facilities for the loading, unloading, and storage of boats and yachts when they are being shipped. Here are some of the major ports for boat shipping and yacht transport:

Import Boat to USA – The Process

When you are looking to bring a boat to the US, you will need to follow certain steps.

• The first step is to guarantee the compliance with customs by collecting all the required documentation: titles of ownership, registration documents, permits, and certificates
• Then, choose the most suitable vessel type for your boat based on its size and overall dimensions.. Ro/Ro, Lo/Lo Container Flat Rack
• Coordinate with the shipping company to finish all the necessary customs forms and processes in order to clear US customs. Customs examines and clears the vessel when it reaches a specific port
• Finally, you must arrange for the boat’s transport from the port to your final destination in the US after customs release
• If you can follow these steps, importing a boat doesn’t have to be an ordeal

Why International Sea and Air Shipping?

When it comes to importing a boat or yacht to the USA, International Sea and Air Shipping company is here to help you with all your needs. As a licensed boat importer, we have extensive experience in handling shipments coming to the United States. The import process for boats is similar to the export process, and we utilize the same reliable shipping methods for transporting boats to the US from overseas destinations.

We offer our import services to the most popular destination ports, the same ports from which we export our boats. Most of the boats & yachts are imported from Europe, although imports have come from Oceania, Asia, and even the Middle East, thus providing a wide customer base for your shipping requirements.

For a precise calculation of the cost of importing your boat or yacht, contact us for an individual quote based on your specifications. What’s more is that at International Sea and Air Shipping, we are committed to providing excellent service and competitive pricing for your boat shipping needs in the USA.