Shipping a Boat
Shipping yachts is a specialised field, and every situation is a little unique. We have tried to answer the most common questions, but don't hesitate to contact us if there is anything you would like help with.
- Do you suggest we shrink wrap vessels prior to shipment?
- Do I have to supply the cradle for my yacht?
- If I have a trailer, can they use that to transport my boat?
- Should I remove any expensive GPS and fish finders from my boat to avoid theft?
- Do you offer Marine Insurance?
- If my boat is on a trailer, do I have to include the trailer in the dimensions?
- My yacht has a flat keel, why do I still need a cradle?
- How clean does my boat need to be before shipping?
- How do I ship my yacht’s mast?
- What can I do to make the shipping price cheaper.
Do you suggest we shrink wrap vessels prior to shipment?
This is not a yes or no answer. It depends if it’s going on deck, under-deck, and in some cases such as water loads onto container vessels it’s just physically not possible. In most cases it's money spent that could be better kept in your pocket.
Do I have to supply the cradle for my yacht?
No, we have fully adjustable steel cradles in a number of locations around the world that we can rent to you, or if necessary build a custom cradle for your yacht.
If I have a trailer, can they use that to transport my boat?
Yes. The trailer should be in good roadworthy condition, otherwise we may not be able to tow the trailer to port, and it costs more to transport on a low loader trailer. Also any damages resulting from a faulty trailer will not be covered by the transporter’s insurance.
Should I remove any expensive GPS and fish finders from my boat to avoid theft?
Yes, this is the safest option. Unfortunately theft does occur from time to time at ports, so either lock them away on the boat and have the key sent to you (you will need to be available to open on arrival), or have them sent separately.
Do you offer Marine Insurance?
Yes. We can insure your yacht for the full transportation, from the time we receive the yacht, until the time you take delivery of your yacht. Whether you are buying FOB or Ex works we can offer comprehensive and competitive marine insurance to cover your shipment in transit. Don't take the risk, please ask us to include this in your quotation.
If my boat is on a trailer, do I have to include the trailer in the dimensions?
Yes, the dimensions are taken from the furthest points. So anything you can remove height or length wise will have a large impact on reducing the costs of shipping.
My yacht has a flat keel, why do I still need a cradle?
Whilst your yacht may sit very happily on the hard with little or no support, in the open sea a good sturdy cradle is needed. The port and shipping lines will not lift or ship a boat which has an inadequate cradle.
How clean does my boat need to be before shipping?
As clean as possible. The hull should be free from barnacles and other organic contamination. The inside should be vacuumed and no dirt or mud on any parts of the trailer. This is to avoid any hold ups and extra expense with quarantine.
How do I ship my yacht’s mast?
It’s best to ship the mast as a separate piece, and not have it attached to the yacht deck. This is because if the mast is longer than the yacht, it increases the overall length of the yacht. This would increase the boat’s volume and therefore the cost.
What can I do to make the shipping price cheaper.
Do everything possible to reduce the volume of the boat. ie. Can the keel be removed? Is there a radar arch or flybridge that can be removed? Consider removing any swim platforms or bowsprits. Anything you can do to reduce the size will have a big impact on the freight cost.
