Boat Shipping

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Boat Overseas?

Port-to-port prices for ten boat sizes in every region, which method each size needs, the prep charges quotes leave out, six worked examples with duty, and how to bring the price down.

By the Seaway Export logistics team Updated October 2026 12 min read

from ⁦$1,000⁩

Jet ski, shared container

⁦$4,700–7,800⁩

26′ center console to Spain

from ⁦$48,000⁩

60′ yacht to Italy

In this guide

01What the price includes
02Price by boat size and region
03Container, RoRo, flat rack or yacht carrier
04Will your boat fit a container?
05Six worked examples, door to duty
06The costs quotes leave out
07Duty and taxes by country
08Timing, seasons and lead times
09How to bring the price down

What the price includes

Every price in this guide is port to port, per boat: the U.S. origin package (dock receipt, AES filing, title check and supervision, $700–1,150), terminal handling, ocean freight, and the fuel and emergency surcharges in force today. Cradling or blocking is included for the method that needs it.

Three things sit outside it: the truck to the port, insurance (ours is 1.75% of the declared value, minimum $200), and the importer's side at destination: port handling, the clearing agent, duty and taxes. The sections below price each one.

Price by boat size and region

Size sets the method and the method sets the price. The table gives the lowest port-to-port price for each size in each region. The link under it opens the full rate hub with every country.

Each cell is the lowest-priced method for that reference boat to the region's featured destinations, from a U.S. East or Gulf Coast port: the range runs from the published "from" price to the typical high. Port-to-port; the importer's side is separate.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9}

Reference boat	Mexico & Central America	Caribbean	Mediterranean Europe	UAE & Gulf
Jet ski / PWCSea-Doo GTX 170	⁦$1,000–1,600⁩Shared containerLowest in MexicoSeaway lane rate	⁦$1,100–1,800⁩Shared containerLowest in BahamasSeaway lane rate	⁦$1,300–2,000⁩Shared containerLowest in ItalySeaway lane rate	⁦$1,800–3,600⁩Shared containerModel estimate
18′ aluminum fishing / bass boatTracker Pro Team 175 TXW	⁦$2,800–3,900⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerLowest in MexicoModel estimate	⁦$2,900–4,000⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerLowest in Dominican RepublicModel estimate	⁦$3,400–4,500⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerLowest in ItalyModel estimate	⁦$4,000–6,200⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerModel estimate
22′ pontoon boatBennington 22 SSBX	⁦$3,500–5,300⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerLowest in MexicoModel estimate	⁦$3,700–5,900⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerLowest in Dominican RepublicModel estimate	⁦$4,600–7,500⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerLowest in ItalyModel estimate	⁦$4,800–9,000⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerModel estimate
24′ bowriderSea Ray SDX 240 OB	⁦$3,600–5,800⁩40′ high cubeLowest in MexicoModel estimate	⁦$3,700–5,800⁩40′ high cubeLowest in BahamasModel estimate	⁦$4,200–6,600⁩40′ high cubeLowest in ItalyModel estimate	⁦$4,800–8,500⁩40′ high cubeModel estimate
23′ wake / ski boatMasterCraft X24	⁦$4,000–6,200⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerLowest in MexicoModel estimate	⁦$4,200–7,000⁩40′ high cubeLowest in BahamasModel estimate	⁦$4,700–7,800⁩40′ high cubeLowest in ItalyModel estimate	⁦$5,300–9,700⁩40′ high cubeModel estimate
26′ center console (8′6″ beam)Grady-White Fisherman 257	⁦$4,100–7,000⁩40′ high cubeLowest in MexicoModel estimate	⁦$4,200–7,000⁩40′ high cubeLowest in BahamasModel estimate	⁦$4,700–7,800⁩40′ high cubeLowest in ItalyModel estimate	⁦$5,300–9,700⁩40′ high cubeModel estimate
34′ express cruiserSea Ray Sundancer 350 Coupe	⁦$10,100–17,100⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerLowest in MexicoModel estimate	⁦$10,800–18,600⁩RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailerLowest in Dominican RepublicModel estimate	⁦$12,000–22,000⁩40′ flat rackLowest in ItalyModel estimate	⁦$13,200–25,500⁩40′ flat rackModel estimate
42′ cruising sailboatBeneteau Oceanis 42.1	⁦$12,300–22,100⁩40′ flat rackLowest in MexicoModel estimate	⁦$12,500–22,100⁩40′ flat rackLowest in BahamasModel estimate	⁦$12,600–22,900⁩40′ flat rackLowest in ItalyModel estimate	⁦$13,800–26,400⁩40′ flat rackModel estimate
40′ sailing catamaranLagoon 40	⁦$31,800–60,900⁩BreakbulkLowest in MexicoModel estimate	⁦$30,300–47,700⁩Yacht carrierLowest in BahamasModel estimate	⁦$34,900–60,900⁩BreakbulkLowest in ItalyModel estimate	⁦$44,200–77,900⁩BreakbulkModel estimate
60′ motor yachtPrincess F55 / 60 class	⁦$41,300–57,400⁩Yacht carrierLowest in MexicoModel estimate	⁦$33,500–52,600⁩Yacht carrierLowest in BahamasModel estimate	⁦$48,000–67,100⁩Yacht carrierLowest in ItalyModel estimate	⁦$60,600–86,000⁩Yacht carrierModel estimate

Every destination's boat price, in one table

Container, RoRo, flat rack or yacht carrier

A boat up to 30 ft long with 102 in of beam and 92 in of height, hardware off, rides in a 40′ high cube on its side. For a 26′ center console to Spain that costs ⁦$4,700–7,800⁩, against ⁦$5,900–9,800⁩ by RoRo and ⁦$9,800–16,700⁩ on a flat rack. RoRo bills the boat and its trailer by volume, and a flat rack this wide blocks the slots beside it.

Smaller trailer boats tip the other way: an 18′ bass boat to Costa Rica is ⁦$3,100–4,100⁩ by RoRo and ⁦$3,900–6,200⁩ in a container. Past 30 ft, boats leave the box. A 42′ sailboat to Croatia goes on a flat rack for ⁦$13,200–24,200⁩ or a yacht carrier for ⁦$30,300–43,300⁩; a 60′ motor yacht to Italy needs the yacht carrier, ⁦$48,000–67,100⁩.

Spain: port-to-port price by method^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}

Reference boat	Shared container	20′ container	40′ high cube	40′ flat rack	RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailer	Breakbulk	Yacht carrier
Jet ski / PWCSea-Doo GTX 170	⁦$1,300–2,000⁩lowest	⁦$2,500–3,500⁩	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$3,400–4,500⁩	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size
18′ aluminum fishing / bass boatTracker Pro Team 175 TXW	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$4,200–6,600⁩	Not a method for this size	⁦$3,400–4,500⁩lowest	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size
22′ pontoon boatBennington 22 SSBX	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$7,700–13,900⁩	⁦$4,600–7,500⁩lowest	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size
24′ bowriderSea Ray SDX 240 OB	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$4,200–6,600⁩lowest	⁦$7,700–13,900⁩	⁦$5,300–8,700⁩	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size
23′ wake / ski boatMasterCraft X24	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$4,700–7,800⁩lowest	⁦$7,700–13,900⁩	⁦$5,400–8,900⁩	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size
26′ center console (8′6″ beam)Grady-White Fisherman 257	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$4,700–7,800⁩lowest	⁦$9,800–16,700⁩	⁦$5,900–9,800⁩	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size
34′ express cruiserSea Ray Sundancer 350 Coupe	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$12,000–22,000⁩lowest	⁦$13,100–23,100⁩	⁦$20,000–36,200⁩	⁦$22,800–33,300⁩
42′ cruising sailboatBeneteau Oceanis 42.1	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$12,600–22,900⁩lowest	Not a method for this size	⁦$29,300–51,600⁩	⁦$30,300–43,300⁩
40′ sailing catamaranLagoon 40	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$34,900–60,900⁩lowest	⁦$43,300–60,700⁩
60′ motor yachtPrincess F55 / 60 class	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	Not a method for this size	⁦$53,600–91,900⁩	⁦$48,000–67,100⁩lowest

Sources^10,11,5

Will your boat fit a container?

Enter the length, beam and height with the T-top, arch or tower removed. The checker tells you whether the boat side-loads into a 40′ high cube and what each method costs to the main markets.

Will your boat fit in a container?

Enter the length overall, the beam, and the height from the keel to the highest fixed point once the windshield, arch, T-top, tower and antennas are removed. The check uses the side-load rule and the typical container sizes we book.

Six worked examples, door to duty

Each example adds every line the importer pays: ocean and port charges, prep, insurance, arrival handling and duty, at the standard rate and for a U.S.-built boat where a trade agreement applies.

18′ aluminum fishing / bass boat to Costa Rica

Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW · 6.4 × 2.3 × 1.75 m · 25.8 m³ · 1,100 kg · RoRo on its trailer or a roll trailer · Medium confidence

Shipping side (our quote)

RoRo ocean freight by volume, BAF included^2,3,4,1,5	⁦$1,800–2,400⁩	Market benchmark
U.S. origin package^12,13,4Dock receipt, AES/EEI filing, title validation, documentation and supervision. Our container lane rates already include it.	⁦$700–1,200⁩	Carrier or port tariff
RoRo terminal: trailered boat up to 28′¹³	$300	Carrier or port tariff
Port-to-port total	⁦$3,100–4,100⁩	Raised to the market floor for this lane.
Optional marine insurance at $35,000 declared	$613

Importer's side (paid at destination)

Arrival port handling and clearing agent⁦$450–1,100⁩Market benchmark

Duty and taxes at a CIF value of $38,700^14,15,16,17Confirm with your broker

HS 8903.93.00 / 8903.22.00	Standard rate	U.S.-built (CAFTA-DR)
Import duty 14%	$5,418	$0 (0%)
Law 6946 levy 1%	$387	$387
Selective consumption tax (ISC) 10%	$4,412	$3,870
VAT 13%	$6,359	$5,584
Duty and taxes	$16,576 (42.8%)	$9,841 (25.4%)

Costa Rica stacks its taxes: the selective tax is charged on value plus DAI, and IVA on value plus every tax before it. DAI runs 10–14% by subheading and the selective tax 0% (outboard launches), 10% (inboard and sail) or 20% (yachts); the example uses 14% and 10%.

Instead of importing: A foreign-flag boat with a contract at a tourist marina can stay under temporary import for six months at a time, up to two years, with no guarantee; it must then leave Costa Rican waters for 90 days.

23′ wake / ski boat to Australia

MasterCraft X24 · 7.3 × 2.6 × 2.1 m · 39.9 m³ · 2,500 kg · 40′ high cube · High confidence

Shipping side (our quote)

40′ high cube (lane rate)¹	⁦$5,000–7,000⁩	Seaway lane rate
Cradle, blocking and loading¹	⁦$800–1,800⁩	Market benchmark
T-top, arch or tower removal and crating¹	⁦$500–1,200⁩	Market benchmark
Export wash to biosecurity standard¹⁸	⁦$500–2,000⁩	Market benchmark
Port-to-port total	⁦$6,800–12,000⁩
Optional marine insurance at $140,000 declared	$2,450

Importer's side (paid at destination)

Arrival port handling and clearing agent⁦$900–2,400⁩Market benchmark

Duty and taxes at a CIF value of $149,300^19,16,20,21Read on the official tariff

HS 8903	Standard rate	U.S.-built (AUSFTA)
Import duty 5%	$7,465	$0 (0%)
GST 10%	$15,677	$14,930
Duty and taxes	$23,142 (15.5%)	$14,930 (10%)

U.S.-origin boats enter free under AUSFTA; GST is charged on the value of the taxable importation (customs value, duty, freight and insurance).

Instead of importing: A tourist or temporary resident can bring a boat in for up to 12 months on a temporary importation, with a security equal to the duty and GST. The no-security control permit is only for boats that arrive under their own power, not ones shipped as cargo.

26′ center console (8′6″ beam) to Dominican Republic

Grady-White Fisherman 257 · 8.1 × 2.6 × 2.3 m · 48.4 m³ · 3,300 kg · 40′ high cube · High confidence

Shipping side (our quote)

40′ high cube (lane rate)¹	⁦$2,900–4,100⁩	Seaway lane rate
Cradle, blocking and loading¹	⁦$800–1,800⁩	Market benchmark
T-top, arch or tower removal and crating¹	⁦$500–1,200⁩	Market benchmark
Port-to-port total	⁦$4,200–7,100⁩
Optional marine insurance at $95,000 declared	$1,663

Importer's side (paid at destination)

Arrival port handling and clearing agent⁦$400–1,000⁩Market benchmark

Duty and taxes at a CIF value of $100,900^22,16Confirm with your broker

HS 8903	Standard rate	U.S.-built (CAFTA-DR)
Import duty 20%	$20,180	$0 (0%)
ITBIS 18%	$21,794	$18,162
Duty and taxes	$41,974 (41.6%)	$18,162 (18%)

U.S.-origin boats enter at 0% under DR-CAFTA; ITBIS is charged on CIF plus duty.

42′ cruising sailboat to Croatia

Beneteau Oceanis 42.1 · 12.8 × 4.2 × 4.6 m · 247.3 m³ · 9,500 kg · 40′ flat rack · High confidence

Shipping side (our quote)

Flat rack ocean freight, out of gauge (40′ lane rate × 1.25–1.6)^1,11	⁦$4,900–9,000⁩	Model estimate
Emergency fuel surcharge, out of gauge^4,11	$400	Carrier or port tariff
Lost slots (out of gauge)^11,23Cargo wider than the corner posts or taller than a high cube blocks the slots beside or above it, and the carrier bills those slots.	⁦$3,300–4,500⁩	Market benchmark
Out-of-gauge lashing, chocking and survey²³	⁦$500–1,200⁩	Market benchmark
Marina haul-out and blocking¹	⁦$500–800⁩	Market benchmark
Custom steel cradle^5,6	⁦$2,500–6,000⁩	Market benchmark
Shrink wrap¹	⁦$700–1,700⁩	Market benchmark
Mast unstepping and rig tagging⁶	⁦$400–600⁩	Market benchmark
Port-to-port total	⁦$13,200–24,200⁩
Optional marine insurance at $220,000 declared	$3,850

Importer's side (paid at destination)

Arrival port handling and clearing agent⁦$550–1,400⁩Market benchmark

Duty and taxes at a CIF value of $237,100^24,25,26Read on the official tariff

HS 8903.93 / 8903.3x / 8903.2x	Standard rate	U.S.-built (Regulation (EU) 2026/1455)
Import duty 1.7%	$4,031	$0 (0%)
VAT 25%	$60,283	$59,275
Duty and taxes	$64,314 (27.1%)	$59,275 (25%)

U.S.-origin goods enter the EU at 0% duty from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2029 under Regulation (EU) 2026/1455; a boat built elsewhere pays the CN rate. VAT is charged on the customs value plus duty.

Instead of importing: A boat registered outside the EU and owned by a person established outside the EU can stay up to 18 months under temporary admission without duty or VAT.

40′ sailing catamaran to Bahamas

Lagoon 40 · 11.7 × 6.8 × 3.9 m · 310.3 m³ · 11,000 kg · Yacht carrier · Medium confidence

Shipping side (our quote)

Yacht carrier freight by deck footprint^5,6,7	⁦$26,100–39,100⁩	Market benchmark
Marina haul-out and blocking¹	⁦$400–800⁩	Market benchmark
Custom steel cradle^5,6	⁦$2,500–6,000⁩	Market benchmark
Pre-shipment marine survey⁵	⁦$900–1,300⁩	Market benchmark
Mast unstepping and rig tagging⁶	⁦$400–500⁩	Market benchmark
Port-to-port total	⁦$30,300–47,700⁩
Optional marine insurance at $450,000 declared	$7,875

Importer's side (paid at destination)

Arrival port handling and clearing agent⁦$400–1,000⁩Market benchmark

Duty and taxes at a CIF value of $488,200^27,28,29Read on the official tariff

HS 8903	Standard rate
Import duty 0%	$0
Processing fee 1% (max $750)	$750
Environmental levy	$500
VAT 10%	$48,945
Duty and taxes	$50,195 (10.3%)

Pleasure vessels and jet skis enter The Bahamas duty-free. Customs adds a 1% processing fee (minimum $10, maximum $750) and an environmental levy of $250 for jet skis and boats up to 24.6 ft or $500 above; VAT of 10% is charged on the value, freight, insurance, fees and levy.

Instead of importing: A foreign-owned boat can stay on a 12-month cruising permit instead of importing: $300 up to 34 ft, $600 from 34 to 100 ft, $1,000 from 100 to 150 ft.

60′ motor yacht to United Arab Emirates

Princess F55 / 60 class · 18.3 × 4.9 × 5.6 m · 502.2 m³ · 32,000 kg · Yacht carrier · Medium confidence

Shipping side (our quote)

Yacht carrier freight by deck footprint^5,6,7	⁦$56,100–75,400⁩	Market benchmark
Marina haul-out and blocking¹	⁦$600–1,100⁩	Market benchmark
Custom steel cradle^5,6	⁦$2,500–6,000⁩	Market benchmark
Pre-shipment marine survey⁵	⁦$1,400–2,000⁩	Market benchmark
Contingency drayage if diverted to Khor Fakkan or Fujairah^9,8	⁦$0–1,500⁩	Carrier or port tariff
Port-to-port total	⁦$60,600–86,000⁩
Optional marine insurance at $1,500,000 declared	$26,250

Importer's side (paid at destination)

Arrival port handling and clearing agent⁦$700–1,600⁩Market benchmark

Duty and taxes at a CIF value of $1,586,900³⁰Read on the official tariff

HS 8903	Standard rate
Import duty 5%	$79,345
VAT 5%	$83,312
Duty and taxes	$162,657 (10.2%)

GCC common tariff of 5% on CIF, then 5% VAT on CIF plus duty.

The costs quotes leave out

Ocean freight is often half the bill or less. These are the charges that decide whether a quote is real, and what they cost at U.S. yards and marinas:

Haul-out and blocking at the marina: $10–18 per foot. Shrink wrap: $16–40 per foot.
T-top, arch or tower removal and crating: $500–1,200. Mast unstepping and rig tagging: $6.50–9 per foot of mast.
Cradle and blocking for a flat rack or container: $800–1,800. A custom steel cradle for a keelboat or cruiser: $2,500–6,000.
Pre-shipment marine survey, which insurers and yacht carriers ask for on larger boats: $22–32 per foot.
The truck to the port. The table prices a trailer boat and a sailboat from six inland cities; a beam over 8′6″ needs a state permit, and most states want a pilot car past 10 ft.

Truck from the pickup city to the export port^31,32,33

Pickup → port	26′ center console (8′6″ beam)	42′ cruising sailboat
Atlanta, GA → Savannah250 mi	⁦$400–1,000⁩Boat hauler, under 40′	⁦$1,700–2,800⁩Hydraulic boat trailer, 40′ and overoversize permit · pilot car
Chicago, IL → Baltimore700 mi	⁦$1,100–2,700⁩Boat hauler, under 40′	⁦$3,400–7,800⁩Hydraulic boat trailer, 40′ and overoversize permit · pilot car
Dallas, TX → Houston240 mi	⁦$400–900⁩Boat hauler, under 40′	⁦$1,700–2,700⁩Hydraulic boat trailer, 40′ and overoversize permit · pilot car
Denver, CO → Houston1,030 mi	⁦$1,600–3,900⁩Boat hauler, under 40′	⁦$5,000–11,200⁩Hydraulic boat trailer, 40′ and overoversize permit · pilot car
Kansas City, MO → Houston745 mi	⁦$1,200–2,800⁩Boat hauler, under 40′	⁦$3,600–8,200⁩Hydraulic boat trailer, 40′ and overoversize permit · pilot car
Phoenix, AZ → Los Angeles / Long Beach375 mi	⁦$600–1,500⁩Boat hauler, under 40′	⁦$1,900–4,400⁩Hydraulic boat trailer, 40′ and overoversize permit · pilot car

Sources^1,5,6

Duty and taxes by country

Duty is charged on the CIF value: the boat, freight and insurance. A boat built in the U.S. pays less in countries with a trade agreement if it travels with a certificate of origin, but VAT and consumption taxes still apply. The table runs a $100,000 CIF boat through twelve markets.

Duty and import taxes on a $100,000 CIF value

Country	Tariff line	Standard duty	U.S.-built	Taxes after duty	Total, standard	Total, U.S.-built	Status
Mexico^34,16,35,36	8903.93.99 / 8903.33.99	15%	0%USMCA	Customs processing (DTA) 0.8% · IVA 16%	$34,328 (34.3%)	$16,928 (16.9%)	Read on the official tariff
Costa Rica^14,15,16,17	8903.93.00 / 8903.22.00	14%	0%CAFTA-DR	Law 6946 levy 1% · Selective consumption tax (ISC) 10% · VAT 13%	$42,832 (42.8%)	$25,430 (25.4%)	Confirm with your broker
Bahamas^27,28,29	8903	0%	no preference	Processing fee 1% (max $750) · Environmental levy · VAT 10%	$11,375 (11.4%)	—	Read on the official tariff
Panama^37,16,38	8903.93 / 8903.3x	15%	0%U.S.-Panama TPA	Selective consumption tax (ISC) 10% · ITBMS 7%	$35,355 (35.4%)	$17,700 (17.7%)	Confirm with your broker
Guatemala^39,16	8903.93 / 8903.3x	15%	0%CAFTA-DR	IVA 12%	$28,800 (28.8%)	$12,000 (12%)	Confirm with your broker
Dominican Republic^22,16	8903	20%	0%CAFTA-DR	ITBIS 18%	$41,600 (41.6%)	$18,000 (18%)	Confirm with your broker
Italy^24,40,26	8903.93 / 8903.3x / 8903.2x	1.7%	0%Regulation (EU) 2026/1455	VAT 22%	$24,074 (24.1%)	$22,000 (22%)	Read on the official tariff
Spain^24,41,26	8903.93 / 8903.3x / 8903.2x	1.7%	0%Regulation (EU) 2026/1455	VAT 21%	$23,057 (23.1%)	$21,000 (21%)	Read on the official tariff
Croatia^24,25,26	8903.93 / 8903.3x / 8903.2x	1.7%	0%Regulation (EU) 2026/1455	VAT 25%	$27,125 (27.1%)	$25,000 (25%)	Read on the official tariff
Netherlands^24,42,26	8903.93 / 8903.3x / 8903.2x	1.7%	0%Regulation (EU) 2026/1455	VAT 21%	$23,057 (23.1%)	$21,000 (21%)	Read on the official tariff
United Arab Emirates³⁰	8903	5%	no preference	VAT 5%	$10,250 (10.3%)	—	Read on the official tariff
Australia^19,16,20,21	8903	5%	0%AUSFTA	GST 10%	$15,500 (15.5%)	$10,000 (10%)	Read on the official tariff

Keeping the boat abroad without importing it

Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, the Bahamas, the EU and Australia each have a temporary path for a foreign-owned boat. The cruise-in or import guide compares the fee, time limit and tax outcome of each.

Timing, seasons and lead times

Container services run weekly on the main trades, so a boat that fits a container can usually load within two to three weeks of booking. RoRo sailings are less frequent on many lanes, and flat racks need the carrier to accept the out-of-gauge cargo on a named sailing, which adds a few days.

Yacht carriers run seasonal crossings, Florida to the Mediterranean in spring and back in autumn, and those berths sell out months ahead. Carriers add a peak season surcharge ($300 per flat rack on some trades) in the summer rush, and Caribbean lanes are tighter in hurricane season, June to November.

Sources^5,4

How to bring the price down

Take the hardware off. Removing a T-top or tower ($500–1,200) is what lets a 24–26′ boat ride in a container, usually the cheapest method at that size.
Ship from the right coast. A 34′ cruiser to Italy by RoRo is ⁦$13,100–23,100⁩ from the East Coast and ⁦$17,000–36,400⁩ from Los Angeles; trucking east is often cheaper than the longer sea route.
Share the box. Jet skis and small boats can split a container with other cargo going to the same port.
Book early and outside the peak. A spring yacht carrier berth booked in winter, or a flat rack outside the summer surcharge, costs less than the same move booked late.
Bring the build paperwork. A certificate of origin for a U.S.-built hull removes the duty in Mexico, Central America, the Dominican Republic and Australia, and in the EU until the end of 2029.

Sources^16,24

Prices in this guide come from our boat and machinery cost model, reviewed October 26, 2026, the same figures as the rate hubs and the calculator. They are port-to-port and per unit; duty and the importer's side are shown separately.

Sources

1. Seaway Export lane rate card (destination pages), Seaway Export (Tariff), accessed October 26, 2026
2. RoRo bunker adjustment factor and high & heavy surcharges, Wallenius Wilhelmsen (Tariff), accessed October 26, 2026
3. RoRo surcharges and high & heavy acceptance, Höegh Autoliners (Tariff), accessed October 26, 2026
4. Vessel-operating common carriers: published tariffs, Federal Maritime Commission (Official), accessed October 26, 2026
5. Yacht transport sailing schedule and pricing guidance, Sevenstar Yacht Transport (Specialist carrier), accessed October 26, 2026
6. Yacht and powerboat shipping, Peters & May (Specialist carrier), accessed October 26, 2026
7. Float-on/float-off yacht transport, DYT Yacht Transport (Specialist carrier), accessed October 26, 2026
8. Middle East and Red Sea situation: land bridge and booking status, Maersk (Specialist carrier), accessed October 26, 2026
9. Customer Advisory 25-2026: Middle East situation update (UAE), CMA CGM (Tariff), accessed October 26, 2026
10. Manufacturer boat specifications (LOA, beam, weight, bridge clearance), Boat builders' published specifications (Manufacturer), accessed October 26, 2026
11. Special cargo: flat racks, open tops and out-of-gauge acceptance, Hapag-Lloyd (Specialist carrier), accessed October 26, 2026
12. Port Houston Tariff No. 14: wharfage, dockage and heavy-lift charges, Port Houston (Tariff), accessed October 26, 2026
13. Baltimore Marine Terminal Association tariff: RoRo receiving and crane charges, BMTA / Maryland Port Administration (Tariff), accessed October 26, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a boat overseas?

Port to port, from ⁦$1,000⁩ for a jet ski in a shared container to ⁦$48,000⁩ and up for a 60′ yacht on a yacht carrier. A 26′ center console to Spain is ⁦$4,700–7,800⁩ in a 40′ container. Add the truck to the port, insurance, and duty at destination.

Is it cheaper to ship a boat in a container or by RoRo?

It depends on size. Small trailer boats are usually cheaper by RoRo; boats of 24–30′ that fit on their side with hardware off are usually cheaper in a 40′ high cube, because RoRo bills the boat and trailer by volume. The method table shows both for every size.

What is the largest boat that fits in a container?

About 30 ft long with up to 102 in (8′6″) of beam, loaded on its side in a 40′ high cube on a cradle, with the T-top, arch or tower removed so the boat is no more than 92 in high.

How much does a yacht carrier cost?

Yacht carriers price by deck footprint, length times beam. A 60′ motor yacht to Italy is ⁦$48,000–67,100⁩ and a 42′ sailboat to Croatia ⁦$30,300–43,300⁩. Add a survey, cradle and the carrier's insurance requirements.

Do I pay duty on a boat I ship abroad?

Yes, if you import it. The duty table shows the standard and U.S.-built totals for twelve countries. If you are a non-resident keeping the boat there for a season, a temporary admission or cruising permit may replace import.

Can I ship a boat on its trailer?

Yes. By RoRo the boat rolls aboard on a roadworthy trailer, and the trailer is billed with the boat. In a container the trailer usually ships separately or stays behind, because the boat goes in on its side on a cradle.

How long does it take to ship a boat?

Plan on two to three weeks from booking to loading for a container or RoRo, plus the ocean transit to your region. Yacht carriers sail on seasonal dates, so the wait depends on the next crossing; book them months ahead.

Does the price include insurance?

No. Marine cargo insurance is quoted separately at 1.75% of the declared value, minimum $200. The worked examples include it so you can see the full cost.

What documents do I need to export a boat?

The title or Coast Guard documentation, a bill of sale, the trailer title if it ships, and a lien release if there was a loan. We file the AES export record. Bring the builder's certificate of origin if you want the trade-agreement rate.

Why are your prices higher than some online quotes?

Ours include the origin package, cradling, surcharges in force and a realistic range. Many headline quotes are ocean freight alone at the lowest rate of the season. Compare line by line with the worked examples.