International Boat Export & Yacht Shipping Services

The best boat shipping method depends on boat size and type. Boats under 20 feet fit in 40' containers offering maximum protection from weather and theft - ideal for powerboats, sailboats, jet skis, and fishing boats. Boats 20-35 feet use flat rack containers or cradle systems, transported on deck with protective shrink wrapping. Large yachts over 35 feet require specialized yacht transport vessels or can be sailed/motored to destination. Container shipping provides enclosed protection but has size limits. Flat rack is cost-effective for boats not fitting containers. Yacht transport offers white-glove service for luxury vessels. We assess your boat and recommend the optimal method.

Proper boat preparation ensures safe international transport. Required steps include: draining all fuel tanks to 1/4 or less, draining fresh water and waste systems, disconnecting batteries, removing or securing loose items (cushions, electronics, fishing gear), documenting existing damage with photos, cleaning the boat interior and exterior, removing or securing antennas and accessories, and ensuring hatches and windows are sealed. For container shipping, masts must be removed from sailboats. For deck transport, professional shrink wrapping protects against salt water and weather. We provide detailed preparation checklists and can arrange shrink wrapping, cradle building, and other services.

International boat export requires: U.S. Coast Guard documentation or state registration, bill of sale, commercial invoice with boat value, shipper's letter of instruction, export declaration (filed electronically), and destination country import permit if required. For documented vessels, a deletion certificate from USCG may be needed. Additional documents include boat insurance papers, manufacturer's statement of origin (for new boats), and customs declaration forms. Some countries require quarantine inspection certificates or hull cleaning certification. We handle all documentation preparation and customs compliance for smooth export clearance.

For container shipping, you can ship reasonable personal belongings inside the boat as long as items are properly listed on customs documentation and within weight limits. Prohibited items include hazardous materials, weapons, alcohol in large quantities, and perishables. For deck shipping (flat rack or yacht transport), personal items should be minimal as boats are shrink-wrapped and exposed to elements. All items must be declared for customs clearance. We recommend shipping valuable electronics and important documents separately. Weight restrictions apply - excess weight may increase shipping costs. Provide a detailed inventory of all items for customs purposes.

International boat shipping timelines vary by destination: Europe 3-5 weeks, Caribbean 2-3 weeks, Central America 2-4 weeks, South America 3-5 weeks, Africa 4-6 weeks, Middle East 4-6 weeks, Asia 5-8 weeks, Australia/Pacific 6-10 weeks. Transit includes: boat preparation and inland transport to port (3-7 days), port processing and loading (3-7 days), ocean freight (varies by destination), customs clearance at destination (2-7 days), and final delivery or port pickup (2-5 days). Weather conditions and vessel schedules can affect timing. We provide estimated timelines and tracking updates throughout your boat's journey.

Marine cargo insurance is not automatically included but is strongly recommended and available for all boat shipments. Standard boat insurance policies often don't cover ocean transport, so specialized marine cargo insurance is necessary. Coverage includes total loss, damage during loading/transport/unloading, theft, and general average contribution. Insurance rates typically range from 1.5-4% of boat value depending on boat type, age, value, and destination. We offer comprehensive all-risk policies through leading marine insurers. Coverage begins at point of origin and continues through ocean transit to final destination. Claims are processed efficiently with photo documentation and survey reports.

Yes, we can ship boats with their trailers. For boats small enough for container shipping (typically under 20 feet), the boat and trailer can often fit together in a 40' High Cube container, saving shipping costs. The boat is secured on the trailer, and both are loaded into the container. For larger boats requiring flat rack or deck shipping, trailers can be shipped separately in containers or alongside the boat if space permits. Shipping boat and trailer together eliminates the need to purchase a new trailer at destination. We calculate exact dimensions to determine if combined shipping is feasible and provide pricing for separate shipping if needed.