The global market size for boat and yacht transportation was estimated at 3.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 3.3% CAGR. This indicates a rapid increase in trust and demand for international boat shipping services rather than sailing your boat when moving to a new destination.
And if you’re still wondering how overseas boat transport works? This comprehensive guide has all the details.
How to Ship Your Boat Overseas?
Hire a reputable cross country boat transport company. And the rest of the process just follows. Your experienced boat shipping company will handle everything from meeting customs regulations to making sure your vessel reaches its destination safely and soundly.
Here’s a step-by-step process of how international boat shipping works:
1. Choose a Global Boat Transport Company
Your first and very important step is to choose a global boat transport company. There are quite a few boat transport companies in the U.S. that ship different types of fishing and recreational boats or yachts internationally. But you need to choose one with a good online reputation and a history of successful international shipping services.
Search for reputable boat shipping companies in your area that offer international services. Make a list of them and read online reviews about each. Learn about their shipping history on their website or ask them directly to show you proof of some relevant shipping done in the past.
Narrow down your list based on their experience in the market and longevity. Then, get quotes from the top three companies you’ve shortlisted and make a selection.
2. Select Your Shipping Method
Once you’ve chosen your boat or yacht shipping services, select a shipping method that matches your requirements and budget. There are mainly three ocean freight boat shipping methods.
- Roll-on/Roll-off Shipping: It involves rolling the boat onto a shipping vessel using a trailer or cradle. And it is the most common method for overseas boat transport, plus, the most economical option out there.
- Lift on/Lift off Method: This is for comparatively larger boats that cannot be rolled onto the shipping vessel and requires lifting with a crane.
- Container Shipping: A boat shipping method where standard-size boats are fitted inside covered containers and loaded onto transporting ships. This is one of the safest methods that protects your boat from saltwater exposure, harsh weather, and theft or vandalism. And it’s comparatively cheaper as well, because those standard-size boats that are pre-packed and documented inside containers are easier to handle.
Apart from maritime shipping, you can also go for the air freight shipping method. This involves transporting your boat overseas by air. And it’s so far the most expensive boat shipping method, but it’s the fastest as well. However, you should only go for it when time is of the essence or your destination country has restrictions on maritime shipping.
3. Prepare Your Documents
Usually customs authorities and governments in both exporting and importing countries regulate what documents are needed for international boat shipping. However, to make it a little easier, your ocean freight boat shipping company will let you know what documents you need, according to your destination country and the nature of your cargo.
In general, you need these basic documents:
- Copy of boat title
- Certificate of origin
- Shipper’s export declaration
- Bill of lading
- A filled-out customs declaration form
- Export and import licenses
- Insurance certificates
- Packing lists
- Certificate of free sale
Note: The above-mentioned is only a general list of documents needed for overseas boat shipping. Contact your yacht shipping services company for an exact list of documents required before shipping.
4. Prepare Your Boat for Overseas Shipping
It’s an equally important step as getting your documents ready or choosing the best quote. First and foremost, make sure your boat is clean and dry before shipping, because there are many studies that suggest mold growth begins on materials once a critical moisture level is reached. So to protect your valued vessel, it’s good to keep it dry. Consider shrink wrap to shield the boat from dust and moisture when onboard.
Also, make sure your boat has its standard insurance coverage. According to the World Shipping Council, an average of 1,566 shipping containers were lost at sea over a period of 15 years (from 2008 to 2022). So you need to be prepared for any unforeseen loss. Additionally, your yacht shipping services provider will also let you know how much fuel you can keep in the tank; usually, it’s no more than ¼ tank.
And make sure the batteries on board are disconnected. In some cases, you also need additional preparations, like securing all loose items on the boat before transportation takes place (in case of roll-on/roll-off transportation method.
Lastly, the boat must be securely cradled when onboard to prevent it from moving during transit.
5. Track Your Boat
Lastly, track your boat while shipping. Most international boat shipping companies offer real-time GPS tracking services when transporting your boat over long distances. Track your boat until it is transported to the final destination or you can also directly inquire your shipping company about the progress.
And once your boat reaches its port, book a delivery service from the port to your new location. Some transport companies also offer this delivery service upon request. So, ask your boat shipping company if they can deliver your boat to your final location.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Boat Overseas?
Shipping a boat overseas costs between $3,000 and $8,000 for RoRo. The average boat transport costs overseas depends on its size, weight, distance, route, shipping method (container, flat rack, or roll-on/roll-off), season, beam width, and whether or not it requires special handling. Your shipping company needs to consider all of these factors before quoting a final price.
