How Are Boats Shipped Overseas?

Boat shipping is a significant industry worldwide that allows boat owners to move their vessels for relocation or delivery.

Whether transporting a boat across the country or overseas, shipping by sea is often the most practical and cost-effective solution compared to road transport.

Thousands of boats, ranging from small sailboats to luxurious multi-million dollar yachts, are shipped worldwide every year.

With careful planning and choosing the right shipping method and company, boat owners can feel confident that their valued assets will arrive safely at their destination.

There are a few main options for transporting boats by sea.

The most common methods are lift-on/lift-off (LoLo), where the boat is driven or lifted onto a cargo ship; roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) service, where the boat can be pushed onto designated vehicle decks or container shipping, where the vessel is protected inside a closed shipping container.

For some specialty shipments, open-top or flat rack containers that provide weather protection but allow the mast/rigging to remain in place may also be used.

This article will explore each shipping method in more detail and guide you on preparing your boat, understanding the shipping process, and estimating costs.

Methods of Boat Shipping

LoLo involves specialized ramps and cranes that can lift boats directly from ground level up into the cargo hold of a ship.

For boats that cannot be driven, a portable engine or generator is often used to power the winches, windlass, and other systems needed to maneuver the ship into position carefully.

LoLo is well suited for sailing yachts, powerboats, and other vessel types that cannot roll onto vehicle decks. It provides a secure cargo area with climate controls and padding/blocking to protect against movement during transport.

A potential downside is there may be height restrictions depending on the boat's mast height fully stepped.

RoRo shipping allows boats to be driven on and off via vehicle ramps, eliminating the need for heavy lift gear.

Since the ship remains on its trailer, this method tends to be simpler and potentially less expensive than LoRo. However, some boats over a specific size may not fit within the loading gauge of vehicle decks.

RoRo is ideal for power and sailboat types that can travel safely under their power, have the necessary ground clearance, and meet overall length and beam restrictions.

Containerized transport encloses the entire boat within an ISO shipping container for protection. This suits smaller boats that can be dismantled or broken down for packing efficiency.

Sailboat components like masts and rigging must be removed, and powerboats with topside components may also require partial disassembly.

While relatively secure, containerized transport provides less internal space than LoLo or RoRo methods and requires more extensive prep work. It is commonly used for project boats, daysailers, or tenders being delivered overseas.

For some sailboats, an open-top or flat rack container allows the mast/boom/rigging to remain fully assembled and secured above the boat during transport. Sailboat components sit directly on wood blocking within the container walls.

While increasing height, this hybrid approach avoids complete rig dismantling and reassembly at the destination. It is generally restricted to smaller sailboat types that fit within container parameters.

Preparing Your Boat for Shipping

Careful preparation is necessary to ensure safe transport and minimize risks of damage. Well in advance of the scheduled ship date, you will need to:

• If the boat is unused for an extended period, thoroughly clean, wax, and winterize it. Then, check for any existing issues that require repair.
• Gather necessary import/export permits and Certificates of Origin required by destination customs authorities.
• Obtain comprehensive shipping insurance to cover damages that may occur en route.
• Select a reputable freight forwarder or boat shipping company with experience in your vessel type and route. Check references and carefully review contracts.
• For RoRo transport, verify the trailer meets road and rail safety standards, has adequate bunks or supports, and correctly wired lighting. Test all systems.
• With a shipper, agree upon required preparations like mast removal, electronics pack-out, and gear storage plans based on the shipping method.
• Apply any particular protection like carpeting, bracing, and wax coatings inside and out before securing for shipment.

Proper documentation and vetting of shipping providers are crucial to a successful boat transport. Leaving preparations to the last minute increases the risks of complications or delays from improper planning.

The Shipping Process

Once engaged, here are the typical steps in the shipping process:

• Obtain shipping quotes by providing vessel specs/details to multiple freight forwarders for comparison shopping.
• Select and book freight with your chosen provider, arranging logistics and estimated transit windows.
• Prepare the boat per agreed instructions, often involving partnering fit-out yards or shipwrights near the port of origin.
• The forwarder handles Export customs clearance, confirming all paperwork is in order.
• Transport arrives on the scheduled date to load or containerize the boat directly on-site.
• The vessel is secured and documentation verified before transiting to port by road, rail, or inland waters as needed.
• Once at the port, it undergoes further Customsinspections and is loaded aboard the scheduled ocean-going vessel.
• Intermodal transit across seas can take 1-4 weeks, depending on route and vessel speeds.
• Upon arrival, import clearance is managed, and the boat is transported to the delivery address.
• Unloading, reassembly if needed, and final handover occurs.

Ensuring proper communication with all parties minimizes the risks of schedule changes or holdups. Technology allows real-time tracking during shipments for added peace of mind.

Costs of Boat Shipping

The expense of transporting a boat overseas often ranges between $3,000-$10,000 depending on size, method, and routing complexities. Several variables impact final pricing:

• Size/Weight - Larger boats require more deck or container space, heavy lift support, and higher freight charges.
• Preparation Needs - Extensive rig/component removal increases costs versus keep-standing sailboat transports.
• Equipment Requirements - Some boats need special slings, trailers, or shipping frames that factor into expenses.
• Origin/Destination - More remote or convoluted routes add to distance/handling surcharges. Popular routes get volume discounts.
• Time of Year - Peak season between April and September sees higher volumes and rates versus low seasons.
• Boat Value - Top dollar vessels may justify faster/more direct service over the cheapest options.
• Method Chosen - LoLo generally costs more than RoRo, while containers offer pricing variability between open-top versus fully enclosed types.
• Carrier Selection - Well-established brands provide reliable service but demand premium pricing versus niche operators.
• Negotiation Skills - Freight forwarders experienced at competing quotes can save hundreds on the same shipment.

To mitigate costs, consider shoulder seasons, multi-vessel consolidated loads using spare deck space, or land transport legs where practical instead of full ocean cargo. Staying flexible on routing and coordination can make a difference of 30% or more on final outlays.

Final Thoughts

For boat owners wanting to expand their sailing grounds or relocate entirely, sea shipping provides a practical solution compared to overland transport over long distances.

With planning tailored preparation, diligent vendor selection using references, confirming correct documentation in real-time tracking, and comparing multiple price quotes, owners can feel confident their vessel will be handled professionally at every step.

While expenses vary considerably, transparent budgets allow affordable transportation aligned to individual circumstances and boat priorities. Tapping into specialists experienced in different vessel types and global trade corridors makes seamless overseas shipment achievable.

Are you looking to transport your boat internationally?

A1 Auto Transport can handle your shipping needs safely and securely. With over 20 years of experience in aircraft and boat logistics, we have the expertise to get your vessel to its destination on time and in one piece.

Our representatives will provide recommendations on the best method of transport based on your boat's specifications and walk you through every step of the process.