The cost to ship a 45ft catamaran from Asia to Europe, North America, or Australia ranges between £85,000 and £100,000.
Yacht shipping comes with a hefty price tag, but many owners don't realise that sailing to their destination can be just as expensive. British yacht owners often need to move their vessels from the UK's cold waters to the Mediterranean's warm embrace. Modern low-loaders can now easily transport motor yachts up to 15-18m (50-60ft) between continents, which gives owners more shipping choices than ever before.
Yacht shipping moves faster than you might expect. A boat that leaves the UK on Monday could reach Palma, Mallorca, by next weekend. Road transport remains the most affordable option in many cases - even with ferry costs included. The only limitation is the standard motorway bridge height in the UK and Europe, which restricts loads to 5.3m above ground.
Moving your vessel between continents or along the coast needs careful planning. This piece will guide you through the yacht transportation process. You'll learn everything from choosing between shipping and sailing to getting your vessel ready and managing its delivery.
Step 1: Decide if You Should Ship or Sail
Yacht owners must weigh several factors when deciding between sailing their vessel to its destination or shipping it. Early planning helps save time, money and prevents unexpected problems.
Compare sailing vs yacht shipping
Most people traditionally choose to sail their yacht on its own keel between destinations. Larger vessels benefit from this approach since they can handle rough weather better and complete delivery faster. Yacht shipping offers an alternative through specialised carriers that move boats safely across oceans and continents.
Your specific situation will determine the best choice. The cost difference between shipping and sailing might surprise you, even though sailing seems cheaper at first. A recent case study revealed shipping costs from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean were £12,900, including insurance and cradle rental. Sailing with a professional crew costs £11,950, which includes fuel (£1,400), marina fees (£250), and return flights for three crew members (£1,800).
Consider time, safety, and wear and tear
Time becomes the deciding factor for many yacht owners. Professional crews need about eight days to sail 1,800nm from the UK to Mallorca. Shipping lets you stick to fixed schedules and timeframes, though loading dates might shift sometimes.
Safety plays a vital role in making this decision. Sailing puts your vessel at risk from sea hazards, but shipping has its risks too. Boats can face damage or fall overboard during bad storms, though such incidents rarely happen.
Hidden costs like wear and tear often go unnoticed. Long sailing trips with deadlines can expose weaknesses even in well-kept vessels. Second-hand boat buyers face bigger risks since their systems might lack proper testing. Long passages mean continuous engine operation, which adds engine hours and leads to more servicing needs.
In addition to engine wear, extended passages also put constant strain on onboard water systems, including bilge pumps, which may run continuously in rough conditions and reveal weaknesses that are rarely noticeable during short coastal trips.
When shipping is the better option
Shipping stands out as the best choice in several situations:
New cruising horizons: You can reach destinations that would be hard to sail to directly
Time constraints: Work and family commitments might require your vessel at specific locations by certain dates
Avoiding risky routes: Areas with pirates or political issues make shipping safer
Preservation needs: Delivering yachts with zero mileage or having them ready to sail without maintenance
"Shipping a yacht opens up new horizons," says Jan-Maarten Bossevain of Sevenstar Yacht Transport. "It allows people to visit places with their own yacht that would be difficult to reach on the vessel's own keel".
A yacht trip from Thailand to Europe via the Cape of Good Hope illustrates this point. Sailing would take at least 18 months due to seasonal timing, covering three ocean crossings and roughly 20,000 miles. Shipping eliminates this lengthy trip despite its cost.
Shipping might look expensive upfront, but sailors should compare it against total sailing expenses. One yacht owner learned that replacing worn carbon laminate sails after a long voyage would cost "a significant chunk" of the shipping price.
Step 2: Choose the Right Transport Method
Your yacht's transportation method is a vital decision. The best option depends on your yacht's size, budget, schedule, and the distance it needs to travel.
Road transport for short distances
Road transport works best for shorter distances and smaller vessels. UK specialised low-loaders can move yachts up to 16m (52ft 6ins) long, 4.8m (15ft 9ins) high, 4.5m (14ft 9ins) wide and weighing up to 20 tonnes. Bridge heights create the biggest limitation. UK motorway bridges have a legal height of 5.1m (16ft 8ins), which means the maximum loaded height is 5m (16ft 5ins).
Specific regulations exist for wide loads:
UK classifies widths up to 2.9m (9ft 6ins) as normal loads
Boats wider than 3m need a permit and an escort vehicle
Yachts exceeding 4.5m in width require two escort vehicles
Those over 5m need an official police escort
Road transport has impressive turnaround times. A yacht loaded in the UK on Monday could reach Palma, Mallorca, by the following weekend.
Delivery crew for mid-range trips
Professional delivery crews are often the most economical solution for short to mid-range distances. These experts direct your yacht under its own power to its destination.
Professional delivery crews usually have:
Skipper: RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean or Offshore qualified
First Mate: RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore qualified
Deckhands: RYA/MCA Yachtmaster qualified in most cases
You can join part or all of the trip. This gives you a chance to learn about your vessel before reaching your destination.
Shipping by sea for long distances
Sea shipping becomes your only practical choice for transcontinental or transoceanic moves. This method is environmentally friendly and produces less CO2 per tonne-mile than road transport or sailing under power.
Multiple boats headed to the same destination or event benefit from sea shipping. Your vessel avoids unnecessary engine hours and wear, though you might need patience while waiting for suitable shipping slots.
Understanding float-on/float-off and lift-on/lift-off
Professional yacht shipping uses two main methods: float-on/float-off (FoFo) and lift-on/lift-off (LoLo).
FoFo uses semi-submersible ships that partially submerge to create a floating marina. Your yacht motors into position and sits in secure cradles. The ship then de-ballasts, lifting itself and your yacht for transport. This system keeps vessels safe and protected during transit.
LoLo uses cranes or hydraulic platforms to lift your yacht onto a carrier vessel. Larger yachts with limited storage options or those needing indoor storage at their destination work well with this approach. You have more freedom to choose mooring locations upon arrival since you won't need a trailer.
Each transport method has its advantages based on your specific needs, budget, and timeframe. The right choice ensures your yacht's safe and efficient arrival at its destination.
Step 3: Get a Quote and Understand the Costs
You need to understand the financial side of yacht shipping to budget properly. Companies rarely give instant quotes because prices can vary by a lot based on many factors.
Factors that affect the cost of shipping a yacht
The cost to transport a yacht depends on these key elements:
Size and weight: Bigger and heavier yachts need more resources and special equipment, which drives up costs
Distance and route: A trip from Florida to the Mediterranean (about 4,500 nautical miles) costs between £71,474 and £89,343
Transport method: Float-on/float-off services cost more than land transport, but are safer
Seasonal timing: Peak seasons see higher prices as yacht owners move their vessels
Origin and destination ports: Some ports charge more for handling, docking, and customs
Owners of small to mid-range yachts (up to 80ft) can save money by booking scheduled sailings. These trips combine multiple yachts and split port costs among several clients.
How to compare quotes from different providers
The bottom line isn't everything when you evaluate shipping proposals.
Start by getting detailed quotes from several providers. A complete proposal should show you everything from dockside pickup to delivery, including the equipment and methods they'll use.
You should also know what's included in the price. Good providers include marine cargo insurance and handle paperwork. Companies with qualified loadmasters, in-house engineering teams, and quality-controlled cradles are worth more even if their original quotes seem higher.
Experience and reputation are crucial in this business. Companies with over 30 years of yacht transport experience deliver better service. Take time to research and check references before you decide.
Hidden costs to watch out for
Watch out for these costs that people often miss:
Cradle hire can cost you extra if your yacht doesn't have its own transport cradle. Insurance coverage isn't the same with all providers. Some cover everything from crane loading to unloading, while others don't.
Getting ready for transport adds up, too. De-rigging, removing masts, and shrink-wrapping can really impact your budget. Sailing vessel owners should be careful with satellite communications - one owner got hit with a £15,000 satellite phone bill during a transatlantic delivery.
Don't forget about berthing fees at both ends. Shipping delays happen, especially during loading and unloading. Preparation, loading and insurance fees might pop up at different times, catching many owners off guard.
Step 4: Prepare Your Yacht for Transport
The way you prepare your yacht makes all the difference between a smooth shipping experience and a problematic one. Your vessel will arrive at its destination in optimal condition if you take time to prepare it properly. This simple step will reduce the risk of damage significantly.
Securing loose items and sails
You need to secure all items inside and outside your yacht. The following items must be removed or secured:
Dinghies, wind generators, and solar panels
Anything protruding beyond normal road-width limits
All loose items that could move during transit
Sailors should remove their sails because they might get dirty, particularly when loaded close to a ship's exhaust funnel. The cabinet doors need proper securing - either lock them or tape them shut to keep contents from spilling during transport.
Draining tanks and disconnecting batteries
Empty your water tanks completely, but fuel tanks need special attention. Just keep enough fuel to move your yacht to and from the marina or transport vessel. This approach reduces weight and limits the chances of spills or leaks during transport.
Your electrical systems require careful handling. Disconnect all batteries and insulate their connections properly. This safety measure prevents potential short circuits and ensures your batteries won't be dead when your vessel reaches its destination.
Beyond fuel management, owners should also pay close attention to onboard freshwater systems. Properly emptying and securing water tanks & purification systems helps prevent contamination, leaks, and unnecessary weight during transport.
Protecting sensitive equipment
Sensitive and fragile equipment needs extra care. Add more protection to your electronic and navigation instruments. A protective wax coating or specialised materials should cover sensitive parts like windows, railings, and protruding features.
Deck hardware, including winches and furling systems, needs protective coverings against environmental elements during transport. Chart plotters on deck should be removed and stored below if they're detachable.
Documentation and inspection photos
Taking detailed photos or videos of both exterior and interior before transport will protect your interests. These visual records are a great way to get evidence if any damage happens during shipping.
Keep track of everything - from interior arrangements to equipment locations, exterior condition, and existing damage. A detailed inventory like this gives you peace of mind and protection if problems come up after delivery.
Step 5: Manage Loading, Shipping, and Delivery
Your yacht shipping process reaches its peak during loading, transport, and delivery. These stages need proper management to get your vessel safely to its destination.
What happens during loading and unloading
Loading follows a specific sequence. You or your representative must head over to the transport vessel with your yacht for lift-on/lift-off operations. The loadmaster will board your yacht while divers get into the water to help position the lifting slings correctly. You need to loosen the backstays, topping lifts, and triatic stays before lifting begins.
The yacht gets lifted from the water and placed on its cradle after safety checks. The team secures it using lashing points like cleats and bollards. Your fittings should handle strains slightly higher than normal mooring loads - this needs checking beforehand.
Should you be present or send a representative?
You don't have to be there during loading or unloading. Having someone represent you is a good idea to handle questions or get instructions. Yes, it is better when owners manage the process themselves because they know their vessel's details best, especially when removing backstays and finding tools.
Wear proper deck shoes if you plan to attend - flip-flops won't work in this hazardous environment. The shipping company will provide you with safety vests and helmets.
Tracking your yacht during transit
The shipping company will give you an estimated arrival time, but weather might cause delays. You'll get updates and progress reports throughout long-passage deliveries.
Your yacht's security remains top priority during transit. Expert teams use specialised equipment to monitor it. Many companies now offer immediate tracking services so you can check your vessel's location during its trip.
Post-delivery checks and cleaning
Take time to inspect your yacht carefully before sailing away after arrival. Getting a complete post-delivery report about your vessel's condition and maintenance suggestions helps a lot.
Plan to clean your yacht well after delivery, especially if it was downwind from the ship's exhaust - this often stains hulls and masts. Smart owners who wax their hulls before shipping find it easier to clean their boats after delivery.
Conclusion
You need careful planning and must think over many factors to ship a yacht. This piece outlines the vital steps necessary for stress-free yacht transportation. Your options matter a lot when you're moving your vessel from the UK to the Mediterranean or between continents.
Your specific situation will determine whether to sail or ship. Sailing might look cheaper. But hidden costs like wear and tear, crew expenses, and time constraints often make shipping a better choice. On top of that, shipping lets you reach destinations that wouldn't be available under your own power.
The right transport method, road transport, delivery crews, or sea shipping, will affect your budget and timeline. Each option has its benefits based on your yacht's size, travel distance, and personal needs. Without doubt, knowing these differences helps you pick what works best for you.
The costs go beyond the simple shipping fee. You need to factor in hidden expenses like cradle hire, insurance coverage, preparation costs, and potential berthing fees. That's why you should compare complete quotes from trusted providers who have proven track records before you decide.
The most vital part of yacht shipping is proper preparation. You must secure loose items, manage tank contents, protect sensitive equipment, and document your vessel's condition before transport. This protects you from potential problems during transit.
Your involvement during loading, shipping, and delivery helps ensure your yacht arrives safely. You don't need to be there physically during loading and unloading. However, having someone represent you on site helps tackle any issues that might come up.
Now you know to ship your yacht without stress or complications. The process has many steps to think over, but good planning and working with trusted transport companies will get your vessel safely to its destination, ready for your next maritime adventure.
