
The boat and yacht transportation market offers a range of comprehensive solutions and services to cater to the diverse needs of boat and yacht owners. These services include transportation of vessels to and from marinas, dry storage facilities, and other locations.
From short-distance moves to long-distance hauls, specialized transportation companies provide door-to-door services, handling everything from loading and securing the vessel to navigating through congested waterways.
Types of Boats and Yachts
If you're planning to transport a yacht, you'll want to know the types of boats and yachts that can be carried. Yachts are a type of luxury boat.
Expedited vehicle shipping services can handle a variety of yacht sizes, including small sailboats and large motor yachts. Whether you're moving a small sailboat or a large motor yacht, expedited shipping can get it to its destination quickly.
Yacht transport services can also accommodate different types of yachts, such as powerboats and sailboats. You can get a newly purchased yacht transported to your location with these services.
International Works
International shipping can be a complex process, but it's essential to understand how it works to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
To start, the entire measurements of your boat or yacht must be obtained, including any cradles or trailers, regardless of whether it's in water, on a trailer, or both.
Most origin ports are equipped with the necessary tools and infrastructure to manage international boat shipments, ranging in size from small to large.
Depending on your destination, the services you request, and the precise location of your boat, it can leave from many sites across the United States.
The types of boats that can be shipped internationally include Jet Skis, Work Boats, Catamarans, Tugboats, Inflatable boats, Sailboats, Power Boats up to 40′ in length, Wakeboards, Pontoon/Tritoon boats, Bass Boats, and Skiffs.
These boats can be transported to various international destinations, but the specific departure and arrival points will depend on the shipping company and the services they offer.
Additional reading: Alaska Boat Insurance
Transportation Services
Global Auto Transportation is one of the top boat transport companies around, with the capabilities of shipping any boat, from a smaller fishing boat to a larger luxury yacht.
Ameritrans Freight International offers dependable and safe transportation services, including international boat shipping, with the option to transport boats on trailers using RORO (roll-on/roll-off) services.
Boat shipping costs vary depending on factors such as the boat's size, original location, intended destination, and the season. The cost of shipping a boat might change based on the market and seasonal demand, with prices potentially higher during peak seasons.
Here are some common types of boats that can be transported:
- Jet Skis
- Work Boats
- Catamaran
- Tugboat
- Inflatable
- Sailboat
- Power Boats up to 40′ in length
- Wakeboard
- Pontoon/Tritoon
- Bass Boat
- Skiff
Small Power
For those with smaller boats, Global Auto Transportation has got you covered. They can transport smaller boats too.
Their services include transporting smaller boats, which is just as important as moving larger vehicles.
South America
South America is a vast and diverse continent, and when it comes to shipping goods by boat, there are numerous ports to choose from. The continent has a long coastline, making it an ideal place for boat shipping.
Argentina has several major boat shipping ports, including San Lorenzo-San Martin. Brazil is another significant player, with four major ports: Itaqui, Santos, Paranaguá, and San Francisco.
Chile has a number of important ports, including Port of Talcahuano/San Vicente, Puerto San Antonio, and Port of Valparaíso. Ecuador's ports are also significant, with the Port of Guayaquil and Port of Manta being major hubs.
Peru's Callao port is a key entry point for goods, while Uruguay has a number of ports, including Port of Montevideo, Port of Sauce de Juan Lacaze, Port of Nueva Palmira, and Port of Fray Bentos.
Here are some of the major boat shipping ports in South America:
- Argentina: San Lorenzo-San Martin
- Brazil: Itaqui, Santos, Paranaguá, San Francisco
- Chile: Port of Talcahuano/San Vicente, Puerto San Antonio, Port of Valparaíso
- Ecuador: Port of Guayaquil, Port of Manta
- Peru: Callao
- Uruguay: Port of Montevideo, Port of Sauce de Juan Lacaze, Port of Nueva Palmira, Port of Fray Bentos
- Bolivia: Puerto Aguirre, Puerto Quijarro, Puerto Suárez
- Paraguay: San Antonio
- Venezuela: Port of Maracaibo
All-Inclusive Service
Our all-inclusive service is designed to make your boat transport experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. We offer frequent, on-time set sailing schedules to ensure your boat arrives at its destination when you need it to.
Our float-on, float-off method of transport is a game-changer for boat owners. It's efficient, reliable, and minimizes the risk of damage to your vessel.
We take care of all the details, including cribbing and lashing to secure your boat during transport. You can trust that your boat is in good hands with us.
Marine cargo insurance is also included in our all-inclusive service. This provides an added layer of protection for your boat in case of any unexpected events during transport.
We'll also guide you through the customs and clearance process, making sure everything is taken care of and your boat is cleared for delivery.
In some cases, our crew may even be able to accompany your yacht to its destination, depending on the requirements of the transport.
Here are the key benefits of our all-inclusive service:
- Frequent, on-time set sailing schedules
- Float-on, float-off method of transport
- Efficient crossing time
- Cribbing and lashing
- Marine cargo insurance
- Customs and clearance guidance
- If requirements are met, the crew may accompany the yacht
Yacht Carriers
Yacht carriers are a specialized type of boat transport service designed specifically for yachts and super yachts. Our purpose-built, semi-submersible carriers are designed solely for this purpose.
These carriers use the unique float on-float off method, which is considered the safest and most efficient way to transport your super yacht. This method allows for a smooth and gentle transition from land to sea.
Here are some key features of our yacht carriers:
Our yacht carriers can accommodate a wide range of yacht sizes and types, from smaller powerboats to large luxury yachts. We understand the importance of safely and efficiently transporting your valuable vessel, and we strive to provide the best possible service.
Curious to learn more? Check out: El Ray Charter Yacht
Market and Companies
The boat and yacht transportation market is a rapidly growing industry, with an estimated global value of $10.3 billion in 2020. This growth is driven in part by the increasing demand for luxury travel and recreation.
Major players in the market include Azamara Club Cruises, which offers high-end cruise experiences, and SeaDream Yacht Club, which provides luxury yacht vacations. These companies are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for premium transportation services.
The market is also characterized by a trend towards smaller, more personalized vessels, with many companies offering bespoke transportation experiences.
Fishing
In the fishing industry, Global Auto Transportation is a go-to option for moving fishing boats. They're equipped to handle the job.
Whether you fish by trade or as a hobby, their expertise is unmatched.
Market and Companies
Ameritrans Freight has over 20 years of experience in international boat shipping, having carried hundreds of boats across the globe.
They specialize in handling the complexities of international boat travel, recognizing that careful planning is crucial.
A single service provider can handle all aspects of the move, regardless of the yacht's size, from a 20-foot Nautique to a 200-foot vessel.
Major Departure Points
When exploring major departure points in the USA, it's essential to know the key locations that serve as gateways for various industries. Many of these departure points are also major ports.
Some of the major departure ports in the USA include Houston, TX, and Oakland, CA.
These departure points are crucial for industries such as shipping and logistics.
The following list highlights some of the major departure ports in the USA:
- Houston, TX
- Oakland, CA
- Los Angeles, CA
- Port Hueneme, CA
- Jacksonville, FL
- Norfolk, VA
- Baltimore, MD
- Charleston, SC
- Miami
- Savannah
- Boston
- New Orleans
- Freeport, TX
- New Jersey
- Seattle / Tacoma
- Brunswick, Georgia
- Long Beach, CA
- Newark, NJ
- Newport, Virginia
Countries That Export To
Canada is a significant market for American-built boats, including powerboats, sailboats, and luxury yachts, due to its robust maritime culture and recreational boating sector.

The United States exports boats to Australia, which has a large coastline, numerous canals, and a strong boating culture, making it a big market for luxury yachts, fishing boats, and high-performance powerboats.
Mexico is an attractive market for recreational boats and yachts imported from the USA, thanks to its coastal regions and well-known tourist attractions.
The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, and the Cayman Islands import boats from the USA to sustain their growing tourism and recreational boating sectors.
The United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is a hub for luxury yachting and recreational boating, with wealthy purchasers preferring yachts and vessels built in the United States.
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom are among the European Union nations that import boats from the United States, driven by their wealthy populations and long-standing maritime traditions.
China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are emerging markets in Asia that are seeing an increase in demand for luxury yachts and recreational boating, presenting opportunities for American boat makers.
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Testimonials
Our customers rave about the market and companies they've discovered through our platform. We've helped them find the best products and services to suit their needs.
One customer, a small business owner, was able to increase their sales by 25% after partnering with a company we introduced them to. They were impressed by the quality of the products and the excellent customer service.
Many customers have told us that they appreciate the convenience of being able to compare prices and features of different companies in one place. This has saved them time and money in the long run.
A satisfied customer mentioned that our platform helped them discover a new supplier that offered better prices and faster shipping. This allowed them to expand their business and reach new customers.
Our platform has also helped customers find companies that align with their values and mission. This has led to long-term partnerships and a sense of community.
Cost and Logistics
The cost of shipping a boat can be a complex and variable beast, making it challenging to provide a straightforward quote. Larger or more oversized freight may require specialized shipping techniques or heavy lift equipment, adding to the cost.
The cost of shipping a boat can fluctuate based on market demand and seasonal changes, with prices often higher during peak seasons like summer months. Economies of scale come into play when shipping during off-peak seasons, reducing costs for customers.
Location plays a significant role in determining shipping costs, with factors like extra equipment rental, fuel expenses, and deck space hire all contributing to price variations. Shipping prices are generally higher for longer distances and more complex routes, with variables like gasoline prices, port charges, and taxes also impacting costs.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations can also affect the cost of shipping a boat, especially when shipping internationally. Import duties, taxes, or other customs costs can increase the total cost of international shipping.
Sail
If you've got a sailboat, you're probably aware that transporting it can be a challenge. Sailboat Transport can help you get your sailboat anywhere in the U.S.
Transporting a sailboat requires careful planning to ensure it arrives safely and on time. Our boat shipping service can take care of all the logistics for you.
Sailboat Transport can transport your sailboat to any destination in the U.S.
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Requirements
To ensure a smooth and accurate boat shipping process, it's essential to meet the requirements set by the shipping line. The total dimensions of your boat, including a trailer if it's towed, must be measured carefully.
To calculate the length of the trailer, start at the end and measure to the furthest point aft, including the propeller and outdrive. This will give you an accurate measurement for shipping purposes.
You'll also need to measure the distance between the ground and the boat's highest point, such as the nav light or radar. This will help determine the overall height of the boat.

Shipping rates are determined by the measurements taken by the shipping line when the boat arrives at the port. To give you a more accurate quote, Boat Shipping International, Inc. will base their quote on the measurements you supply.
However, if the actual sizes vary from the measurements you provided, you'll be responsible for any additional shipping costs. On the other hand, if your measurements are more extensive than the actual measurements, Boat Shipping International, Inc. will reimburse the difference, provided the difference is at least seven cubic meters.
Cost of Services
The cost of shipping a boat can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the size and weight of the cargo, the original location, intended destination, and the season in which it needs to be carried.
Larger or more oversized freight may require specialized shipping techniques or heavy lift equipment, which come with additional prices.
Shipping prices can be higher during peak seasons, such as the summer months when recreational boating is most popular, due to increasing demand.

Costs can be much lower if you plan to transport your boat following seasonal sailings, as Ameritrans Freight schedules regular sailings along well-traveled routes to coincide with the beginning and end of the yachting seasons in various parts of the world.
Location dramatically impacts the cost of shipping a boat, with higher fuel expenses over long distances and the necessity to hire deck space on a vessel.
Shipping prices are often greater for longer distances and more complicated worldwide shipping routes, with costs also impacted by variables such as gasoline prices, port charges, and taxes encountered along the journey.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations can affect the cost of shipping a boat, particularly when shipping internationally and involves numerous currencies.
The total cost of international shipping can increase if the destination country imposes import duties, taxes, or other customs costs.
It's usually advised to purchase marine cargo insurance to guard against loss or damage while in transit, with the worth of the boat, the mode of transportation, and the choices made for coverage all affecting the cost of insurance.
Discover more: Transportation Insurance Company
Importing
Importing a boat or yacht to the USA can be a complex process, but understanding the costs and logistics involved can make it more manageable. The cost of importing a boat can increase if the destination country imposes import duties, taxes, or other customs costs.
Shipping prices are often greater for longer distances and more complicated worldwide shipping routes. Costs can also be impacted by variables including gasoline prices, port charges, and taxes encountered along the journey.
The cost of shipping a boat might change based on the market and seasonal demand. During peak seasons, such as the summer months when recreational boating is most popular, shipping prices may be higher.
Currency exchange rate fluctuations can affect the cost of shipping a boat, particularly when shipping internationally and involves numerous currencies. This can lead to unexpected costs for the importer.
To give you a better idea of the costs involved, here's a breakdown of the different shipping methods:
Keep in mind that the cost of shipping a boat can vary greatly depending on the size, weight, and destination of the vessel. It's essential to get a quote from a reputable shipping company to get an accurate estimate of the costs involved.
Comprehensive Solutions for All
When shipping a yacht, you want to know that your vessel is in good hands. We offer frequent, on-time set sailing schedules to ensure a smooth and efficient transport process.
Our float-on, float-off method of transport is perfect for yachts of all sizes. This method allows for a quick and easy transfer of your boat onto the transport vessel.
The crossing time is a crucial factor to consider when shipping a yacht. Our efficient crossing time ensures that your boat arrives at its destination quickly and in excellent condition.
One of the biggest concerns when shipping a yacht is safety. We take extra precautions to secure the vessel during transport, using cribbing and lashing to ensure it remains stable.
To give you added peace of mind, we also offer marine cargo insurance. This coverage protects your investment in the event of any unforeseen circumstances during transport.
Navigating customs and clearance can be a daunting task. Our team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring that all requirements are met and your yacht is cleared for import or export.
If requirements are met, the crew may even accompany the yacht during transport. This is a great option for those who want to ensure their boat is in the best possible hands.
Middle East Travel
Traveling to the Middle East by boat can be a unique and exciting experience, but it requires careful planning and consideration.
The departure and arrival ports in the Middle East vary depending on the country you're shipping to, with popular destinations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq.
If you're shipping to the UAE, you'll typically depart from a port in the USA and arrive at Abu Dhabi or Port of Jebel Ali. For Saudi Arabia, the Jeddah port is a common arrival point.
Shipping to the Middle East can be a cost-effective option, especially for smaller boats, and semi-submersible vessels can even transport larger super boats or yachts from the sea to their desired location.
Here's a list of some of the most popular countries we ship to in the Middle East, along with their corresponding ports:
- UAE– Abu Dhabi, Port of Jebel Ali
- Saudi Arabia– Jeddah port
- Kuwait– Shuwaikh Port, Shuaiba Port, and Doha Port.
- Bahrain– Port of Mina Salman, Port of Khalifa Bin Salman, Al Manama Harbour, Port of Sitra, Port of Al Muharraq.
- Qatar– Al Rayyan Marine Terminal, Doha, Hamad, Mesaieed, Ras Laffan, Mm Said
- Oman– The Port of Salalah, Port of Sultan Qaboos, Port of Duqm
- Jordan– The Port of Aqaba
- Turkey– Port of Haydarpaşa (Istanbul, Turkey), Port of Mersin (Mersin, Turkey), Port of Izmir (Umurbey, Turkey)
- Iran– Bandar Abbas, Chabahar
- Iraq– Umm Qasr Port
Info
When transporting a sailboat, it's essential to consider the size of the vessel. A 40-foot monohull sailboat, like the one in our case, requires specialized handling.
Regulations surrounding overland yacht transport can be complex and vary by location. Overland Yacht Transport by Road is a complicated matter due to these regulations.
To ensure a smooth transport process, choosing the right company is crucial. Yacht Trucking understands that selecting the right company is vital for a successful transport.
Proper boat transport preparation is essential to prevent damage during transit. Boat Transport Preparation for the Road emphasizes the importance of preparing the vessel for transport.
Careful loading and shrink wrapping are critical steps in the boat transport process. Proper Loading & Shrink Wrapping for Boat Transports requires experienced knowledge to ensure the vessel is secure and protected.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the boat market growing?
Yes, the boat market is growing, with a projected value of USD 36.05 billion by 2032. This growth is expected to occur at a steady rate of 2.49% from 2024 to 2032.
How do people transport yachts?
Yachts can be transported by shipping them as deck cargo, either loaded directly from the water or from shore using cranes. This process typically leaves the yacht's rigging intact for conventional deck cargo shipping.
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