Boat Shipping Guide
Which shipping method should I use: Container, Ro-Ro (Roll-On Roll-Off) or Lo-Lo (Lift-On Lift-Off)?This depends on the size of your boat, whether it is to be shipped on a cradle or a trailer. We will advise you based on the type of vessel best suited to your needs whether Ro-Ro shipping, Lo-Lo or Container shipping, and more importantly the type of vessels available on any particular shipping route. eg may only be a container line only.
How to measure and weigh my boat?
LOA or Overall length include bow pulpits, swim platforms, motor brackets and the length of the motors or outdrives in the raised position.Beam or Overall width is measured as the widest point of the boat including anything attached to the sides of the vessel. You may have to mark the wide points on the ground by a drop line and then measure those points.Height or Overall height is measured from the bottom of the keel to the highest non-removable part of the vessel. Should the boat be shipped on a cradle the height is from the bottom of the cradle to the highest point on the boat.Should the boat be shipped on a trailer the dimensions must include those of the trailer.Weight is the fully loaded weight with all equipment, trailer/cradle and water/fuel if applicable.For a sailing yacht you will also need to provide the dimensions of the mast or masts.
If using a container service, who will arrange for the loading and securing of the boat?
We will pick up you boat anywhere in US: boat dealer, boat trader, ebay seller, private seller, liquidation auction, copart, insurance auction iaai, marina, boat storage and deliver to our loading facility where we will pack, secure and load her and then we will deliver container with boat (s) to port.
What documents are required to arrange the Customs formalities?
To make sure there are no delays, it is important that we have all necessary documentation promptly. Below is a list of the minimum required documents to present to US Customs and for most countries destination Customs Clearance.
- Bill of sale, invoice or proof of value when importer already owns the boat.
- Boat Title Copy
- Photo ID: Passport or Driver’s license copy
- Filled out Letter of Intent (we provide to you)
Providing we have all documentation in advance, will allow us to liaise with all authorities to ensure you’re yacht can be made available as soon as possible. For more information on what type of clearance best suits your situation please feel free to contact us. This is best discussed prior to the vessel sailing, to ensure the correct documents are complete at origin.
How do I prepare and protect my boat?
Disconnecting the batteries, windshields, archs, tops, radars, stowing all lose objects below decks, mast/rigging if shipping on a container, RO/RO or conventional vessels. In these cases the mast will normally need to be lashed to the deck. For new boats you may consider shrink wrapping for protection from dirt and debris.
Do I have to insure my boat while in transit?
Marine cargo insurance is optional and can be covered under our marine open policy. It is strongly recommended as the liability of the shipping line is limited. All container and conventional vessels clause their bills of lading “shipped on deck at shippers risk.” Some insurance companies will insist on a marine survey report. There are three types of cover. Total Loss, Total Loss plus Theft and “All Risks”. Total Loss only covers cases when the boat is totally lost thru being lost overboard, fire etc, whereas All Risks also covers damage over an agreed value. Insurance rate is calculated on a percentage of the declared value. A minimum insurance premium may apply.
How is Insured Value calculated?
When we insure boat for shipping, it is necessary to cover ALL costs associated with the shipping, so that in the event of total loss, you receive back the value of the boat, plus costs for the freight and associated charges.
Calculation Example:
(Boat Value + Ocean Freight + 10%)= insures value X premium. The addition 10% is to cover all associated costs in the event of total loss. For example: if you had paid airline and accommodation expenses to fly to a country to purchase your boat. In the event of total loss, the 10% would cover all or part of these costs, not directly associated with the actual shipping.
With a sailing yacht do I have to un-step the mast?
Only when shipping on a container vessel, Ro-Ro carrier or conventional vessel.
What happens when my boat arrives at its destination?
You will need to arrange Customs clearance prior to the arrival of the vessel. In most cases we can do this for you, or recommend that you a local destination Customs broker. For more details please contact us.