International Boat Shipping – Yacht Transport Article & Suggestions

Denison Yacht Sales makes relocating your next yacht hassle-free enabling our clients to purchase a yacht anywhere in world and have it delivered straight to their desired location. Whether you are shipping your vessel a short distance, from Florida to New York or overseas as far as Europe or Austalia, it is recommended that you work with professionals in overseas shipping or offshore management. This why, with choosing Denison Yacht Sales, you can relax knowing you are in extremely good hands.

The benefit of using Denison is that not only do we provide excellent service while dealing with your transaction we ensure your needs are handled efficiently after the deal in concluded, and of course this may include relocating your vessel.

Currently over 30% of Denison’s sales are exports. Just last week Denison yacht broker, Alex Clarke, assisted a client in organizing the relocation of his Sunseeker, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida all the way to Spain.

Alex comments, “There’s no reason to be discouraged if you find the boat of your dreams located in foreign waters. Due to new advancements in shipping technology it is absolutely possible to transport your next yacht anywhere in the world regardless of size, shape and weight”.

Denison Yacht Sales has prodigious experience in dealing with a variety of shipping companies in order to relocate your newly purchased vessel. Denison’s qualified Yacht Brokers understand the process and many have extensive knowledge in such areas as registration, taxes, insurance and legal advice on the requirements of both U.S. intercontinental, and U.S. to Europe and Australia shipments and therefore are able to make educated decisions on which method of shipping to use for your yacht.

If you need transportation within North America, you have the option to ship via highway and truck, depending on your boat’s beam and weight. Another option for shipments on the same coast, is to utilize Denison’s vast network of U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains and crew that can assure your vessel is delivered safely.

International shipping companies employ both cargo or transport ships typically with a “Float On/Float Off” method. Yacht broker (and licensed captain) David Johnson has extensive knowledge on the working mechanisms and infrastructure involved with this method of shipping, highlighting Dockwise Yacht Transport as being one of the better-known companies utilizing this method in the yachting industry.

David explains, “I’ve personally overseen several shipping projects with Dockwise. Their process of loading yachts onto their ships is a proven method, and while unconventional, is a very safe and efficient means to shipping a megayacht overseas. The on-site Dockwise crew is very helpful. Everyone is patient and goes out of their way to make sure every yacht is secured safely before departure.”

Another overseas shipment methods is “Load On/Load Off”. This concept works by loading the yacht being transported into a sling, and with the power of a crane, is lifted onto the dock of the transport ship.

This method is considered more traditional, and gives many owner’s peace of mind, as they are more familiar with cranes and slings. This process more resembles a travel lift used for hauling yachts out at marinas, than the Dockwise, Float-on / Float-off” system.

Costs and timing vary between both processes, and worth exploring every time a yacht is shipped overseas. Once your Denison yacht broker knows the length, weight, beam and height of the vessel you are purchasing, we can provide you with numerous quotes to find the best value for you. Shipping costs typically cover: loading, freight, insurance, and if required additional canal fees (applicable for Panama Canal and Suez Canal).

If you are relocating a smaller boat it is important to have your vessel ‘shrink wrapped’ in order to protect it from any unnecessary damage or severe weather conditions. It is also a good idea to have a good coat of waxed applied to the boat as this will provide an extra layer protection.

Depending on where you are shipping your yacht, you must be aware of the specific rules and regulations that are involved. For example when shipping to Australia, the yacht’s Freon must be drained and the bottom of the vessel must be completely cleaned, preferably with a new coat of paint. Over the last 12 months, yacht broker Justin Onofrietti has already organized and concluded the shipping of 6 yachts to Australia alone, including a Sea Ray, Doral, Regal, Maxum, and a Hatteras yacht. Justin also has experience in shipping yachts to Singapore, Japan, Turkey, and Russia.

-By Anna Morton