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How Long Does it Take to Ship a Boat from Europe to America?

Published by Joe Webster.

How Long Does it Take to Ship a Boat from Europe to America?

Shipping your boat from Europe to America may seem daunting, particularly if this is your first time. One question that most people new to international port transport often wonder about is how long it will take for my watercraft to arrive.

One key consideration in shipping time will have an effectual and lasting influence on plans and budgets.

Knowing when it is necessary and expected to ship a boat from Europe to America is critical to making an informed decision and avoiding last-minute surprises. This article will investigate the factors affecting boat shipping from Europe to America and give an estimated timeline for different vessel types.

We'll also discuss tips to help you prepare your craft for shipping and ensure smooth and hassle-free transport.

How Long Does it Take to Ship a Boat from Europe to America?

When transporting your boat from Europe to America, you may have questions regarding its arrival time frame.

Unfortunately, the response to that is not so straightforward.

Shipping a craft from Europe to America varies by vessel, port of departure/destination/origin, and travel route.

Generally, it takes between 10 to 30 days to ship a yacht between the two continents. However, this projected time range may alter based on your chosen service.

Shipping of boats is done either through container service or Ro-Ro service.

Container service entails packing the craft inside a container driven by a truck to the port. The container is then loaded onto the transport ship, which will take the vessel to its destination.

The advantage of container service is that it offers more protection to the boat during transit from the elements.

a yacht is moving by truck

However, this service can take longer due to the additional loading and unloading processes.

On the other hand, roll-off services involve the boat rolling onto the transport ship's deck. This service is quicker but provides less protection from the elements than container services.

Some of the major ports in Europe include Bremerhaven and Hamburg port in Germany and Europe Spain port. These ports have different port codes used to identify them during shipping.

On the American side, there are numerous ports, including San Francisco and Brooklyn cruise terminals and the Mayflower cruise terminal.

To sum it up, the duration of shipping a boat from Europe to America can vary depending on several factors.

However, transport usually takes 10 to 30 days, with container and roll-off service being some of the options available for shipping boats.

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Factors that Affect the Moving Schedule to the USA

Transporting a boat between Europe and America involves various elements that could impede its delivery schedule.

Factors to note are as such:

  • Pick up location
  • Type and size of boat
  • Shipping method
  • Destination
  • Customs clearance
  • Route selection
  • Weather
  • Additional stops

The first factor is the location of the boat in Europe. If it is located in a remote area or if it requires special handling and equipment for transport, this will take more time than if the vessel is already at a port or dock.

The type of vessel being shipped also affects the timeline. Larger vessels that require more specialized handling and transportation may have longer transit times.

Additionally, the chosen shipping method can have an impact on the timeline.

Roll-on/roll-off is typically the most efficient and cost-effective option for transporting boats from Europe to the US.

The delivery destination should also be considered when planning a shipment timeline. If it requires a while to get to the port or marina, this can cause delays.

motorboats are covered for protection

Customs clearance may require several days based on country and regulations.

The chosen route affects the shipping schedule, as some routes are faster than others. Working with an experienced international boat shipping company can help you determine your vessel's optimal route and timeline.

Weather is a crucial item to consider when shipping a boat from Europe to the US. If there are storms or rough seas, this can cause delays in the timeline.

Additional drop sites may exist between your delivery port and the final destination. The transit will take longer as a result.

In conclusion, several factors affect the timeline for shipping a boat from Europe to the US. Careful planning and working with an experienced transportation company can help ensure your vessel arrives on time and without incident.

Vessel Hauling Timeline

Shipping your boat from Europe to the US typically takes 10-30 days, depending on its destination port.

The following is a standard timeline for shipping a boat from Europe to the US:

  1. Preparation of vessel for shipping (2-7 days)
  2. Transporting the vessel to the port of departure (1-5 days)
  3. Loading and unloading the vessel onto/from the ship (2-10 days)
  4. Voyage from Europe to the US (6-20 days)
  5. Unloading and transporting the vessel from the port of arrival (2-5 days)
  6. Delivery of vessel to final destination (2-7 days)

As can be seen, several variables can play a part in shipping your boat from Europe to the US, and working with an experienced international watercraft moving company is your best bet to ensure its timely arrival without incident or missteps.

1) Preparation of vessel for Dispatching

Preparing a vessel for shipping is an essential step in the boat shipping process and can take anywhere between 2-7 days journey time. Before a vessel can be shipped, it must be carefully inspected and prepared for the journey.

This includes cleaning the hull, removing additional items, draining and securing fluids, and ensuring all electrical systems function correctly.

2) Transporting the vessel to the port of departure

Transporting the vessel to the port of departure is another important step in the shipping process. Depending upon the distance covered, traveling can take between 1 and 5 days, the average transit time. This time frame allows for necessary road permits and appropriate delivery arrangements.

The transport company must follow all safety regulations and laws to transport the boat properly.

a fishing motorboat

3) Loading and unloading the vessel onto/from the ship

Loading and unloading the vessel onto/from the ship is another important step in boat shipping. Depending on the size, this can take 2-10 days.

Ships in the water require lifting, which adds to the shipping cost compared to ones on land that don't need to be lifted. A trained crew will carefully inspect and load/unload the boat onto a specialized shipping ship.

4) Voyage

Given the route and weather conditions, the trip from Europe to the US might take six to twenty days. Shipping firms take all necessary precautions to ensure the safe passage of their vessels.

The vessel will be monitored and tracked throughout its journey with GPS tracking in case of any issues or delays.

5 ) Unloading and Carrying the vessel from the port of arrival

Unloading and transporting the vessel from the port of arrival is another important step in the boat shipping process. The time needed to complete this operation will depend on the vessel's size and design.

This time allows for necessary paperwork to be completed, such as customs clearance and port fees, to be paid. It also allows a crew to properly unload the vessel from the ship and transport it to its final destination.

6) Delivery to the final destination

The last step in boat shipping is delivering the vessel to its final destination. This may require two to seven days, according to the length of the journey. This allows for necessary paperwork and permits to be completed and time for a qualified driver/crew to safely deliver the vessel.

Using a transport truck may be more efficient than simply taking the voyage by water. This will depend on the vessel's size, weight, and transport route.

Customs Clearance and Documentation Requirements

Proper documentation is necessary for customs clearance when shipping a boat across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the US.

This includes documents such as:

  • Bill of Lading
  • Customs forms
  • boat registration and ownership
  • Taxes and fees
  • Insurance

The Bill of Lading is the most critical document. It is a signed contract between the shipper and carrier that lists all goods to be shipped, their value, and any applicable charges.

Fully completed and approved custom forms are also necessary for the shipment. This includes customs forms such as US Customs Form 7501 (Entry Summary) and US Census Bureau Form CBP-3299 (Declaration of Imported Merchandise).

personal yachts

Paperwork is also necessary to prove ownership and to ensure the boat is legally registered before its voyage.

This includes such documents as a copy of the vessel's registration and insurance certificate.

Taxes and fees vary based on the country of origin. Insurance is also necessary to ensure the safe passage of the vessel.

An experienced international boat shipping company can help you prepare the necessary paperwork and ensure everything is in order.

Additionally, you should factor in customs clearance, which can take several days, depending on the country and regulations.

Shipping Boats to the US

The time it takes to transport a boat between Europe and America will depend on multiple factors.

Proper planning and collaboration with your shipping company make it possible to ensure your boat reaches safely.

Be sure to allow for customs clearance delays or unexpected setbacks that might occur along the way.

With careful research and enough preparation, shipping your dream boat from Europe to America doesn't need to be an ordeal.

You can also rely on A1 Auto Transport to ship your boat, yacht, or other vessels. We take the time to choose the method most efficient for your budget and necessity.

So contact us and get a free quote today.

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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