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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Sailboat from Europe to the USA?

Published by Joe Webster.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Sailboat from Europe to the USA?

Transporting an overseas purchase back into the US can be a complex, time-consuming, and pricey endeavor.

Depending on their size and location, various means are available for hauling, from air cargo, ocean liners or freighters, container services, or tailored yacht services.

Moving your sailboat across an ocean can be both challenging and expensive. But international shipment has become much simpler thanks to increased travel freedom worldwide. Even sending it from Europe to America doesn't need to be such an overwhelming ordeal.

This article offers some insight into what the price of moving and the timeline between Europe and the USA might look like, along with key aspects you should expect during this journey.

Is Sailboat Hauling Difficult?

It doesn't need to be complex or challenging but requires planning and care on behalf of its owner. Before beginning hauling, be sure that its trailer and safety features meet minimum criteria before trying to move it along a road route.

As with hauling large ones, be certain that you fully comprehend and adhere to local regulations regarding delivery. Drive carefully and pay close attention to route restrictions or difficulties accessing certain areas.

A careful organization is key when moving large ones overseas; timing with haulers and stakeholders should run seamlessly for optimal results.

Newcomers to this process may find the process daunting; to avoid costly oversights during transit, conduct extensive research on regulations, laws, and insurance requirements before starting.

Be sure to reach out to experienced yacht brokers, as they could offer invaluable guidance during an international journey.

Preparation can help eliminate potential headaches caused by overlooked details; careful preparation and attention to detail make it an efficient operation suitable even for novice boaters.

yacht middle of the sea
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Is It Costly?

It may be expensive, but it needn't break the bank. With smaller ones, all it requires is a truck and trailer—as well as some help loading or unloading—but fees can increase significantly when it comes to larger ones.

Your company or crew should have experience hauling this type of delicate cargo. Additionally, its expense will depend on which vessel and location is being utilized, as well as destination requirements.

It can be expensive, but prices should fall within reasonable ranges. So compare yacht-carrying companies' rates for the best deal.

Some even provide discounts when booked early. And providing detailed information regarding your needs allows them to estimate expenditures accurately.

Some vessels may cost less to ship when sent out with other vessels in a flotilla rather than alone; to make an informed decision that fits within your budget, do plenty of research before embarking on your sailing voyage.

How Much Does It Charge To Move?

Moving overseas can be both complex and expensive, depending on its size and type.

Expenditures associated with marine hauling depend upon multiple variables, such as:

  • Destination Country
  • Boat size
  • Location
  • Capacity requirements
  • Method required

Additional costs may also affect the pricing, particularly on the last mentioned variable. Companies calculate the price based on the necessity of extra services for lifting from water or creating custom cradles.

Furthermore, physical location determines the fee associated with loading and unloading. Meanwhile, dimensions determine which trailer type (usually custom-built) may best accommodate it.

As rates can differ widely among international companies, you must collaborate closely with an experienced team to create an accurate quote specific to your needs.

Company representatives consider all relevant factors in preparing an accurate quote for services overseas.

Their attention to detail means protective measures will always be implemented where needed, giving you peace of mind knowing your dream boat arrives safely at its designated port of call.

yacht in sea

How Are They Distributed?

Sailboats and yachts typically travel using ocean freight vessels with three available methods: RoRo (Roll On/Roll Off), LoLo (Lift On/Lift Off), or semi-submersible.

The method chosen depends mostly upon size, weight, or dimension considerations for the yacht.

RoRo

RoRo is often considered a more cost-effective means of hauling overseas.

It involves loading your vessel onto a special trailer and strapping it securely during transit. It is ideal for vessels between 14-15 feet high in height.

Smaller vessels should take this journey without issue, while larger ones exceeding 15 feet may require alternative methods.

LoLo

LoLo (Lift On/Lift Off) is another popular method in which cranes are utilized to load yachts onto decks safely using cranes. Once loaded securely onto their vessel, these yachts will then be strapped down properly so as to remain upright.

Ultimately, this method provides greater safety for bigger yachts since they do not need to navigate obstacles or tight spaces within cargo bays.

However, this service typically incurs extra expenses and time due to the labor intensiveness required in loading/unloading the vessel.

a beautiful painting

Semi-Submersible

Semi-submersible offers another viable solution for superyachts too large to fit on traditional ship decks.

It involves submerging them directly into a barge that hauls them to their destinations.

Hauling requires specialist equipment and knowledge, resulting in higher expenditures than any other service available.

Importing into The United States of America

Importing can be daunting but with experienced companies dedicated to importing vessels from foreign destinations.

Once it arrives from its point of origin—in this case, Europe—the same ocean cargo methods employed during export will apply when moving to its final destination port.

The final port is usually LAX or Miami, but other ports could also be chosen depending on the agreement with the service provider.

Other options exist for anyone wishing to haul their craft via airfreight rather than sea freight with break-bulk containers and roll-on/roll-off options.

With options varying depending on size and destination of travel, you are sure to find something suitable.

Before embarking on this exciting voyage, make sure that you receive a custom quote based on your shipment needs to estimate the costs associated with importing.

group of motorboats

Wrapping Up

Moving involves extensive research. Proper preparation will guarantee an effortless and economical journey.

Knowledge of expenditures and options is vital when planning for relocation or taking it out on new adventures. Take care in planning for these journeys so you can experience them fully with confidence.

At A1-AT, our licensed importers boast expertise and knowledge of global processes for smooth service. As one of the premier providers, we know exactly how to protect and deliver delicate cargo safely to its final destination.

Employing various methods, our expert team knows just what steps must be taken for the safe delivery of goods to their final destinations.

Explore our services to locate what you require, and receive a complimentary estimate 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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