Dimensions of your boat will determine the mode of transport, and your final costs. Knowing the exact measurement is extremely important. Please follow these guidelines below for measuring your boat accurately. Remember, measure twice, cut once!!!
For transport needs the most important measurements are:
A - Overall length must include swim platform, outboard motor brackets and the outboard motor itself in the raised position to the forward most fixed appendage of the bow pulpits. If the boat is on a trailer, take a measurement from the tip of a tongue to the end of the motor.
B - The beam is the measurement of the widest point of the boat; remember to include anything attached to the boat.
D - Height consists of the draft (from waterline to the bottom of the keel) + clearance (from the waterline to the highest part of the vessel). If on a trailer, measure from the ground to the highest point of the vessel.
We will to need to know the boat’s weight as well.
There are the following options available for overseas shipping:
Enclosed container
If a boat fits the dimensions of a standard 20/40’ container (up to 40’ long, 7’8” wide and 7’10” high, please see container types & dimensions on the left) it can be loaded into a container. If the trailer is wider, sometimes some extra work is needed in order to load such a trailer (taking off the wheels, fenders or axle). If the shape of a boat allows us, we will be able to load the boat up to 102” wide. In that case we would make a cradle or use a trailer and load the boat at an angle.
Flat Rack container:
This option is recommended for oversized boats. If a boat does not have its own trailer a cradle it has to be built to support the vessel. The cargo has to be loaded and secured properly. A marine surveyor team will inspect the cargo before loading the vessel.
By Ro/Ro vessel (Roll-on / Roll-off):
If the boat cannot fit in 20/40’ container and is on a trailer, for most destinations the best option is shipping by Ro/Ro vessels. These special kind of vessels look like huge floating parking garages.
The boat should be prepared for such a shipment since the price will be based on the overall dimensions of your cargo. It is strongly recommended that you remove all electronics, radar, jailers, antennas, horns, propellers, flag masts, lifelines, stanchions, bow and stern pulpits, riggings, winches, wind indicators, lights, the windshield and Plexiglas that protrude over the flying bridge, canvas, anchors etc., pack securely and stow below (please see below “Preparing the Boat for Transport”).
When you deliver your boat to the particular loading port terminal, you should have a set of documents in your hands. We will prepare documents and them send to you in advance. In some ports, the port authorities request that only an escort team can deliver such a cargo. We will advise you on time.
If you cannot arrange such a delivery, we can organize p/u and bring your boat to the loading place. We can organize pick up from any point in United States and transfer to the designated port terminal.
If you ship your boat on trailer by Ro-Ro vessel please be sure to check the local laws at the destination regarding standard requirements or restrictions of trailer equipment (lights, brake system, overall dimensions etc. ). If you cannot pick up and drive your boat from the port of destination you will be exposed to additional costs, either to buy and install some parts and adjust to the local laws or to hire special “low flatbed truck” so you can get your cargo transferred to you ultimate destination.
Lift on – Lift off:
If you have a larger boat or yachts that cannot go by RO/RO service (either they are in the water or the shipper does not have a trailer or does not want to make a cradle), they can be shipped by a Lift on – Lift off service. This requires a crane operator in each port to load & unload the boat from the vessel deck.
Such a service is offered from selected ports in the US and usually covers certain routes. The vessel schedule for such a service is tight and room is limited. You have to plan accordingly and make a booking on time, very often 3-6 months in advance depending on destination. The carriers offer service form the US to Africa, Europe/ Mediterranean, Middle East, Caribbean, Far East, Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti.
Float on – Float of transport (submersing)
Submersion: When the boats are loaded and unloaded directly from the water.
When shipping mega yachts and boats that cannot be lifted on a vessel, the best option is to send them by Float on – Float of service. Once we make a booking and confirm sailing, the carrier’s crew will make deck preparation for your boat. When an appointment for loading comes, the vessel will submerge to a draft that allows you to drive the boat in the dock bay without hitting the deck preparations. When all yachts are at their designated places above advance prepared rubber mats or wooden cribbing blocks, the divers will upright up all temporary supports.
Then they will drain the water. The crew will tighten and secure every single boat. The sea fastenings are welded to the deck of the vessel and tensioned to the hull of the yacht. After that, the belts are attached to the bollards on the yachts and the deck eye's of the vessel. When all is finished, a marine surveyor is assigned to survey the lashing and securing of the yachts. After receiving Certificate of Approval, the vessel will sail toward it destination. At the destination, we have some kind of a reverse process. The vessel will submerge again to a draft that allows you to drive the boat out of the vessel.
Such a service is offered from the selected ports in US and usually covers certain routes. The vessel schedule for such a service is tight and room is limited. You have to plan accordingly and make a booking on time, very often 3-6 months in advance depending of destination. The carriers offer service from the US to Africa, Europe/ Mediterranean, Middle East, Caribbean, Far East, Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti.
Preparing the boat for transport:
Proper preparation of your boat for transport will save you money and avoid problems during shipping. Ocean carriers calculate transport costs by volume in all occasions except enclosed containers. It is strongly recommended that you remove all electronics, radar, jailers, antennas, horns, propellers, flag masts, lifelines, stanchions, bow and stern pulpits, riggings, winches, wind indicators, lights, the windshield and Plexiglas that protrude over the flying bridge, canvas, anchors etc., pack securely and stow below. Check for any loose items or items that can become loose. Stow all loose gear and secure. All gear stored below must be secured. Lock the cabin. Keep the key with you.
If the boat is far away from the port and needs to be towed, keep in mind that the maximum height of many overpasses is 13’ 6”. A boat loaded on a trailer with an overall height greater than 13’6” requires special handling and routing. Inland road transport of boats wider than 8’6” requires state permits since they are regarded as oversized cargo.
Drain fuel and water tanks as much as possible. During the winter months, ensure that all water has been drained from water systems, pumps and air conditioner.
The batteries should be disconnected and cables tied off. Although U.S. Customs doesn’t require original title and Bill of Sale for title clearance, it is better to have these documents ready. Occasionally, at certain ports, U.S. Customs authorities ask for these documents. As a result it is recommended that you send these documents to us. Once the shipment is loaded we will return the documents to the owner.
The cost of ocean freight is either per boat or Jet Ski shipped in containers, or per commodity description (type of boat or Jet Ski) and its size and weight. We arrange for professional packers to load the boat or Jet Ski into the container.
Aqua Air Enterprises cargo liability insurance is $500 per boat or Jet Ski, therefore, we strongly recommend requesting additional insurance. The cost is 1.5% of the value, (including ocean freight cost); the deductible is $500.
The following documents will be needed:
Beside the fact that U.S. Customs so far does not require the original titles or BoS to be cleared at the port of export, sometimes they ask for the the documents as with any other vehicle export. You should provide the following documents:
- Original title
- Bill of Sale, with boat year, make and model as well as Hull #
(BoS has to have a visible statement that machine has been paid in full)
- Letter of Lien Release from financial institution, if vessel bought on a loan
- Boat Shipping Info Sheet
- Export Power of Attorney
- Insurance Form
