yacht transport boat essentials for safe global moves

What these ships do

A yacht transport boat is a specialized carrier designed to move sailboats and motor yachts between marinas, regions, and continents without adding engine hours or wear. Crews build custom cradles, apply soft lashings, and handle lift points with surveyed gear to keep hulls balanced and protected.

How the process works

Depending on draft and size, loading may be lift-on/lift-off with spreader bars, or semi-submersible float-on where the ship ballasts down and yachts motor into position. Schedules follow seasonal routes-Med to Caribbean, Pacific crossings-and timing can save weeks versus delivery by crewed passage.

Planning and costs

Quotes typically include cradle fabrication, port fees, and basic insurance; you’ll still want a condition survey and to secure loose gear, biminis, and electronics. Lightly fueled tanks, fresh anodes, and photographed rigging reduce surprises at discharge.

• Confirm measurements: LOA, beam, air draft, displacement
• Verify insurance limits and exclusions
• Choose flexible dates to catch convoy pricing
• Prepare customs paperwork and serial numbers
• Arrange post-arrival lift, wash, and recommissioning