Often Buyers and Owners face the challenge of transporting yachts; which can be done effectively and economically by a number of well-established worldwide operations. In today’s world it is common to see good opportunities to buy yachts in areas offering a favorable currency exchange and including the cost of transporting yachts to home locations. The US is currently favored by regions such as Australia and Europe for yacht buyers who then transport yachts back to these areas.
Ocean-going Carriers transport Yachts around the Globe
Shipping as deck cargo, or on a specialized yacht carrier can both extend the opportunities to cruise parts of the world which cannot be accessed easily, due to range constraints or weather concerns. There is virtually a ship for every port destination; anywhere in the world. Transporting yachts by ocean carrier saves much wear and tear often experienced by long trans-oceanic cruises, not to mention the hours accumulated on the machinery and systems. Yachts arrive in a ready-to-go state (minus cleaning). Often they can be attached to shore power while underway.
Carriers such as Dockwise offer submersible yacht carriers which offer float-on-off service whereby the yacht is driven onto the yacht with divers placing supports for the hull, then the cargo area is raised and un-flooded. This service travels worldwide with such destinations as South Florida, USA, Vancouver, Canada, West coast Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia, Tahiti, Europe (Mediterranean), Caribbean and many more. Other ships (SevenStar ) offer crane service which pick up the yacht with teams of cranes and carry the yachts as deck cargo with service worldwide.
When using a ship transport, the yacht will carry a separate cargo insurance policy and often be shrink-wrapped (enclosed in a plastic shell) to protect the yacht on long-cruises. I advise customers to even consider moving yachts over short distances (1000 miles) by this method, especially if the trip is against wind conditions (as often found between moving from South Florida to the Virgin Islands – as it is much easier coming back from the VI’s with prevailing winds from the stern).
Domestic Trucking is used to transport Yachts of certain Sizes
Moving smaller yachts within continental North America can be economically accomplished by trucking. Most express style yachts are built so that they can be moved by truck and trailer without exceeding a height limit of 13’6″ and a beam (width limit) of 14′ from the road. Depending on the route, some road transports can exceed this height. Even some sedan style motor yachts can have the flybridge removed and shipped on the same trailer; then reassembled on the delivered side. Beware that the US northeast is very complicated in terms of permitting yacht transports and can be costly.
This method of transporting yachts is not more economical than physically driving a yacht, but can save wear and tear. Most owners will shrink-wrap the yacht while transporting. Sometimes a combination of transporting yachts will be the most effective way to accomplish deliveries. Such as moving a lake-bound yacht to a navigable waterway where an on-water delivery team can take over.
Professional Crews are used to Deliver Yachts
Professional delivery crews are also employed to move yachts between locations. Many are free-lance operators who have many years of experience. It is an important consideration to select a delivery crew who has experience on the desired route and with the type of yacht being delivered. Provision should be made for weather conditions which could potentially interrupt the trip, as often occurs…so that the delivery can be accomplished smoothly and without damage. Also, the owner should consider having the boat or yacht in top condition prior to leaving, along with having spare propellers onboard to prevent delays from mishaps or break-downs.
Do you need some Transport Advice?
AK Yachts has many customers who elect to buy yachts which are good buying opportunities from various locations and transport to their home port . We handle all aspects of this service at no-charge to the customer and can often negotiate more favorable pricing. As worldwide currencies become stronger against the US dollar, many international yacht buyers seek the used yacht market in the US, especially South Florida; where most of the best opportunities to buy yachts advantageously are found. We see many buyers from Europe, Australia, South and Central America and Canada who recognize this fact and make up a major part of our buying market – then use transport services to bring their purchased yachts to their home port. Many buyers elect to use their newly purchased yacht to cruise our fine destinations, such as the Bahamas and Florida Keys prior to transporting yachts. AK Yachts often handles the management (including dockage, maintenance, captain services, etc) to assist these happy new owners to keep the boat in South Florida and do some excellent cruising prior to transport.
Please feel free to contact Andy Kniffin (954) 292-0629 or andy@akyachts.com if you would like to discuss your goals.
