There are some estimates that will give an idea of the cost to ship a boat to Europe, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to as much as $1,000 per foot (based on the length of the yacht). But the best way to find the cost is to do a bit of comparison shopping with three or four shipping-service companies. Fill out a simple form that gives size and make of the boat, along with the boat’s present location and intended location. In a matter of minutes, or a few hours, you can have an exact price.

But there is much more to determining the cost to ship a boat to Europe than just what it will cost to have the boat on the roll on/roll off deck or in a container. The price from a U.S. dock, for example, to a European court is just part of the expense. Anyone planning to ship a boat to Europe should also consider land transportation from the original location, port and dock charges, insurance, and storage and land transportation on arrival in Europe.

There is another factor to consider when thinking about the cost to ship a boat to Europe. Several companies can offer a one-price-fits-all number that takes your boat from its present location to your possession. This may be the most economical way to go. Not only that but you may also want to look at a few shipping methods – roll on/roll off, enclosed container, flat rack, etc.

Anyone considering the cost to ship a boat to Europe should also think about the growth in the industry in recent years. Competition has lowered prices somewhat and it is possible to find a company that will offer a very low cost. But it may be better to choose a slightly higher quote from a company with long experience. A wise boat owner compares the shipping cost to the value of the craft being shipped. If the complete cost of transportation and delivery is very low in comparison to the boat’s value, you may not be getting the best service.

Roll on/roll off shipping is generally the least expensive option. With experienced, reliable shipping services using roll on/roll off, your cost to ship a boat to Europe may be considerably less than flat rack container or other forms of shipping. But when choosing what is commonly known as RoRo, make sure that you are assured of the security and protection you desire. Boats shipped roll on/roll off will be protected from rain, sun and sea spray. But make sure you have liability insurance as well as coverage for your craft as well.

One other factor to consider when figuring the cost to ship a boat to Europe: roll on/roll off shipping does not allow for sending personal items as part of the freight. If you provide for individual container shipping you can include items in the container as part of the package.

Carrying your recreational boat to Sweden when you are moving from USA will be a part of your moving plan. It is worth spending to move your boat because boats are expensive in Europe and you can’t simply trash a used boat just because you are relocating. Moving boats economically is possible with reputable USA boat shippers to Sweden. These people will take care of your boat from your home and make sure that your boat reaches you in good condition in Sweden. You can do temporary as well as permanent export of boats to Sweden depending on your preference.

Finding USA boat shippers to Sweden takes some time because not all companies are capable of shipping boats internationally. While many moving companies can provide car shipping and even motorcycle shipping, boat shipping has special demands. Boats either sailor or motor, are available in different shapes and sizes. Further, preparing the boat is a tedious task. Shrink wrapping boats when they are shipped internationally is recommended, but you have to do it properly if you don’t want the boat to be damaged during shipping process. You should make sure that the moving company you select for shipping your boat is very well aware of the requirements of international boat shipping.

Sweden is a member of EU and people exporting boats from EU countries will have tax advantages. When you are moving your recreational boat from the United States, you have to inform the Swedish port about the import of your boat. Your USA boat shippers to Sweden will take care of contacting the customs office and telling the estimated delivery date of your boat. Once the boat arrives at Swedish port, customs duties and taxes must be paid. For boats, VAT is determined depending on the age and weight of the boat. Further, additional tax and fees may be charged to let you take the boat into Sweden and use it inside the country. Testing of your boat will be done at the customs office before clearing VAT status.

Documents required for shipping boat from USA to Sweden include original registration document for the boat, insurance policy documents, and radio license used in the boat or ship. Also, you need to submit radio operator’s certificate for one of the crew members who will be onboard when the boat is set to sail. The USA boat shippers to Sweden handling international shipping of your boat will be able to help you with the documents required.

Preparing your boat is very important to ensure damage free shipping. You should ask your USA boat shippers to Sweden about how to prepare your boat. Normally, movers want you to remove all loose items from the boat. Non-detachable items must be secured safely using tapes. You need a valid marine inspector to inspect the boat and validate the condition of the boat before shipping. Keep the bill of lading provided by the shipping company in a safe place and buy optimal marine insurance that will cover the full value of your boat because you should be prepared for unforeseen natural calamities that may affect your boat when it is on the oceans.

After making sure that the original registry documents are complete it may be wise to clear up any doubts about showing proof of ownership when the yacht arrives at its European destination. If you have questions about operating a yacht of a particular size or design in specific areas of Europe, confirm this information before investing additional time and money in shipping a yacht from USA to Europe.

Allow yourself plenty of time to put all the documentation and time schedules in place, leaving time to make adjustments and fine-tune the shipping plan. Shipping a yacht from USA to Europe may go more smoothly if you have worked with professionals in overseas shipping or offshore yacht management before. These companies have extensive experience in such areas as registration, taxes and insurance, legal advice on requirements in the United States and Europe etc.

Among the key details involved with shipping a yacht from USA to Europe are:

• Transportation of yacht from your site or seller site to shipping location

• Container/covered shipping, roll on/roll off shipping

• Customs documentation, both U.S. and Europe

• Off-loading plans – include delivery in Europe if necessary

Several companies will take your yacht from purchase to European delivery, including: docking or warehousing at both ends; land transportation if required; contracts with agents at various ports as well as with the ship owner. Most of the experienced service companies will even help you with additional insurance so that your yacht is covered from start to finish. These details can be extremely important to a European resident who will not travel to the U.S. when shipping a yacht from USA to Europe.

Of course, most of these crucial details come with associated costs. Most yacht buyers understand that they will have to pay for insurance and for the time the yacht is on the ocean. But short-distance transportation costs, port/dock charges and other handling expenses can add significantly to the overall cost of shipping a yacht from USA to Europe.

Be sure that the voyage insurance covers all contingencies up to the full value of the yacht. When arranging to ship a yacht from the USA to Europe insurance should provide for such details as short-term holding on both continents, liability of yacht owner to cover other persons and property, delays and damage that might occur due to a strike or violent activity anywhere along the way. In reference to this final item, the plan for shipping a yacht from USA to Europe should always include provisions for security. When shipping a yacht from USA to Europe, if you, as owner, don’t know who will be protecting your investment and how, ask!

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at and is filed under boat transport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Boating is a favorite outdoor activity for many people. Buying a boat isn’t inexpensive and you won’t be interested in buying a new boat when you have to relocate to Europe. You should really think about shipping your boat to Europe when you are moving. Now, many auto transport companies provide boat shipping quotes to Europe and they safely ship your boats to the destination of your choice. With the advancements in the shipping technology and equipments, it is possible to ship a boat of any shape, weight, and size.

Once you have decided that you want to ship your boat, you should start looking for shipping companies that have the ability to ship a boat overseas. You should be careful with the choice because many auto transport companies that ship cars may not provide boat shipping, especially if your boat has specific needs. You should get boat shipping quotes to Europe from at least three international shipping companies that have relevant experience in shipping boats. It is crucial that you find the right moving company to do the shipping because damages caused to boat while shipping may be very expensive and boat shipping requires expertise.

The boat you own must be prepared for shipping and this must be done by an experienced boat yard. You can also prepare your boat for shipping under the supervision of a licensed marine surveyor. All the hatches must be secured tightly so that wind driven water will not damage the boat. Everything present in the boat cabin should be secured and the locker doors must be locked. You should never keep loose items in cabin because while shipping, loose items can get damaged easily. Batteries in your boat must be removed and cables must be tied avoiding any kind of contact.

Before loading your boat for shipping, you should inspect the boat for damages. This must be done by a professional who knows well about boats. The companies that provide boat shipping quotes to Europe will come to your home to inspect the home. A bill of lading will be provided after inspecting the boat. You should keep this document safe because when you pickup your boat at the destination, you should use the bill of lading to check for possible damages.

You should shrink wrap your boat to avoid any damage that can be caused by weather conditions. This will protect your boat while shipping it. When you have boat cradles, it is better to ship your boats in cradles because they are designed exclusively to hold the boat in place. You can also use your own trailer to ship boats internationally. The moving companies that ship boats to Europe won’t assume any responsibility if the integrity of your cradle or trailer is damaged.

The companies that give you boat shipping quotes to Europe must have proper license to ship boats. You should also make sure that you get marine insurance options so that you can find an option that is affordable for you. Also, you should ask the shipping company to help you with the paperwork for export and import of boats.