Yacht Transport & Delivery Services
Sometimes you need to be in a place you can't sail to — at least not without months of upwind work or transiting somewhere you'd rather avoid. Shipping a boat by cargo carrier or hiring a delivery skipper to bring it across solves that. Both are expensive; the choice depends on time, money, and your relationship with the boat.
Shipping (cargo carrier)
Major operators include Sevenstar Yacht Transport, Peters & May, and DYT Yacht Transport. Boats are loaded onto purpose-built ships at designated ports, transit, and unloaded at destination. Insurance is typically included.
Delivery skipper
A professional skipper (with or without crew) sails the boat. You pay day rate plus expenses (fuel, food, crew, marina fees, return travel). Faster setup than shipping; slower transit. Boat accumulates use during delivery.
What it costs
| Service | Common range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caribbean to Med (shipping) | $30,000–45,000 | 40-foot monohull |
| Med to USA (shipping) | $35,000–55,000 | 40-foot monohull |
| USA East to West (shipping) | $25,000–40,000 | 40-foot monohull |
| Catamaran shipping premium | +50% | Beam-based |
| Delivery skipper day rate | $250–450 | Per day |
| Crew day rate | $150–250 | Each |
| Caribbean–US delivery (sail) | $5,000–9,000 | Skipper + crew, all-in |
Routing examples
- Caribbean → Med (eastbound): Usually ships (the route is upwind for sail).
- Med → Caribbean (westbound): Sail (with trade winds) or ship.
- USA East Coast → Med: Either.
- Across Panama Canal: Sail (canal transit is cheap and straightforward).
- Pacific transit: Sail unless on a strict deadline; shipping is expensive and limited.
Frequently asked questions
Ship or sail?
Ship for time-pressured or upwind moves. Sail when the route works and time exists.
Shipping cost?
$25,000–60,000 for a 40-foot monohull, route dependent.
Who are the shippers?
Sevenstar, Peters & May, DYT.
Delivery skipper?
Day rate $250–450 plus expenses. Caribbean–US delivery $5,000–9,000.
Insurance?
Shipping typically includes; delivery use your policy with confirmation.