Shipping a boat overseas requires specialized handling, and it is something we do regularly. Whether you are a boat dealer selling to buyers in Guyana, a buyer purchasing a vessel from a US seller, or a boat owner relocating to another country, the process is more straightforward than most people expect when handled by the right team.
Here is exactly how it works.
Why Boats Are Shipped on Flat Racks
Boats cannot be packed inside a standard shipping container. The hull shape, beam width (how wide a boat is), and height of most vessels means they physically do not fit inside an enclosed container. Even if a small boat could theoretically fit, the awkward shape makes it inefficient and costly.
Flat rack containers solve this. A flat rack is an open platform with no roof and no side walls. Cargo sits on top and extends as wide or as tall as needed, secured by chains and straps rather than enclosed by walls.
The flat rack is then lifted by crane at the port and loaded onto the vessel for the ocean voyage.
The Boat Shipping Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Pickup The boat arrives at our facility on its trailer. If the boat is stored at a marina or private property, we arrange specialized transport to bring it to our facility. You do not need to deliver it yourself.
Step 2: Fluid Removal Before any ocean shipment, all fluids must be removed from the vessel. This includes: - Gasoline and fuel from tanks - Engine oil - Bilge water - Any other on-board liquids
This is a requirement under international maritime regulations and US customs export rules. We handle all fluid removal at our facility. You do not need to arrange a separate marine service.
Step 3: Shrink-Wrapping Once the fluids are removed, the entire boat is professionally shrink-wrapped. This protects the vessel from: - Salt air and sea spray during ocean transit - UV exposure - Physical contact with securing equipment - Weather during port handling
Step 4: Flat Rack Placement The boat is carefully positioned on the flat rack. Depending on the vessel size and shape, the boat may remain on its trailer or be positioned directly on the flat rack. Our team determines the most stable and cost-efficient configuration.
Step 5: Securing and Lashing The vessel is secured using chains, straps, and custom blocking. Lashing points are selected to distribute load properly and prevent any movement during ocean transit. All securing meets international maritime lashing standards.
Step 6: Export Documentation We prepare all export documentation including the Electronic Export Information (EEI), bill of lading, and any country-specific export paperwork for your destination.
Step 7: Ocean Transit The flat rack is transported to the port, lifted by crane, and loaded onto the vessel. Transit times vary by destination: - Guyana: 10 to 14 days - Costa Rica: 7 to 12 days - Guatemala: 7 to 10 days - India: 25 to 35 days
Step 8: Destination Port At the destination, cranes unload the flat rack. The buyer takes possession of the vessel at the port.
What Types of Boats We Ship
We ship boats of all types including: - Powerboats and motorboats - Fishing boats, recreational and commercial - Sailboats and catamarans - Pontoon boats - Center console boats - Cuddy cabins and bowriders - Larger yachts
For very large vessels that exceed standard flat rack dimensions, contact us to discuss specialized shipping solutions.
Get a Free Boat Shipping Quote
Tell us your boat's length, beam width, height, current location, and destination. We will provide a complete quote within 24 hours and handle every step from pickup to port.