A new yacht built in Holland typically reaches Florida or the Mediterranean in one of three ways: as deck cargo on a cargo ship, on a float-on, float-off yacht transport vessel, or, for the Mediterranean, by road on a specialist trailer. For a yacht such as the 13.5 m AZUR 45HT, all three are usually possible. The right choice depends on the destination, the timing, the budget and the size of the yacht.
This is a general guide. The details for your yacht are always agreed with the yard and the transport company.
Why shipping is part of the plan
Every Bekkers yacht is hand-built in aluminium at our yard in Heusden. Many owners keep theirs far from Holland: in Miami, Mallorca, Greece or Croatia. Crossing the Atlantic under its own power is not realistic for a 45 ft weekender, and even a delivery cruise to the Mediterranean adds engine hours, wear and weather risk. So delivery is planned from the start, to let the yacht arrive in the season you want to use it.
The three main methods
| Method | How it works | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|
| Deck cargo (lift-on, lift-off) | The yacht is lifted by crane onto the deck of a cargo ship, secured in a cradle | Transatlantic and long routes, flexible ports |
| Float-on, float-off | A semi-submersible ship ballasts down, yachts float into position, the ship rises and they settle onto supports | Popular routes such as Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Florida, often on a fixed schedule |
| Road transport | The yacht travels on a specialist low-loader trailer, with escort vehicles and permits where needed | European destinations, within size limits |
Deck cargo: lift-on, lift-off
This is the most common method for transatlantic shipping of yachts in the 40 to 60 ft range. The yacht is lifted out of the water with slings and a crane, placed in a cradle on the deck of a cargo vessel, and secured with lashings. At the destination port, the process is reversed.
Deck cargo offers flexibility, with many ports and departures to choose from. The trade-off is that the yacht is lifted by crane twice, so careful sling positions, padding and supervision matter.
Float-on, float-off
Specialist yacht transport ships work differently. The ship takes on ballast water and partly submerges, turning its deck into a dock. Yachts motor in under their own power and are positioned over prepared supports. Divers check the position, the ship pumps out the ballast, and the yachts settle gently onto the supports as the deck rises.
There is no crane lift. These ships typically sail fixed routes on a published schedule, for example between Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the US East Coast.
Road transport to the Mediterranean
For destinations in Europe, a yacht of 13.5 m with a beam of 4.32 m can often travel by road on a specialist trailer. A beam of this size usually counts as an exceptional load, which means permits, set routes, travel at agreed times and escort vehicles in some countries. The yacht is then launched at a port or yard near its home berth. The larger Carib 64HT, at 18.7 m with a 5.4 m beam and 37 t, will more typically go by sea. The yard will advise on the best delivery method for your model and destination.
The cradle
For deck cargo and road transport, the yacht rests in a cradle: a steel frame with padded supports placed at the right points of the hull. It spreads the weight, keeps the yacht upright and gives the lashings secure points to hold on to.
It should match the hull shape and weight distribution of the specific yacht, with supports typically placed under strong structural areas such as bulkheads. Some owners keep the cradle for winter storage ashore. Ask the yard whether a cradle is supplied with your yacht.
Preparing the yacht
Before shipping, loose items are secured. Glass, stainless steel and the Flexiteek deck are protected, fuel and water are reduced to agreed levels, batteries are made safe and the condition is documented with photos. At arrival, the yacht is checked, commissioned and tested before handover.
Insurance
Insurance during transport deserves attention. A regular yacht policy does not always cover the yacht while it is being shipped or carried by road. Owners typically arrange marine cargo or transit insurance for the journey, covering the agreed value from the moment of lifting to the moment of delivery. Check who arranges it, which risks are covered, how the value is set and what the excess is. The carrier's own liability is typically limited, so it is not a replacement for proper cover. The yard will confirm how cover is arranged for your delivery.
Timing
Delivery time depends on the route, the shipping schedule, port handling, customs and commissioning. Demand also peaks before the Mediterranean summer and the Florida winter season, so space can be limited.
Ask the yard for the expected transit time to your destination. A good rule is to book transport as soon as the completion date is clear, especially before a peak season.
Costs
Cost depends on the method, the route, the size and weight of the yacht, the season and the services included. The yard will confirm in your quote how transport is priced. Ask for a written quote that lists what is included: cradle, lifting, lashing, port fees, insurance, customs handling and commissioning.
Customs and VAT
Within the EU there are no customs, but VAT must be settled, typically in the country of delivery or registration. The United States involves customs entry and, typically, an import duty. Independent advice is always wise. See Bekkers Yachts in the Americas and Bekkers Yachts in the Mediterranean.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common way to ship a yacht from the Netherlands to Florida?
For yachts in the 40 to 60 ft range, the most common methods are deck cargo on a cargo ship, secured in a cradle, or a float-on, float-off yacht transport vessel. Both are typically used for transatlantic routes.
Can a 45 ft yacht be transported to the Mediterranean by road?
Often, yes. A yacht with a beam of around 4.3 m usually travels as an exceptional load, with permits and sometimes escorts. Whether it is the best option depends on the route, the destination and the timing.
Is my yacht insured during shipping?
Not automatically. A regular yacht policy may not cover transport, so owners typically arrange separate marine transit insurance. Always check who arranges it and what is covered.
How long does it take to ship a yacht from Holland to Florida?
It depends on the method, the schedule and the season, plus time for handling, customs and commissioning. The yard can give you the expected timing for your route. We advise planning transport as soon as the completion date is known.
