Boat and yacht shippingBoat and yacht shipping from Dubai, lifted or floated.
Boat and yacht shipping moves a vessel as cargo, either lifted onto a ship, floated onto a submersible carrier or lashed on a flat rack. Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai, plans the lift, the cradle, the survey and the export paperwork for commercial boats, workboats and yachts. Tell us the length, beam, height and weight, and we recommend the method and the route.
Ways to ship a boat or yacht
The method depends on size, draft and budget. Click a row for the detail.
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A crane lifts the boat in its cradle onto a deck or into a hold | Most yachts and work boats up to the crane limit | |
| The vessel floats onto a submersible carrier, which then lifts it clear of the water | Large yachts and boats that cannot be lifted | |
| A small boat in a cradle is lashed on a flat rack container | Small boats and tenders | |
| The boat sails under its own power or is towed | Short regional moves with a crew |
Getting a boat ready to ship
A boat travels on deck, so it needs preparing for weather, handling and customs.
- 01
Measurements and weight
Length, beam, height and displacement decide the vessel, the cradle and the crane.
- 02
Surveys
A pre-shipment survey records the condition of the hull and fittings, and protects you in a claim.
- 03
The hull rests in a cradle or on bunks rated for the weight and the sea state.
- 04
Fuel, gas and batteries
Fuel tanks, gas bottles and batteries are emptied or secured. Some can be dangerous goods.
- 05
Road transport
We arrange the low-bed trailer, escort and crane from the marina to the port.
- 06
Mast and loose items
Masts, antennas and loose gear are removed or lashed, and the cabin is emptied.
Documents for exporting a boat
A boat is registered property, so ownership and registration papers matter.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Proof of ownership or bill of sale | Shows who may export the boat |
| Identifies the boat and its flag or registry | |
| Filed with Dubai Customs before loading | |
| Records condition and supports any claim | |
| Commercial invoice and packing list | Gives value, dimensions and weight to customs |
| Insurance certificate | Marine cargo cover for the voyage |
boat and yacht shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsAsk a freight questionLift-on/lift-off uses a crane to hoist the boat onto the ship. Float-on/float-off has the boat float onto a submersible carrier. Float-on suits larger or heavier yachts, while lift-on is more common and usually cheaper for boats within crane limits. Both need a cradle and a survey.
- Lift-on needs crane capacity.
- Float-on suits large yachts.
Yes, usually on a flat rack. Few boats fit inside a closed container. The boat sits in a cradle and is lashed down. Beam and height decide whether it counts as out of gauge, which adds a surcharge. Send us the dimensions and we confirm the equipment.
- Flat rack for small boats.
- Check beam and height.
Yes. We arrange a cradle rated for your boat, a pre-shipment survey with photos, and the low-bed transport from the marina to the port. These records protect you if a damage claim arises later. Send us the length, beam, height and weight to start.
- Survey protects a claim.
- Photos before loading.
Several documents are usual. You need proof of ownership, the registration certificate, an invoice with packing details, and an export declaration filed with Dubai Customs. Insurance and a survey report are strongly advised. Some destinations ask for more papers on import, so check early.
- Ownership and registration.
- Check import rules abroad.