Boat transport - Costs and what to look out for.
There are two types of boat transport: land transport (road transport) and water transport (transport by skipper or tow and push transport). You can do this yourself or find a suitable professional to bring your boat to its destination. On this page we inform you about the costs of boat transport and what to pay attention to when transporting your boat within the Netherlands or internationally.
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Boat transportation costs need not be high. Our carriers transport your boat or yacht expertly but at competitive rates. Boat transportation is a profession in its own right. Therefore, it is wise to use a specialized boat transport company that has all the papers, insurance and permits for boat transport. Especially when it comes to valuable yachts.
Boat transport by road
Specialized transport companies can deliver a boat on a trailer or semi-trailer to location by road. Small boats or watercraft can be transported on a boat trailer behind a car with a tow bar. Boat trailers often have a winch that allows them to pull small boats out of the water at a trailer ramp. Slightly larger boats or boats with a deep keel must be pulled out of the water with a crane. In this case, the trailer is driven along the dock and the boat is placed on the trailer this way.
Large boats and yachts are too big for a regular boat trailer and need to be transported by a truck with a trailer. The larger boat transporters have what are called flatbed trailers. With a flatbed trailer, the cargo area is lower so it lies between the axles. This allows tall boats with deep keels to still be transported simply by road.
Transportation by water
Of course, a boat can also be delivered to location via waterways. In that case, there are two possibilities. The boat is ferried by a skipper. For a fee, or sometimes even for free, a skipper offers to ferry a boat over so that the boat owner can enjoy his vessel at the desired location. This is also called transport on one's own keel or yacht delivery. A boat can also be towed or pushed. In this case, another vessel tows or pushes the boat to location. This is also done, for example, with the transportation of houseboats.
Yacht Delivery
Many thousands of private yachts are sailed across the ocean each year by boaters to be brought to the owner's location. The most common reasons that a yacht is sailed across is because the owner wants to sail on location, but does not want to make the trip himself. Also common is that boats are brought to a race. Finally, yachts that are chartered/rented are frequently brought to location in this manner.
Yacht delivery (or yacht delivery) involves transporting a boat by ferrying it from one place to another. Many individuals prefer this method of transportation for their yacht. Especially for distant international destinations, this is an excellent transportation option.
The following applies regarding yacht delivery prices:
- A daily rate is agreed upon.
- A rate for the entire "project" is agreed upon.
- Transferring a yacht is usually more expensive than road transport, but involves less risk and preparation.
Additional services in yacht delivery
- The skipper himself can prepare the yacht for transport.
- Any maintenance or repair can be done.
- On-site storage or mooring of your boat can be arranged.
Place a free no-obligation quote request for your yacht delivery
Transport your own boat - boat trailer rental
Would you rather rent a boat trailer? We have network of rental companies with which we have nationwide coverage. Some of the boat transport companies in our business directory also rent trailers themselves. Pretty convenient if you have the time to do this yourself. In many cases, however, we do recommend leaving it to a professional. With our network of boat trailer rentals and boat transport companies, we help you find a suitable transport option throughout the Netherlands. Whether you want to rent a boat trailer in Friesland or you need to bring your boat to Amsterdam.
Boat trailer rental Amsterdam
In practice, we see a lot of transport from major cities. Finding a boat trailer for rent in Amsterdam is difficult, according to our customers' experiences. Many boats in Amsterdam's canals need to get in (from winter storage) and out every year. There are a number of companies in the business directory that can help with this.
Boat trailers for rent
Here are some examples of trailer rentals. Our partners have trailers for almost every type of boat available. We work a lot with solid Dutch brands like Pega.
Examples of boat trailers for rent
Boat trailer for rent up to 750 kg
Non-tilting or tilting trailer possible
Including hand winch / bow support
Lighting bar removable
Adjustable bilge rollers, support pads and keel rollers
Boat trailer for rent up to 1800 kg
Non-tiltable or tiltable variant boat trailer possible
Including hand winch / bow support
Extra robust lighting bar (fully removable)
Kim rollers / carrier pads / keel rollers
Points to consider when transporting with your own trailer
Is your driver's license adequate?
Is your driver's license adequate?This is strictly controlled in the Netherlands and can be dangerous. So don't just start driving, but consider carefully whether you are allowed to drive. There are different rules for a B license (normal car license) and BE license (car with trailer) needed.
B or BE driving license
Standard rule: Trailer + load must not exceed 750 kg.
A total weight of more than 750 kg may be towed with a B license, provided that the following 2 conditions are met:
-The total maximum combination (the maximum weight that car and trailer together can carry) weighs less than 3500 kg, and
-The unladen car is heavier than what the trailer can weigh at most.
So: when BE?
-When the weight of the trailer, load and car exceeds 3500 kg, or
-When the maximum permitted weight of the trailer exceeds the weight of the car without load plus its payload.
So with BE you can pull almost any trailer of any weight. Please note that the towing vehicle must be able to handle this. How much weight the towing vehicle can really pull can be found in the documentation/user manual of the car.
Make sure that the towing vehicle has a maximum mass less than 3,500 kilograms. If it is higher, you will need a large driver's license (category C).
With the chart on this page, you can easily determine step-by-step whether a B license is sufficient for you, or whether you need a BE.
Is the cargo/boat properly secured?
Of course, the boat must be properly secured. Preferably use straps, preferably too many rather than too few. Never put a boat loose on the trailer. Then drive around the neighborhood. Get out again and check that everything is still secure. Stop frequently along the way, especially if you are making a lot of turns or at relatively high speed. Then tighten all the straps and ropes again. This is for your own safety and that of your fellow road users.
Think carefully about where to launch the boat
There are not good points/ramps to launch your boat everywhere. If you have a berth at a marina, you can probably use a crane. If you do not have this facility, you will have to rely on low docks or boat ramps. Click here for an overview of all slipways in the Netherlands.
Experience shows that many people have trouble finding a good trailer rental company. So if you don't have a neighbor or family who still has a trailer in the backyard, you have to rely on a rental company. But these are especially hard to find in the suburbs. We have some excellent addresses of boat trailer rentals that we have had good experiences with ourselves.
Preparing boat transport
Good preparation is half the battle. So it is with boat transport. Above all, you want your boat to arrive on location safely and in one piece. For this, follow the tips below.
Check the condition of the boat
Note accurately all existing damage to the boat. Take photos of the boat, especially of the parts susceptible to damage. Make sure the photo clearly shows the date the photo was taken. A photo with a date stamp (or that day's newspaper, for example) seems excessive, but can be very useful. Often these are the parts that come into contact with the vehicle/trailer. Having the boat inspected and checked by an experienced expert is always a good idea. Don't distrust the carrier, but better safe than sorry!
Also remove all personal belongings from board. In this way, do not give rise to conflicts due to lack of clarity about what was and what was not on the ship. Large items (cushion sets, etc.) you can take with you, but let the transporter know and make a note of this. Again, a checklist is very helpful.
Arrange all preparations at least a day in advance. Then you still have plenty of time to take care of any forgotten things in time. There is always more to preparing a boat transport than the average boat owner thinks, so be prepared.
Checklist
- Place loose parts/equipment/interior below deck.
- Disconnect wiring (battery etc.)
- Make sure nothing is leaking (check especially the engine). Make sure the gasoline tank is (almost) empty.
- Close all windows tightly.
- Remove protruding accessories.
- Tape off piping.
Keep in mind that damage to parts that do not directly belong to the boat are not the responsibility of the carrier. Furthermore, boat transportation always involves some wear and tear. A boat races down the highway at high speed. Realize this well when you are transporting your boat. Of course, the transporter can always give you good advice on how to prepare your boat transport. See also our tips for transporting your mast.
What is the cost of boat transportation?
Cost, of course, is of great importance when hiring (or not) a boat transporter. We have listed a number of previously performed boat transports for your convenience. This will give you an idea of the costs.
- Specialist boat transport companies
- Sharp transportation costs
- Quick response
How is the price of boat transportation determined?
Rates, depending on various factors (boat size, distance, permits, etc.) can vary quite a bit. Generally, boat carriers charge a mileage rate, possibly supplemented by additional fees. Based on this, a fixed rate is agreed with the customer. Making a price is always recommended. That way, at least there will be no surprises.
Below are a number of previously completed transports with the total boat transport costs listed. Please note that prices are established on a case-by-case basis and cannot always be determined unequivocally. The amounts below are an indication.
| Boot | Type | Laad-Los | Prijs | Afmetingen (lxbxh in m) | Gewicht (kg) | Afstand (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayliner 2655 | Speedboot | Boxmeer-Groningen | 400 | 900x294x345 | 2750 | 230 |
| Varianta 18 | Zeilboot | Greifswald (Du.)-Lemmer | 635 | 575cm x 240cm x 250cm | 710 | 630 |
| Schokker | Zeilboot | Giethoorn-Aalsmeer | 300 | 600cm x 200cm x 100cm | 600 | 140 |
| Dufour | Zeilboot | Pijnacker-Leiden | 400 | 9 metercm x 2.9 metercm x 2.80 metercm | 3700 | 25 |
| Intercruiser 27 | Sloep | Alkmaar-Middelburg | 750 | 830cm x 300cm x 310cm | 3500 | 200 |
| Antaris RB 18 | Sloep | Nederhorst den Berg-Alblasserdam | 325 | 610cm x 233cm x 105cm | 1050 | 80 |
| Beenakkervlet | Motorboot | Oosterbeek-Earnewald | 375 | 650cm x 200cm x 250cm | 1650 | 170 |
| Motorboot | Sloep | Belt-Schutsloot - Hengelo | 250 | 550x250x120 | 2000 | 100 |
| Piewiet | Zeilboot | Lelystad - Koper (Slovenië) | 7230 | 10m70 x 3m50 x 3m90 | 6000 | 1350 |
| Monterey 250 | Speedboot | Mechelen (Bel.)-Montpellier | 2390 | 8.20 x 2.60 | 2750 | 1000 |
| Kievit 680 | Zeilboot | Willemstad - Sneek | 695 (zonder kraan), 975 (kraanwagen) | 6m80 x 2m30 x 3m00 | 1250 | 230 |
| Kruiser | Motorboot | Harderwijk - Klarenbeek | 484 | 7300 x 2700 x 2200 mm | 3500 | 50 |
| Delanta | Zeilboot | Harderwijk - Ermelo | 450 | 800x300x300 | 3000 | 7 |
| Nelson 46 | Zeilboot | Port St. Louis (Fr.) - Lelystad | 8954 | 1495x425x430 | 18000 | 1270 |
| Target 1070 | Zeilboot | Leeuwarden - Drimmelen | 800 | 1070x300x350 | 8500 | 215 |
| Eolo 95 | Motorboot | Zoeterwoude - Spanje | 3000 | 590x245x150 | 1000 | 1700 |
| Gornu 770 | Sloep | Leeuwarden - Zwolle | 560 | 770x265x | 2000 | 100 |
| Maaskruiser | Kruiser | Boxtel-Kerkdriel | 700 | 1200x370 | 12000 | 30 |
| Toucan | Zeilboot | Lausanne Zwitserland - Loosdrecht | 1975 tot 2975 | 1050x220 | 2050 | 900 |
| Bries 800 | Zeilboot | Zeewolde-Wolvega | 375 | 800x240 | 3000 | 100 |
| Majoni 35 | Motorboot | Oegstgeest-Nederhorst den Berg | 500 | 730x260 | 3500 | 60 |
| Kirie | Motorboot | Granville Frankrijk - Blankenberge | 3150 | 800x275x250 | 2500 | 600 |
| Beneteau 37 | Zeilboot | Barcelona-Nederland | 6200 | 1200x395x150 | 8500 | 1600 |
| Sunseeker 28 | Motorboot | Antwerpen-Rijnwaarden Lobith | 950 | 900x305 | 2000 | 200 |
| Lifestyle sloep | Sloep | Heukelum-Utrecht | 225 | 610x225 | 1200 | 45 |
| Motorboot | Motorboot | Oud Loosdrecht-Zwartewaal | 325 | 730x210 | 1200 | 100 |
| Leisure 17SL kimkieler | Zeilboot | Rotterdam - West-Knollendam | 250 | 556x220x145 | 808 | 100 |
| Curtevenne | Motorkruiser | Terherne - Kamperland | 1200 | 1040x350x240 | 8500 | 275 |
| Dufour 30 | Zeilboot | Leiden - Lemmer | 550 | 900x300x135 | 3000 | 150 |
| Nienke | Zeilboot | Huizen - Gieterveen | 600 | 980 | 6500 | 200 |
Many boat owners or prospective boat owners have no idea what a boat transport costs. This is quite understandable. After all, it is special transportation of a precious possession, that must be very expensive. In our experience, most boat owners find that the boat transport costs are not that high. Find out for yourself and place a quote request!
The final cost depends on the size and weight of the boat and the distance to be traveled. It also matters a lot whether the boat can be ferried with a skipper or must be transported by road. Most boat transport takes place within Europe, but intercontinental boat transport is also possible. The latter does involve much higher costs. Not just any company can transport a heavy boat. A company must have the proper permits and insurance. This may make the transport more expensive than having a non-certified boat transporter do the job, but it gives you the assurance of a true professional.
International boat transport
Prices of boat transportation abroad
Below is a list of some recently completed shipments of boats abroad:
| Boot | Type | Laad - Los | Prijs | Lengte (cm) | Gewicht (kg) | Afstand | Opmerkingen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almeria 850 | Polyester motorboot | Malchow (D) naar Urk | 1850 | 600 | 2800 | 500 | De kosten zijn all-in. Dus incl btw en tol. etc. |
| Offshore | Motorboot | Scheveningen - Spodsbjerg, Denemarken | 2490 | 900 | 4000 | 900 | excl. BTW en kraan kosten. Incl.; vergunning kosten NL + D en DK, tol en CMR verzekering. |
| Skutsje platbodem | Zeilboot | Amsterdam - Londen | 2000 - 2500 | 1000 | 7000 | 530 | Excl BTW en kraan kosten. Incl; ferry kosten. tol en CMR verzekering. |
| Fairline 34 | Motorboot | La Rochelle (Fr.) - Denemarken (oost kust) | 5000 | 1075 | 6000 | 1700 | |
| Kotter | Motorboot | Marmande (Fr.) - Hoogeveen | 6750 | 950 | 10000 | 1250 | inclusief btw maar ook met tol en begeleiding vergunning etc. |
| Myra 21 | Motorboot | Stockholm-Zweden naar Kerkdriel-Nederland | 4200 | 630 | 1200 | 1500 | Prijs hangt af van de datum en de tijd |
When transporting your boat internationally, there are a number of additional concerns. There will generally be more requirements for transportation, such as permits and insurance. Of course, this all depends on the circumstances of the case. Taking a boat to Belgium will be different from taking it to Turkey. A sloop is not the same as a 15-meter cruiser.
Small pool of suitable boat transport companies
In this segment , rates are higher on average. Larger distances simply mean that more fuel is consumed. The transport also takes longer, which means that the driver (or skipper) will incur more costs. Think of an overnight stay. Also, tolls must be paid on many roads. With a large cargo truck, that amount can add up. More is expected of carriers on international routes. Boat transport is a trade in itself, on international roads you only want a professional to transport your boat. Therefore, when looking for a boat transporter for international transportation, it is important to find a good driver and make good inquiries about the boat transporter's track record. Ask for an itemized quote from a transporter that includes all costs.
Boat transport companies
Below is a list of companies that may be able to help you with boat transportation.
Recent posted boat transports
Loading and unloading the boat
Loading and unloading of the boat are the moments of boat transportation when the most can go wrong. Needless to say, this must therefore be planned well in advance.
Loading and unloading via trailer ramp
Will the boat transport be arranged with a boat trailer with winch, and thus loaded and unloaded via a boat ramp? Then make sure there is a decent slipway nearby. Click here to see a nice overview of trailer ramps in the Netherlands. There are also reviews, so you know immediately whether the ramp is recommended.
Loading and unloading with crane
Or there is a crane on site that can lift your yacht or boat off the trailer/truck. In many marinas, this will be the case. Check with the marina in question for this. This does generally require payment. Or ask the transporter if they have a truck with a crane to load and unload the boat independently. Your transporter can best inform you about this. What is best in your case depends on the type of vessel and its dimensions/weight.
Your boat towing and push transport
Breakdown on the water? Engine trouble? Does your boat need to be towed or pushed? Through us, you are in quick contact with towing services.
Towing your boat can also be an alternative to other transportation (such as road transport). For example, when you have bought a boat, whose engine still needs to be repaired or installed. Our towing services will then bring your boat to your location.
You can place a no-obligation request for your towing, pushing, or other transportation work. The towing companies will then contact you themselves (according to your choice: by phone or e-mail). You can also independently approach a company through the business directory. Useful when there is a lot of urgency.
- Find a towing or pushing company.
- For example, in case of breakdown on the water.
- Transport within the Netherlands and internationally
Boat transportation to vacations
Transporting your boat to another destination allows you to visit new cruising areas. You are immediately on the spot and do not have to spend time sailing to this destination first. Depending on the destination and the time you have, you can have your yacht transported by a skipper or you can choose road transport. Road transport is somewhat faster and in many cases cheaper. Prices have become quite competitive, especially since a few years. Especially for smaller boats and lighter boats such as RIB boats, road transport is the most logical option. On the other hand, 'yacht delivery' is a more convenient option (after all, the boat does not have to leave the water). Finding someone willing to sail your yacht across doesn't have to be very expensive either. There are plenty of skippers (pensioners, for example) who will be happy to do this for you. If you arrange it cleverly, you only pay an expense allowance.
Boat transportation after purchasing new boat
You have already bought a new boat, so you want to keep transport costs as low as possible. Within Europe, this means transporting your boat by road. If you are importing a boat or yacht from the US or Asia (or other distant destinations) it is best to arrange this locally or find an international transport company to advise you. Transport by container, bulk transport, is in many cases the cheapest. There are several transport companies in the Netherlands that can handle the entire process ("door-to-door"). They do charge commission, of course. If you know what you are doing, you can arrange it yourself. However, these transport agencies have all the required documents and permits. At least they know what they are doing.
Permits and insurance for boat transport
Boat or yacht transportation is a profession in its own right. Transporting your valuable yacht requires a transporter who has the necessary papers, permits and insurance.
Conditions of boat transport
A good carrier operates under the AVC (General Transport Conditions 2002).. These were prepared with the cooperation of several major transportation industry advocates.
Legal obligation
A professional boat transporter must have an NIWO license according to the Road Goods Transport Act (Wwg). This is mandatory in any case if:
- The transporter transports third-party boats for a fee and
- The transporting vehicle has a load capacity of more than 500 kilograms.
An NIWO permit is therefore not required for own transport. Neither a boat owner who brings his boat to the garage nor a company that transports its own boats need to have such a permit. Furthermore, there are no exceptions to this legal permit requirement.
It is mandatory for every professional freight transport (transport for "third parties") to have a Euro Permit from the NIWO. In practice, however, many (boat) transporters do not have this permit. Besides the legal obligation, it is also a quality guarantee. This can be an extra reason for you as a consumer to deal with a transporter that has a NIWO license. Click here for the current list of licensed carriers. Our company directory also lists all licenses by company.
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