Short answer: delivering a yacht by sea with a professional crew is usually the best choice for seaworthy boats on routes that can be sailed in a sensible season. Transport by truck or cargo ship is often better for smaller boats, very long ocean distances, tight deadlines in the wrong season, or when you want to avoid engine hours and wear. Both options are part of what Nordic Crew Worldwide offers, so we can recommend the one that fits your boat.
Delivery by sea (on its own keel)
A professional skipper and crew take the yacht from port A to port B.
Best for: sailing yachts, catamarans and seagoing motor yachts; routes along coasts and across seas in a good weather season; owners who want the boat to arrive ready to use.
- Pros: often cheaper over medium distances, flexible start and end ports, the boat is checked and used along the way, and the owner can join and learn on board.
- Cons: depends on weather and season, adds engine hours and wear, and takes longer than road transport on short land routes.
Transport by road (trailer or truck)
Best for: smaller motorboats and yachts within road-transport size limits, inland destinations, and moves where the sea route is long but the road route is short.
- Pros: fast and predictable, no wear on engines or sails, independent of sea conditions.
- Cons: size limits and permits for wide loads, lifting and cradling at both ends, and masts and fittings must often be removed.
Transport by cargo ship
Best for: long ocean distances (for example across the Atlantic — see our Mediterranean to Caribbean guide), boats that are not built for ocean passages, and moves that must happen outside the safe sailing season.
- Pros: no ocean miles on the boat, often possible in any season.
- Cons: fixed sailing schedules and loading ports, cradles and lifting, and usually a higher price for medium-size boats.
Quick comparison
| By sea with crew | By road | By cargo ship | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical boats | Seaworthy sail & motor yachts | Smaller boats within road limits | Any size; boats not built for ocean passages |
| Weather dependent | Yes | No | Low |
| Wear on the boat | Engine hours, sails | None underway | None underway |
| Flexibility of ports | High | High (inland too) | Fixed loading ports |
How to decide
- Is the boat built and equipped for the waters on the route?
- Is it the right season for that route? (For example, Biscay is most settled from May to August.)
- How important are engine hours and wear?
- Is there a fixed deadline?
- What is the total cost including lifting, cradles, fuel, marinas and travel?
Tell us about your boat and route and we’ll compare both options for you. See our delivery and Boat as Cargo services, read what affects the cost of a yacht delivery, or request a free quote.