Legal Size Limits for Overseas Boat Transport
Before you can even think about rolling your pride and joy onto a ship, it’s absolutely crucial to have its exact measurements on hand—not just for a proper quote, but also for complying with the transportation regulations. Under typical legal limits, a boat for shipment shouldn’t exceed 13 feet 6 inches in height or 8 feet 6 inches in width.
If your yacht or boat happens to be taller or wider than these guidelines, don’t panic just yet. You’ll need to go through a slightly more complex process. This involves securing special permits, and you may be restricted to certain routes that can accommodate oversized loads. These exceptions are there to keep both your vessel and everyone else’s safe through the journey.
To avoid surprises down the line (and possibly extra fees), measure your boat’s length, width (including rub rails), and height (from the bottom of the keel to the highest permanent point) as accurately as possible. If your measurements put you in the “oversized” camp, be sure to bring this up early when talking to your transport provider so they can help you navigate the world of permits and specialized carriers.