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Boat Transport – Sports Boats and Yachts Safely by Road

You transport a boat as precision work: length, width, height from the bottom of the keel, weight and hull shape determine the vehicle – and whether the transport runs permit-free or, from about 2.55 m width or 4 m height, has to be planned as an abnormal transport.

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A boat transport by road is precision work: hull shape, keel type, height above the loading well and the total weight determine which vehicle qualifies – and whether the transport runs permit-free or has to be planned as an abnormal transport. Speed Logistics transports sports boats, motor yachts, sailing boats and shipyard modules by direct transport: from the winter storage to the marina, from the shipyard to the buyer, within Germany, across Europe and to non-EU countries including customs clearance.

You give us the length, width, height (from the bottom of the keel), weight and hull shape – we check the vehicle choice and permit situation and prepare a no-obligation fixed-price quote within a few hours.

From trailer boat to abnormal transport

  • Smaller sports boats and motorboats on the boat trailer or the loading area – often within standard dimensions
  • Larger motor and sailing yachts on the low-loader with loading well, stored on keel blocks and hull supports
  • Shipyard modules, hulls and superstructures as project-based single transports
  • For over-width or over-height: abnormal transport with special permit, route survey and – if required by conditions – an escort vehicle

From about 2.55 m width or 4 m total height, a transport leaves the standard dimensions; many sailing yachts and larger motorboats are above that. We apply for the permits for you and plan the lead times realistically. Which route is the right one depends, besides the dimensions, also on the road: narrow village throughways or low bridges can rule out a route that looks short on the map – this check we take on when preparing the quote.

Preparing the boat

Well prepared, a boat loads faster and more safely: on sailing boats, lower the mast and standing rigging and pack them separately, dismantle or secure bimini, gear carriers and antennas, close hatches and cover, remove loose equipment from the interior, drain tanks as far as possible. We document the condition of the hull at pickup; storage is on keel blocks and padded supports, lashed over suitable points without pressure on sensitive hull areas. For inboards it is additionally advisable to close seacocks and disconnect batteries.

Crane, slipway and scheduling

The lifting is usually done by the marina or shipyard using a crane or travel lift – we coordinate the appointments so that vehicle and lifting gear come together without waiting times. As a direct run the boat stays on the same vehicle from the crane to the destination crane; the dispatch team is reachable continuously during the transport, and for the handover a single contact on site who countersigns the condition is enough.

Seasonal dates are best planned early: in spring and autumn, when half of Europe is launching or hauling out, crane slots in the marinas and permit windows are quickly booked up. Whoever enquires about transport and crane appointment a few weeks before the desired date has the free choice; short-notice runs we dispatch where dimensions and permit situation allow.

Boat transport abroad and to non-EU countries

Whether Adriatic marina, Turkish coast or North Africa: we run boats across Europe and to non-EU countries – including export declaration, border clearance and customs clearance from EXW to DDP. Costs depend on dimensions and weight, permit effort, distance and crane times; depending on lane and lead time we give a no-obligation guide-value range and, after data check, a transparent fixed price.

Frequently asked questions: Boat Transport

From what dimensions is a boat transport subject to permits?

If the loaded transport exceeds around 2.55 m width, 4 m total height or the permissible lengths and weights, a special permit under road traffic law is required – depending on the conditions with route binding or an escort vehicle. Many sailing yachts are above these values. Speed Logistics checks the dimensions and applies for the permits.

How must I prepare my boat for road transport?

Lower the mast and standing rigging and pack them separately, dismantle or secure add-on parts such as bimini, antennas and gear carriers, close hatches, remove loose equipment and drain tanks as far as possible. The lower and tidier the boat, the simpler the loading and permit situation – we send you a checklist in advance.

Who cranes the boat onto the low-loader?

The lifting is usually done by the marina or shipyard with a crane or travel lift; Speed Logistics coordinates the appointments so that the transport vehicle and lifting gear come together without waiting time. Storage is on keel blocks and padded hull supports, lashed over suitable points without pressure on sensitive hull areas.

What details does Speed Logistics need for a boat transport quote?

Overall length, width, height from the bottom of the keel, weight, hull and keel shape as well as the crane situation at start and destination. Photos of the boat help in planning support points and vehicle choice. With complete data you receive a no-obligation fixed-price quote including a permit assessment within a few hours.

Does Speed Logistics transport boats to Türkiye or North Africa too?

Yes. Boat transports to non-EU countries we run as a direct run including export declaration, border clearance and customs clearance up to DDP. Proof of ownership and boat documents for export are important; the duties and formalities due in the destination country we clarify before the transport starts, so the boat does not get stuck at the border.

How long does planning a boat transport take?

Transports within standard dimensions we dispatch at short notice, often within a few days. For oversize, the special permits determine the lead time – depending on the federal state and route, from a few days to several weeks. For large yachts, therefore, plan early; we tell you the permit duration with the quote.

Common mistakes in boat transport – what should I watch out for?

Boats are inadequately prepared: the mast and standing rigging are not lowered, bimini, antennas and gear carriers are not dismantled, tanks, seacocks and batteries are not secured. This complicates loading and the permit situation. Equally, the lead time for oversize is underestimated – in spring and autumn, crane slots in the marinas and permit windows are quickly booked up. Speed Logistics sends a checklist in advance and applies for the permits.

Why should a boat transport be planned early?

Transports within standard dimensions we dispatch at short notice, often within a few days. For oversize, the special permits determine the lead time – depending on the federal state and route, from a few days to several weeks. In addition, crane slots and permit windows are scarce in season. Whoever enquires about transport and crane appointment a few weeks in advance has the free choice.

Request boat transport

Contact our dispatch team – fixed-price quote within hours, available 24/7.