Boat & Yacht Shipping & Import

Importing boats can save you thousands of dollars and give you access to a wide range of boats that may not be available locally. We ship to and import from locations across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA. Shipping boats is a specialised service requiring experience, and should not be left to chance. With over 40 years of experience behind us, Taurus Logistics have shipped all manner of boats, from 70’ launches to dinghies. No hassle. No hidden agendas. No problem.

What's Involved In Shipping Boats?

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Boat?

What If I Haven’t Bought The Boat Yet?

If you haven't bought your boat yet, and you're just trying to budget if an import boat is viable, then we're happy to help.

If you don't know exactly where you are going to purchase from, or you're undecided about exactly which boat you will buy, then best to give us a call. Some ports are cheaper to ship from than others, and we can point you in the right direction, so talk to us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping boats is a specialised field, and every situation is a little unique. We have tried to answer the most common questions, but don't hesitate to contact us if there is anything you would like help with.

• How much does it cost to ship a boat from the USA to Australia?
  That depends on the boat’s exact length, width and height, and whether it is on a trailer. As a guide, a small boat that fits inside a 40’ container on its trailer can be around AUD 10–13k depot to depot, packed, shipped, unpacked and ready to collect. The final cost depends on where the boat is located in the USA and where it is going in Australia. Larger boats need a tailored quote, but in many cases our online quote system can give you an instant estimate.
• Can I import a boat from the USA to Australia?
  Yes. There are no general restrictions on importing boats into Australia, and you can import more than one if you want to. The main thing is making sure the boat, trailer and paperwork meet Australian Customs, quarantine and import requirements before it arrives.
• Do I have to pay GST and duty when importing a boat?
  In most cases, yes. GST and duty may apply when importing a boat into Australia or New Zealand, but there are some exemptions. For Australian exemption criteria, see Australian GST exemption and for New Zealand see New Zealand GST exemption. If you do not meet the exemption criteria, the taxes are payable and need to be included in your total landed cost.
• How long does it take to ship a boat from the USA to Australia?
  If the boat is being shipped in a container, sailings are usually weekly and transit time is about 30 days on the water. For RORO shipping, sailings are generally monthly and the transit time is similar. The total time can be longer once collection, packing, port handling, Customs and quarantine are included.
• What is the cheapest way to ship a boat internationally?
  If the boat is being shipped trans-Tasman on a trailer, RORO is usually the best and cheapest option. If importing from the USA or Europe, container shipping is often cheaper, but boat size is limited. We do not recommend shipping boats on their side; they should only be loaded on an angled cradle. If someone suggests loading a boat sideways in a container, you are better not to ship it that way at all.
  Do everything possible to reduce the volume of the boat. ie. Can the keel be removed? Is there a radar arch or flybridge that can be removed? Consider removing any swim platforms or bowsprits. Anything you can do to reduce the size will have a big impact on the freight cost.
• Do you suggest we shrink wrap vessels prior to shipment?
  This is not a yes or no answer. It depends if it’s going on deck, under-deck, and in some cases, such as water loads onto container vessels, it's just physically not possible. In most cases, it's money spent that could be better kept in your pocket.
• Do I have to supply the cradle for my boat?
  No, we have fully adjustable steel cradles in a number of locations around the world that we can rent to you, or if necessary, build a custom cradle for your boat.
• If I have a trailer, can they use that to transport my boat?
  Yes. The trailer should be in good roadworthy condition, otherwise we may not be able to tow the trailer to port, and it costs more to transport on a low loader trailer. Also, any damages resulting from a faulty trailer will not be covered by the transporter’s insurance.
• Can I leave personal belongings inside my boat during shipping?
  Generally, no. It’s best not to leave personal belongings, spare parts, fishing gear, tools, food, bait, life jackets or loose items inside the boat unless we have agreed to it in advance. Anything inside the boat can create issues with Customs, quarantine, insurance and port handling. If you are relocating and need to send personal effects, these normally need to be packed, listed and declared properly. The safest approach is to remove anything that is not part of the boat before shipping.
• Do I need marine insurance when shipping my boat?
  We strongly recommend marine insurance. Boats are valuable, and even when everything is handled correctly, there are risks with trucking, lifting, loading, shipping and unloading. Insurance is there to protect you if something goes wrong in transit. It’s also important to understand that the shipping line, port, trucker or freight forwarder may have limited liability, which is usually nowhere near the value of the boat. If you want peace of mind, insure the boat for the full purchase price plus shipping and related costs. Get an instant Marine Insurance Quote online.
• If my boat is on a trailer, do I have to include the trailer in the dimensions?
  Yes, the dimensions are taken from the furthest points. So anything you can remove height or length-wise will have a large impact on reducing the costs of shipping.
• My yacht has a flat keel, why do I still need a cradle?
  Whilst your yacht may sit very happily on the hard with little or no support, in the open sea a good sturdy cradle is needed. The port and shipping lines will not lift or ship a boat that has an inadequate cradle.
• How clean does my boat need to be before shipping?
  As clean as possible. The hull should be free from barnacles and other organic contamination. The inside should be vacuumed, and no dirt or mud on any parts of the trailer. This is to avoid any holdups and extra expenses with quarantine.
• How do I ship my yacht's mast?
  It’s best to ship the mast as a separate piece, and not have it attached to the yacht deck. This is because if the mast is longer than the yacht, it increases the overall length of the yacht. This would increase the boat’s volume and therefore the cost.