5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Booking Summer Yacht Transport

When the weather warms up, summer yacht transport season kicks into high gear. Whether you’re moving your vessel to the Great Lakes, Mediterranean, or across the U.S. coastline, the logistics behind boat shipping can quickly become overwhelming. Between tight timelines, customs documents, and choosing the right partner, one wrong move can cost you thousands—or worse, risk the safety of your yacht.

At Cross Chartering, we’ve helped owners, brokers, and dealers safely transport yachts across the globe for over 20 years. We’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you avoid the most common missteps. Below, we break down five avoidable mistakes and how to ensure smooth sailing for your summer transport.

1. Waiting Too Long to Book Summer Yacht Transport

Procrastinating your yacht transport booking is one of the most common mistakes—and one that can seriously limit your options. Summer is peak season, and space on sailings fills up quickly. Booking last-minute may mean:

Higher rates due to limited capacity
Fewer sailing dates to choose from
Difficulty securing permits or coordinating logistics

What to do instead:
Plan ahead and secure your booking 6–8 weeks in advance whenever possible. Cross Chartering runs North American sailings every 4–6 weeks and seasonal routes to the Mediterranean and Great Lakes. Early booking ensures you get the timeline and handling your yacht deserves.

👉 Need help planning your timeline? Check out our yacht transport overview to learn more about available routes and timing.

2. Relying on Freight Forwarders Instead of a Direct Carrier

Not all yacht transport companies are created equal. One of the most misunderstood parts of the process is the difference between a freight forwarder and a direct carrier.

Freight forwarders act as intermediaries. They don’t operate vessels themselves—instead, they rebook your yacht shipment through a carrier (like Cross Chartering).
Direct carriers, on the other hand, operate the ships and handle the full process from load to discharge.

Why this matters:
Working directly with a carrier offers:

Clearer communication and coordination
More reliable timelines
Greater accountability and transparency
Often, better pricing without third-party markups

Cross Chartering is a licensed carrier—not a forwarder. That means we’re directly responsible for the planning, coordination, and transport of your vessel, giving you full visibility every step of the way.

3. Missing Key Yacht Transport Documentation

Customs paperwork is one of the least glamorous but most essential parts of international yacht shipping. Missing or incorrect documentation can cause delays at port—or even lead to fines.

Some commonly overlooked items include:

Temporary import/export declarations
Certificate of ownership
Marine insurance documentation
Bills of lading
Required permits for specific destinations

What to do instead:
Work with a carrier experienced in international yacht transport who can walk you through what’s required based on your origin, destination, and vessel specs. At Cross Chartering, we support our clients with documentation prep and coordination to help avoid surprises.

For more information, you can reference U.S. Customs yacht guidelines for boat owners.

4. Choosing an Inexperienced or Unproven Company

Yachts are high-value assets. Transporting them safely requires years of experience, technical knowledge, and the right infrastructure.

Some newer or less-established companies may advertise low rates—but they often lack:

Established loading and discharge procedures
Properly trained crews
Strong relationships with port agents and marine surveyors
Insurance policies that meet your coverage needs

Why choose Cross Chartering?

We’ve transported over 75% of the boats between the East and West Coast of North America in 2024 alone.
Over 20 years of experience moving dealer and private vessels worldwide.
Trusted by top yacht brokers and dealers for consistent, professional service.

Remember: past performance is the best indicator of future reliability.

5. Assuming Yacht Transport Is One-Size-Fits-All

Every yacht is different. Size, shape, weight distribution, and special features (like hydrofoils or custom swim platforms) all influence how your vessel should be loaded and secured.

Some carriers may take a one-size-fits-all approach—which can lead to delays, improper fittings, or additional charges at the port.

What to do instead:
Ask your transport provider about their process for assessing and preparing your yacht for shipment. At Cross Chartering, we collaborate with our clients to ensure each vessel is loaded safely and professionally. While we won’t get into the specifics of cradling systems here, the key takeaway is that your transport should be customized—not cookie cutter.

Bonus Tip: Work With Your Yacht Broker or Dealer

If you’re unsure where to start, ask your yacht dealer or broker for a referral. Many of them work with transport partners regularly and can help you identify reputable carriers.

Cross Chartering is proud to be a preferred partner for many brokers and dealers across North America and Europe. These relationships are built on years of dependable service, clear communication, and successful voyages.

Final Thoughts

Summer yacht transport doesn’t need to be stressful—as long as you plan ahead and work with the right partner. Avoiding these five common mistakes can save you time, money, and unnecessary hassle.

When you choose Cross Chartering, you’re working directly with an experienced carrier that’s moved thousands of vessels safely and efficiently. With regular routes, a proven track record, and long-standing industry partnerships, we’re here to make your yacht’s journey smooth and successful.

Helpful Resources:

Cross Chartering Transport Services (internal link)
What to Expect During Yacht Transport (internal link)
U.S. Customs Boat Import Guide (external)
ABYA – Boat Export Checklist (external)

Ready to Book Your Next Yacht Transport?

Whether you’re a broker, builder, or owner looking to ship westbound to Victoria, Ensenada, or beyond — Cross Chartering has the experience, equipment, and expert team to make it seamless.

👉Click here to secure your booking 📞 Or reach our U.S. office directly at +1 (954) 686-6902
📩 Prefer email? Contact us here and we’ll get back to you within one business day.

Move with confidence. Move with Cross Chartering.