January 25, 2026
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If you are researching yacht shipping costs, you’ve likely noticed that the initial quote for sea freight is only the tip of the iceberg. While shipping your vessel on a carrier might seem like the “low-wear” option, the reality of logistics, hidden port fees, and the physical toll of sitting idle as deck cargo often makes a professional crew delivery the smarter, more cost-effective choice.
At Yacht Delivery Solutions, we’ve spent over 25 years navigating the South Pacific and Asia. We know that a yacht is designed to be in the water, not strapped to a cradle.
| Expense Item | Yacht Shipping (Freight) | Professional Crew Delivery |
| Preparation | Expensive de-rigging, mast removal, and shrink-wrapping. | Vessel remains in “ready-to-sail” condition. |
| Logistics | Cradle rentals, specialized loading fees, and heavy port charges. | Professional skipper fee, crew travel, and victualling. |
| Mechanical | Systems sit idle; salt spray accumulates without maintenance. | Daily real-time monitoring of engines, bilges, and electronics. |
| Arrival | Costly re-rigging and commissioning at a major commercial port. | Delivered directly to your private slip, washed and ready to sail. |
On a transport ship, your yacht is just a piece of cargo. During an on-bottom delivery, our experienced skippers perform daily “engine room checks”. We monitor battery levels, check for leaks, and ensure your electronics stay active. If a minor issue arises, we fix it at sea; on a ship, that same issue could sit for weeks and turn into a major insurance claim.
Shipping frequently requires pulling the mast to meet height requirements. This introduces a massive risk of damage to your rigging and electrical wiring. By choosing a sailing delivery, you keep your rig intact and avoid the thousands of dollars in yard fees required to put it back together.
Carrier ships only stop at massive commercial hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Auckland. We offer true point-to-point service. Whether you need a delivery from Vietnam to the Philippines or Brisbane to Opua, we take you directly to your chosen marina, not a busy container terminal.
Don’t get locked into a shipping contract before seeing the delivery alternative. Our team provides fully transparent quotes that include everything from fuel to crew travel.
