Customer Guide
Methods of Shipping
Every yacht and every route is different — here's how we choose the right method to get your yacht there safely.
There is more than one way to move a yacht by sea. The right method depends on her size, shape and value, the route, the season, and the ports available at each end.
Your Peters & May sales representative will recommend the best option for your yacht — this guide explains what each method involves.
The Most Common Method
Lift-on / Lift-off (LO/LO)
The yacht is lifted from the water by crane, either at the quayside or using the ship's own gear, and set into a purpose-built cradle secured to the deck. She travels on deck alongside other yachts and cargo, and is lifted off again by crane at destination.
Used for the great majority of yacht shipments, from small sailing yachts to superyachts of significant size and weight. It suits monohulls and multihulls, sail and power, and gives the most flexibility on routing and sailing frequency.
- Requires an accurate lifting plan — sling or crane-hook positions are agreed in advance based on the yacht's weight distribution.
- A cradle is built or selected to match the yacht's hull shape and support her safely against the motion of the sea.
- Suitable for most ports worldwide, as many yachts travel this way on scheduled sailings.
For The Largest Yachts
Float-on / Float-off (FLO/FLO)
A semi-submersible vessel floods its ballast tanks and lowers its deck below the waterline. The yacht is floated into position over pre-set blocks or a cradle under her own power, or with tug assistance, and the ship then de-ballasts to rise beneath her.
This avoids crane lifting altogether, making it well suited to superyachts, motor yachts and vessels too large, heavy or delicate to lift safely by crane.
- No lifting gear or slings are needed, reducing handling risk for high-value or structurally sensitive yachts.
- Positioning divers and technical crew guide the yacht precisely onto her blocks as the ship rises.
- Fewer vessels and sailings operate this way, so this method usually means booking further ahead.
For Smaller Boats
Container shipping
Smaller sailing yachts and boats are prepared to fit within a standard container — masts unstepped and lashed alongside, keels or drafts within container height, and the hull cradled and secured inside.
Because containers move on regular liner services, this method often offers the widest choice of sailing dates and the most competitive rates for boats within size limits.
- The yacht must fit within the container's internal dimensions once dismasted — your sales representative will confirm whether she qualifies.
- Full protection from weather and handling in transit, as the yacht travels enclosed rather than on deck.
- Mast, rigging and fittings are packed and secured separately inside or alongside the hull.
Inland Delivery
Road transport
For yachts moving within a continent, or between the port of discharge and a marina inland, road transport on a purpose-built trailer is often the most practical link in the journey. It is frequently combined with a sea leg — loaded by crane onto a road trailer at the port, then delivered directly to your chosen yard or marina.
Which method is right for my yacht?
| Method | Best suited to | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Lift-on / Lift-off | Most sailing & motor yachts | Widest choice of routes and sailings |
| Float-on / Float-off | Superyachts & larger motor yachts | No crane lift; fewer sailings, book early |
| Container | Smaller boats within size limits | Must dismast and fit container dimensions |
| Road transport | Inland delivery & regional moves | Often paired with a sea leg |
On Every Shipment
Overseen by our loadmasters
Whichever method suits your yacht, our loadmasters oversee the operation at both ends — designing the lifting or blocking plan, coordinating with the vessel and port, and making sure she's secured to the standard she needs for the voyage ahead.
Not sure which method fits your yacht? Your sales representative will recommend the right one based on her dimensions, weight, and route.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides which method my yacht will travel by?
Your Peters & May sales representative recommends the method based on your yacht's dimensions and weight, the route, and vessel availability, then confirms it with you before booking.
Can I choose float-on/float-off instead of lift-on/lift-off?
Where both are available on your route, we're happy to discuss the options. Float-on/float-off is usually reserved for yachts too large or delicate to lift safely by crane, and typically comes with fewer sailing dates.
Does my yacht need to be dismasted?
Only for container shipping, where the yacht must fit within the container’s dimensions. For lift-on/lift-off and float-on/float-off, masts usually stay stepped unless height restrictions at a specific port require otherwise.
Is one method safer than another?
All methods we use are well established and safe when carried out to our standards. The right choice is about suitability for your yacht and route, not one method being inherently safer than another.
How far in advance should I book?
Lift-on/lift-off and container sailings run frequently, so shorter notice is often possible. Float-on/float-off vessels sail less often — if your yacht needs this method, book as early as you can.
Not sure which method suits your yacht?
Talk to our team — we'll recommend the right method and route for your shipment.
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