How to Export Boats from the USA to the Caribbean (2025 Guide)

30.10.2025

The Caribbean region offers a robust market for American-built and used boats — from pleasure craft and yachts to fishing vessels. With its thousands of islands, hundreds of marinas and strong demand for U.S. quality craft, exporting boats from the USA to the Caribbean is a viable opportunity — provided the logistics, customs and shipping are handled professionally.

Market & Trade Statistics

According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), U.S. exports of recreational boats reached a 14-year high in 2021, with approximately 133,011 boats shipped internationally. nmma.org While the Caribbean wasn’t singled out with detailed boat-specific numbers, available trade data show that the region is a significant destination for U.S. craft exports.

In “Recreational Boats” for 2025, the U.S. exported to countries including Costa Rica ($6.01 M) — a nearby Latin/Caribbean market. oec.world
For the broader region, trade statistics for Latin America & the Caribbean show that in 2024 the region represented 46% of all trade through PortMiami: approx 346,382 TEUs with value of US$26.7 billion. miamidade.gov
These figures underscore the significance of the Caribbean trade corridor and the potential for marine/boat exports.

 Why the Caribbean Market Is Attractive for U.S. Boat Exporters

  1. Proximity & Port Access – U.S. exporters located near East Coast ports (e.g., Georgia, Florida) gain fast transit to the Caribbean islands, reducing inland haul time and cost.

  2. High Demand for U.S. Craft – American-built boats enjoy strong brand recognition, quality assurances and after-sales support that match Caribbean buyer expectations.

  3. Marina & Tourism Growth – Many Caribbean islands are expanding marinas, resorts and yacht-service infrastructure, boosting demand for boats, tenders and service craft.

  4. Used Boat Market – Secondary market boats from the U.S. offer affordable access for island buyers; exporters handling used craft open additional volumes.

  5. Logistics Efficiency – With established trade routes and smaller distances, the Caribbean export lane is more manageable, enabling quicker cycles and smaller units than intercontinental vessels.

 How to Export a Boat to the Caribbean — Step by Step

1. Choose a Reliable Logistics Partner

Exporting a boat is more complex than a car. It involves cradle loading, oversized cargo handling, possible lifting and port gear. A specialist partner like All Cargo Export ensures the right method (container, flat-rack, Ro/Ro), certification and tracking.

2. Documentation & Compliance

Prepare:

  • Original title or bill of sale of the boat.

  • Exporter and buyer identification (passport/ID).

  • Export declaration (AES) if required in the USA.

  • Insurance certificate.

  • Destination country import paperwork (customs, maritime registration, import duty).
    Delays often stem from missing paperwork — early preparation pays.

3. Choose Appropriate Shipping Method

  • Container or flat-rack shipping — if boat size allows, shipping in a container or using a flat-rack offers high protection.

  • Open deck/Flat-rack — for larger vessels, boats may ship on flat-racks or open decks. Cradle and secure properly.

  • Ro/Ro (less common for boats) — more suited to wheeled craft; not all boats qualify.
    Selecting correct shipping method affects cost, risk and insurance.

4. Pre-Export Preparation

  • Remove or secure loose parts (outboard motors, covers, cushions).

  • Drain fuel systems in line with hazardous cargo rules.

  • Photograph condition before loading (important for insurance claims).

  • Verify dimensions, weight and ensure sea-worthy securing.
    These steps make the shipping process smooth and protect your asset.

5. Transit & Delivery

Transit times from U.S. East Coast ports to the Caribbean vary by island: often 3 to 10 days depending on port frequency and vessel schedule. Use a port close to your warehouse to reduce inland transit.
Upon arrival: The boat will undergo unloading, customs processing, duty payment (varies by destination) and delivery to marina or yard.

6. Customs Clearance & Local Formalities

Every Caribbean nation has its own import duty, registration and maritime regulation. Some common points:

  • Duty may be 5-20% of boat value depending on island and whether craft are new or used.

  • Left-hand-drive restrictions may apply for tenders or auxiliary vehicles.

  • Some countries require sea-trial or marina registration before local use.
    A logistics partner familiar with Caribbean regulations mitigates unforeseen hold-ups.

 Why Choose All Cargo Export for Boat Exports

Located just minutes from major export ports, All Cargo Export offers:

  • Secure warehouse and loading near the Port of Savannah.

  • Specialists experienced in boat export logistics, including cradle loading and flat-rack/OOG (Out-of-Gauge) cargo.

  • End-to-end service: inland transport, export clearance, and final delivery to Caribbean marinas.

  • Optional marine insurance and photo documentation of every step.

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Whether you’re exporting a leisure craft, service boat or used marine asset, you need a logistics partner who understands the vessel-shipping environment—and the Caribbean destination market.

Conclusion

Exporting boats from the USA to the Caribbean offers excellent opportunities in a lively, accessible regional market. But success requires expert logistics attention: correct shipping method, documentation compliance, timing, and destination port know-how.

At All Cargo Export, we deliver the complete solution—from U.S. yard to Caribbean marina. Safe, transparent and efficient. That’s how we help you turn a boat export into a smooth voyage.