Yacht Delivery Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a yacht delivery often raises questions about cost, timing, preparation, crew and what happens along the way. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from boat owners. For a specific estimate based on your vessel and route, request a free yacht delivery quote.

About Yacht Delivery

What is professional yacht delivery?

Professional yacht delivery is the process of moving a privately owned vessel from one location to another using an experienced captain and, when necessary, additional crew. Capable Captain provides both powerboat delivery and sailboat delivery for regional, coastal, offshore and long-distance routes.

What types of boats do you deliver?

We deliver a wide range of recreational vessels including motor yachts, trawlers, sportfishing boats, express cruisers, monohull sailboats and sailing and power catamarans. Every delivery is evaluated individually based on the vessel’s size, condition, systems, equipment and intended route.

Where do you provide yacht delivery services?

Capable Captain provides yacht delivery throughout the East Coast, Florida, Chesapeake Bay, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, Caribbean, Intracoastal Waterway and inland waterways.

Can you provide a captain without taking over the entire delivery?

Yes. If you want to remain aboard and participate in the trip, our captain for hire service may be a better fit. An experienced captain can assist with navigation, passage planning, docking, vessel operation and unfamiliar waterways while you remain involved.

Yacht Delivery Cost

How much does yacht delivery cost?

The cost of a yacht delivery depends on several factors including the vessel, route, distance, expected travel time, number of crew members required and the complexity of the trip. Travel expenses, fuel, dockage and other trip-related costs may also affect the total cost. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to request a free delivery quote with your boat’s current location, destination and basic vessel information.

What information do you need for a quote?

It helps to provide the vessel make and model, length, current location, destination and your preferred delivery timeframe. Information about the boat’s condition and equipment may also be helpful when planning the delivery.

Preparing for a Yacht Delivery

How should I prepare my boat for delivery?

The vessel should be mechanically sound, properly equipped and ready for the intended passage. Important systems such as engines, batteries, navigation equipment, bilge pumps, steering, safety equipment and communications should be operational. Sailboats should also have their standing rigging, running rigging and sails checked before departure. See our complete guide to preparing your boat for delivery for more information.

Do you inspect the boat before departure?

Yes. Before getting underway, the captain reviews the vessel and major systems and identifies any obvious issues that could affect the delivery. The purpose is to make sure the vessel is reasonably prepared for the planned route and to address potential problems before leaving the dock whenever possible.

What happens if the boat has a mechanical problem?

Problems can occur even on well-maintained vessels. Our captain evaluates the situation and determines the safest practical course of action. Captain Rob’s background in electrical engineering, marine electronics and NMEA 2000 systems can be particularly useful when diagnosing problems during a delivery.

During the Delivery

How long will my yacht delivery take?

Delivery time depends on distance, vessel speed, weather, sea conditions, routing, fuel stops and whether the trip is completed offshore, along the coast or through inland waterways. We can estimate travel time during the planning process, but safety and weather conditions ultimately determine the schedule.

What happens if there is bad weather?

Weather is monitored throughout the delivery. If conditions are unsuitable, the captain may delay departure, change the route or stop in a safe location until conditions improve. Maintaining an arbitrary arrival date never takes priority over the safety of the vessel and crew.

Can I follow my boat during the delivery?

Yes. Owners receive communication throughout the trip and can follow the vessel’s progress through our yacht delivery tracking.

Will I receive updates during the trip?

Yes. We keep owners informed about the vessel’s progress, significant weather delays, route changes and issues that may arise during the delivery.

Can the owner travel aboard during the delivery?

In some situations, yes. If you want to travel aboard your own vessel and work alongside an experienced captain, our captain for hire service may be appropriate. The best arrangement depends on the vessel, route and purpose of the trip.

Captains & Crew

How many crew members will be aboard?

Crew requirements depend on the vessel, route, expected passage length and operating schedule. Some deliveries may require only a captain, while longer or more demanding passages may require additional experienced crew.

Who will captain my boat?

Capable Captain deliveries are led by experienced professional captains. Captain Rob Cinq-Mars is a USCG Licensed Master with decades of experience aboard sailboats and powerboats, along with a background in electrical engineering and marine electronics.

Routes & Recent Deliveries

Do you handle long-distance yacht deliveries?

Yes. We handle both regional and long-distance deliveries, including trips involving the East Coast, Intracoastal Waterway, Great Lakes, Gulf Coast and Caribbean.

Do you deliver boats offshore?

Yes, when the vessel, weather and route make an offshore passage appropriate. Some deliveries are better completed offshore while others are better suited to coastal or protected inland routes. The route is selected based on the individual vessel and conditions rather than automatically choosing the shortest distance.

Can I see examples of boats you have delivered?

Yes. Visit our recent yacht deliveries page to see examples of vessels, routes and destinations completed by Capable Captain.

Ready to Discuss Your Delivery?

Tell us about your boat, where it is now, where it needs to go and when you would like it moved. We’ll review the details and help determine the best approach for your delivery. Get a Free Yacht Delivery Quote