Publication date: 10/15/2025
In this article we show you:
- Which routes and options are suitable for the transfer.
- What you should consider in your planning.
- Which formalities and particularities will apply.
- And why Lelystad is not only easily accessible but also ideally equipped for arrival.
Whether you navigate yourself or have your boat transported professionally, these tips will help you moor safely and stress-free in Lelystad.
Planning your boat transfer to Lelystad
Before setting off, a fundamental decision must be made: do you want to transfer your boat to Lelystad yourself, or leave it to a professional yacht transporter? Both options have their advantages, depending on the type of boat, distance, time budget, and experience.
Transfer to Lelystad by water
If you intend to travel via inland waterways or the coast, you will need not only the appropriate local knowledge but also time for planning, stages, and locks. Depending on your starting point, a transfer can take several days or even weeks. On the plus side, you will experience your boat in motion, accumulate nautical miles, and discover wonderful corners of both the Netherlands and Germany along the way.
Requirements for the water route:
- Valid insurance documents
- Boating licence (SBF Inland/Sea or higher, depending on the waters)
- Radio certificate (SRC, UBI) if using VHF radio
- Navigational charts and, if needed, apps such as ANWB Waterkaart or Navionics
- Pay attention to clearance height, draft, and bridge opening times!
Transfer to Lelystad by land
The trailer option is especially popular for smaller or trailerable boats – or when the boat needs to be transported over long distances. Owners who lack the time or inclination for a multi-day journey also opt for the land route.
For the land route, you need:
- Approved trailer with insurance
- Vehicle with sufficient traction
- Knowledge of dimensions: length, width, height, total weight
- Cross-border paperwork & any necessary permits for special transports
- Coordination with the marina in Lelystad: Is there a crane? Trailer spaces? Access route?
Our tip: Regardless of which method you choose, the marina in Lelystad should be contacted early. This allows crane appointments, storage spaces, or arrival times to be scheduled and bottlenecks avoided.
Navigating to Lelystad yourself: the best routes
Those who transfer their boat themselves not only experience an exciting journey but also the feeling of truly arriving. Depending on your starting point in Germany, various waterways lead to Lelystad – via inland waterways or the coast.
1. Via the inland route to Lelystad: Calm and sheltered – but with locks
For many German boaters, the inland route via the Rhine, the Meuse, and Dutch canals is the most convenient. From North Rhine-Westphalia, Lelystad can be reached in several daily stages – for example via:
Rhein → Waal → Maas → Maas-Waal-Kanal → Maasplassen → Juliana-Kanal → Amsterdam-Rhein-Kanal → Markermeer → Lelystad
Advantages of the inland route:
- Less weather-dependent than a North Sea route
- Numerous mooring options and service stations
- No sea shipping lanes – ideal for holders of an inland licence
Important: Plan for lock times, bridge openings, and waiting times. The ANWB Waterkaart app or “Waterkaarten” for tablet/PC is very helpful here.
2. Via the North Sea: For experienced coastal sailors
Those starting from Hamburg, Kiel, or Cuxhaven can also travel via the Elbe estuary and the North Sea coast – for example via:
Cuxhaven → Ijsselmeer via Kornwerderzand or Den Oever → Lelystad
This route is faster but more demanding. It requires seaworthiness, experience with tides and weather, and a valid SRC radio certificate.
Tip: Wait for a calm weather period, reserve stage harbours in advance, have AIS & VHF on board, and always check the current wind forecast.
3. Via the Markermeer to Lelystad
The last few miles are the same for both options: Lelystad lies directly on the Markermeer, just a few nautical miles from Hoorn, Enkhuizen, or Amsterdam. The harbour is easy to approach, well signposted, and safe to reach in almost all wind directions.
By trailer or yacht transport from Germany to Lelystad: What you should know
Not every boat needs to take the water route. Particularly for longer distances, tight schedules, or boats not suitable for the open sea, land transport is often the more practical and stress-free solution. Whether with your own trailer or via a professional yacht transporter, the journey to Lelystad by road is surprisingly straightforward.
Trailer transport DIY
If your boat is trailerable (generally under approx. 3.5 t total weight, <2.55 m width, and transportable without a special permit), you can transfer it yourself.
What you need:
- Towing vehicle with sufficient trailer capacity
- Approved trailer with valid insurance & TÜV
- Knowledge of boat height including superstructure/covers
- Documents for boat and trailer, possibly a green insurance card for international trips
Attention: Boats with greater width or height may require special transport – permits (also in the Netherlands) are necessary.
Professional yacht transport
If you do not wish to drive or trailer your boat yourself, specialised yacht transporters can handle the transfer. They take care of permits, routes, timing, and safe loading. Often, they work directly with the marinas in Lelystad.
Important in advance:
- Prepare the boat (dismantle structures, secure items, disconnect batteries)
- Provide exact measurements (including mast, cover, supports, etc.)
- Coordinate delivery with the marina (for crane or storage access)
Tip: Flevo Marina and Deko Marina offer trailer spaces and large cranes, making reception of a land-transported boat particularly easy.
Being well-Prepared: key considerations for your transfer from Germany to Lelystad
Whether travelling via inland waterways or the North Sea, a boat transfer requires not only planning but also thorough preparation. To avoid problems, consider the following points beforehand:
Documents & permits for your transfer to Lelystad
- Boating licence: Depending on the route, you need SBF Inland, SBF Sea, or even SKS if travelling on the North Sea.
- Radio certificate (SRC / UBI): Required for VHF use – especially important at sea or in Dutch waters where radio is mandatory.
Boat documents: Registration, insurance, CE conformity, and any flag certificates should be at hand.
- Boat insurance: Ensure international coverage and protection for transfer voyages.
Locks, bridges and travel times – important for your boat transfer to Lelystad
- In the Netherlands, there are many bridges and locks, often with fixed opening times – sometimes only on request via radio or line pull.
- Plan using current waterways charts or navigation apps (e.g., Waterkaarten, ANWB, Navionics).
- Find out about any tolls, restricted hours or waiting areas.
Safety & technical considerations
- Check safety equipment on board: life jackets, ropes, fire extinguisher, distress signals, spare fuel canisters.
- Engine check & fuel tank fill before departure – even for short stages.
- Chargers, batteries, navigation lights – especially if travelling or anchoring in the evening.
- Check daily weather forecasts – particularly for North Sea trips.
Breaks and refreshments during your boat transfer to Lelystad
- Plan sufficient breaks – both for yourself and your crew.
- In the Netherlands, there are many marinas, supply points, and guest berths – many with 24/7 machines or fuel stations.
Why Lelystad is an ideal destination for sailors and boaters
Lelystad offers more than just a berth: three modern marinas, good services, and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether for trips, winter storage, or shipyard services – everything is available in one place. Perfect for those combining comfort, technical facilities, and location.
Lelystad: easily accessible – also from Germany
Just a few hours from NRW, Lower Saxony, or Hamburg. Directly off the motorway, ideal for trailer users. Those who want to save time moor in Lelystad – with the best infrastructure and all-round service.
Three marinas in Lelystad with distinct styles
Whether you are looking for technical infrastructure, comfort or family-friendliness, Lelystad offers you a wide range of options:
Flevo Marina Lelystad – the technical marina
For technical enthusiasts and owners of larger yachts, Flevo Marina is the first choice. With powerful infrastructure, a 40-tonne crane, an in-house workshop, and extensive indoor and outdoor winter storage, it offers everything a demanding boat owner could wish for. Ideal for those who like to handle maintenance, service, and storage in one place.
Deko Marina Lelystad – the luxurious marina
Those who prefer calm, stylish surroundings feel at home in Deko Marina. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, modern ambience, and high-quality storage solutions – including indoor and outdoor winter storage and EV charging. Perfect for those who value comfort, privacy, and personalised service.
Lelystad Haven – the family marina
The family-friendly marina with plenty of space to unwind. Whether for a short trip, summer holiday, or as a permanent home port – Lelystad Haven impresses with a playground, trailer park, good service, and a welcoming environment. Perfect for families, recreational sailors, and camper boaters.
From crane to coffee – everything you need at the marinas
All three marinas provide electricity, water, clean sanitation, Wi-Fi, and often restaurants or cafés on site. Trailer parking, general parking, and shopping are quickly accessible – as are spare parts, fuel stations, or workshops.
Navigational advantage: Markermeer & IJsselmeer
From Lelystad, you start directly into one of Europe’s most beautiful waters – whether towards Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Friesland, or through the locks to the Wadden Sea. If you moor here, you’re in the right place.
Conclusion: ensuring a safe and stress-free boat transfer from Germany to Lelystad
Whether by your own boat over water, by trailer, or professional transport, a transfer to Lelystad is not an adventure with an uncertain outcome but a well-plannable undertaking. With proper preparation, the right documents, and a clear schedule, logistics become an enjoyable journey.
Lelystad impresses not only with its central location and easy accessibility but especially with its three excellently equipped marinas – each with its own character, service focus, and orientation. Whether you seek comfort, technical facilities, or a family-friendly environment, you will find your place here.
Mini-FAQ: Boat transfer to Lelystad
How long does a boat transfer from Germany to Lelystad take?
It depends on the starting point and route. By water (e.g., from Duisburg) expect 5–7 days. By trailer or yacht transport, the boat can often arrive within a day.
Do I need a radio certificate for the transfer?
Yes – if you are using VHF on Dutch waterways, a valid radio certificate is required (UBI for inland, SRC for coast/sea).
Can I bring my boat to Lelystad in winter?
Yes – particularly Flevo Marina and Deko Marina offer year-round access and professional crane services, ideal for winter storage. Lelystad Haven also offers excellent outdoor winter storage.
Do I need to consider border formalities?
Within the EU there are no customs borders, but it is recommended to have all boat documents, insurance, and ID ready – especially for commercial transports.
Are there trailer parking and crane facilities in Lelystad?
Yes! All three marinas offer ample trailer spaces, crane services, and trailer access – Flevo Marina is particularly specialised for larger deliveries.
Discover now 3 Port Adhoc Marinas in Lelystad:
We look forward to your enquiry and to finding the perfect berth for you!
