Preparing for a boat haulout

Hauling out is a part of regular maintenance, and most owners plan for a boat haulout every 2-5 years. When your boat is out of the water, it’s a great time to refresh or re-do your bottom paint, replace suspect thru-hulls, inspect your propeller, replace anodes, and tackle any other jobs that are tricky or impossible in the water. 

Find a yard and schedule your haulout

Research boat haulout locations in your region and call a few places to determine the best spot for you. Haulouts near major cities are typically pricier, but may be much more convenient if that’s your local option.

Unless you’re in need of an emergency boat haulout, schedule your time slot a few weeks in advance. Boat yards get extra busy during the shoulder seasons, Spring and Fall, when people are either launching their boat for the summer or hauling out for the winter. Also be prepared that if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the yard might have to reschedule your haulout date with short notice. Heavy winds, for example, can make things dangerous for your boat and the lift operators. 

Let the yard know what type of work you plan to do while your boat is out of the water and when you generally want to re-launch. If you’ll need access to electricity (for power tools, for example), let them know this as well. This information will play into where the yard puts your boat in storage.

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK THE YARD 

• What is the haulout cost? What is the relaunch cost? Is there a package price to do both within a given time period? Some yards offer a lower rate if you schedule your haulout and re-launch dates at the same time. This is more likely if the dates are within a short period of time.
• What is the storage cost per day/week/month? Is pro-rating an option? If you just need a day or two out of the water, some yards won’t charge you for the storage time. 
• Where will my boat be stored? If you’re planning to do any work on your boat while it’s in the yard, you’ll likely need access to power for tools. Ask for a place near the building or power source, if available.
• Will I have access to the yard? What are the access hours? Most yards allow daytime access to the yard, and some limit access on weekends. This might play in to your decision if you plan to do work yourself.
• Can I do work on my boat myself? What kind of work can’t I do? Very few yards allow DIY bottom painting, grinding, or any kind of sanding to meet environmental regulations. If doing this work yourself if a priority, then look for DIY yards.
• Can I bring in outside contractors? Most yards require you hire them to do any specialized work, but there may be some flexibility depending on the job.
• Does the haulout cost include a bottom power wash? This is typically included in any boat haulout and something that is done right when the boat comes out of the water.

GETTING TO THE BOAT LIFT

The yard can sometimes move your boat to the lift for you, but this is typically an additional paid service. We recommend always moving your boat to the lift yourself so you can take care of prep and be there to make sure everything goes well. Most places have a dock where you can temporarily moor while waiting for your lift time – this is also a good place to do any final prep work. It’s a good idea to call ahead and ask which side to tie up on.

How to prepare your boat

Before your boat haulout time, you’ll need to do some prep work. 

• Remove any accessible hull instruments (paddlewheel/depth-sounder) and re-plug the thru-hull.
• Turn off anything that uses raw water (engine, generator, head, fridge, etc.)
• Identify the location of any bottom structures (propeller, shaft, etc.) and communicate the locations to the lift operators.
• Give your boat a rinse with freshwater to remove any salt from hardware.
• If you have a sailboat, ask the yard if you’ll need to remove your backstay and reverse into the lift.
• Note, emptier water, fuel, and holding tanks are easier on the boat lift and reduce pressure on your boat while it’s on the hard.

If you plan to leave your boat for a long period of time, you’ll want to do extra prep such as stow sails, take measures to prevent critters, close thru-hulls, flush your engine with fresh water, and prepare the interior.

What to expect during your boat haulout

Most boat lifts have two slings that are maneuvered under your boat and then lifted, bringing your boat up with them. If your boat haulout includes a power wash, this will happen right when your boat comes out of the water, before any fouling has a chance to dry out and harden. 

The lift carries your boat to the storage yard, where yard staff will install a number of jackstands with chains between them to hold the weight your boat. Once the stands are in place, the slings are removed. 

To access your boat while it is on the hard, you will likely need a ladder. Most yards have ladders on hand for you to use, and the best ones have carpet wrapped around the edges to prevent any scratches on your boat. Ask ahead of time how you can get access to ladders and electricity, if needed.

Re-launch into the water

You should be there with your boat when it’s time to re-launch.

If you painted your boat bottom on the hard, there are likely a few places you couldn’t paint. When your boat is back in the slings, you can quickly brush on bottom paint anywhere you still need it, like the jackstand pad locations or the bottom of the keel. If you plan to do this, let the lift operator know.

When the boat goes back in the water, quickly hop back on your boat and check for any leaks. Reopen thru-hulls and monitor to make sure all is well before leaving the boat lift. 

TIP If you did any work to your thru-hulls or hosing, wrap tissues or paper towels around the fittings before launching. When your boat goes in the water, you can check if the towels are damp to identify any small leaks that might cause you problems later.