With the end of the sailing season, it is time to plan for the hauling out and subsequent storage of the boat.
However, hauling out requires proper preparation. Arriving at the shipyard with the boat ready reduces handling time, avoids unforeseen issues and allows staff to work in safer conditions.
Here are the key points every boat owner should check before hauling out.
1. Agree on the date of the boat haul-out in advance
The first step is to coordinate with the shipyard:
- the date and time of the hauling-out;
- the boat’s dimensions and specifications;
- the approximate weight;
- the position of the lifting points, if already known;
- whether a dedicated slipway or trailer is available;
- the expected duration of the boat’s stay on land;
- any work to be carried out after the hauling-out.
Proper planning enables the shipyard
What signs should you look out for?
The most common sign is the presence of small bubbles or bulges on the gelcoat, particularly on the part of the hull below the waterline.
The following may also occur:
- irregularities on the hull’s surface;
- small cracks or damage to the gelcoat;
- areas where the coating appears to be lifting;
- abnormal moisture levels in the laminate;
- isolated blisters or blisters spread over larger areas.
It is important, however, not to jump to conclusions. Not all blisters on the hull are necessarily caused by osmosis, and a visual inspection alone is not sufficient to determine the exact nature and extent of the problem. For this reason, if any abnormalities are found, it is always advisable to arrange for a technical inspection.
Why is it important to act in good time?
Osmosis is a progressive phenomenon. In the early stages, it may affect only the gelcoat or a superficial portion of the laminate, whilst in more advanced cases it may extend deeper.
Identifying the problem early on enables you to:
- to ascertain the actual extent of the affected areas;
- to distinguish between a superficial defect and a deeper problem;
- to plan the most appropriate treatment;
- to prevent moisture from continuing to damage the laminate;
- to protect the integrity and value of the boat over time.
Delaying an inspection can turn a minor repair into a more complex job. Taking prompt action, on the other hand, allows you to plan the work more precisely and without the rush that typically characterises the start of the new season.
2. Check that the boat is ready for handling
Before arriving at the hauling area, it is important to check that there are no objects that could interfere with the operations.
It is advisable to:
- remove or secure any protruding objects;
- close hatches, lockers and access points properly;
- ensure that any awnings are lowered or removed;
- secure antennas, satellite dishes or other exposed equipment;
- remove any loose objects from the deck;
- check that ropes and cables are not left loose and could interfere with manoeuvres.
Any component that is not correctly secured may pose a risk during operations.
3. Clear the boat of personal belongings
Before hauling the boat out of the water, it is advisable to remove any personal belongings and anything else that does not need to be left on board.
Particular attention should be paid to:
- diving equipment;
- tenders and related accessories;
- water sports equipment;
- SUPs and kayaks;
- diving cylinders;
- tools;
- perishable items;
- valuables.
Reducing the amount of material on board also makes any maintenance and cleaning work easier.
4. Check the draught and the boat’s configuration
Before hauling the boat out of the water, it is important to inform the shipyard of any special features of the vessel.
Specifically:
- draught;
- position and dimensions of the keel;
- presence of a bulb;
- position of the propellers;
- rudders;
- seacocks;
- hull appendages;
- any stabilisers;
- configuration of catamarans and multihull vessels.
For catamarans, it is particularly important to check the hull configuration and the support points in advance.
5. Preparing the engine room
Before hauling the vessel ashore, it is advisable to check that the engine room is accessible and that the operators can carry out the necessary tasks.
It is advisable to:
- check for any oil or fuel leaks;
- report any known faults;
- check the condition of the batteries;
- indicate the location of the main switches;
- report any special systems on board.
If work is to be carried out on the engines, it is a good idea to draw up a list of the required tasks in advance.
6. Take care with sea inlets and installations
Before hauling the boat out of the water, it is important to know the location of the main sea inlets and outlets.
The shipowner should report to the shipyard any:
- sea connections;
- drains;
- transducers;
- sensors;
- logs and instruments fitted to the hull;
- passages through the hull;
- special equipment.
This information is particularly important when positioning the boat on the reservoir.
7. For sailing boats: prepare the mast and rigging
In the case of sailing boats, it must be checked in advance whether the mast is to be kept on board or removed.
The following must be agreed with the shipyard:
- any mast removal;
- removal of the boom;
- handling of the sails;
- adjustment of the halyards;
- handling of the shrouds;
- storage of the mast, if required;
- storage of the sails, if required.
If the mast is to be lowered, the operation must be planned separately and prepared well in advance.
8. Prepare the tender and the outdoor equipment
If the tender is left on board, it is necessary to check in advance whether its position is compatible with the handling operations.
It is also advisable to remove or secure:
- equipment fitted to the exterior.
- the tender’s outboard motor, where necessary;
- gangways;
- ladders;
- brackets;
- fenders;
- ropes;
- covers;
9. Please report any faults in advance
L’armatoreThe shipowner should inform the shipyard of any problems that are already known. dovrebbe comunicare al cantiere qualsiasi problema già conosciuto.
For example:
- leaks;
- damage to the hull;
- engine problems;
- electrical faults;
- faults with the hydraulic system;
- starting difficulties;
- pump problems;
- damage to propellers or rudders;
- previous collisions or groundings.
Comprehensive information enables staff to prepare properly and avoid any surprises during operations.
10. Draw up a list of jobs
Hauling out is often the ideal time to schedule maintenance work.
Before arriving on site, it is therefore a good idea to draw up a list of the tasks you wish to carry out, for example:
- hull washing;
- hull cleaning and treatment;
- inspection and replacement of zinc anodes;
- propeller inspection;
- shaft inspection;
- rudder inspection;
- seacock inspection;
- transducer inspection;
- sanding;
- application of antifouling paint;
- polishing;
- engine maintenance;
- system maintenance;
- fibreglass repairs;
- teak maintenance;
- inspections and work on appendages.
A clear list enables the building site to organise its work and draw up more accurate estimates.
11. State the priorities clearly
Not all procedures are equally urgent.
It is useful to distinguish between:
Essential work
Work that is essential for the safety, operation or upkeep of the boat.
Scheduled work
Routine maintenance to be carried out whilst the boat is in dry dock.
Optional work
Cosmetic or improvement work that can be assessed at a later date.
This simple distinction helps to keep time and costs under control.
12. Organising documentation and authorisations
Before hauling the boat out of the water, it is important to ensure that all the necessary paperwork has been completed.
The construction site must be able to verify:
- service contract;
- any accepted quotation;
- necessary authorisations;
- vessel details;
- any powers of attorney;
- contact details of the shipowner or the person in charge on board.
The documentation must be finalised before operational activities commence.
13. To arrive with the tank and utilities in the agreed condition
Arrangements for fuel, water and batteries must be agreed with the shipyard in accordance with the planned activities.
In particular, the following should be communicated:
- approximate fuel quantity;
- water level;
- battery status;
- any power supply requirements;
- the need to keep certain systems running.
There is no single configuration that is the same for all boats: the conditions must be assessed according to the type of boat and the work to be carried out.
14. Please leave all relevant information at the building site
If the shipowner is not present whilst the work is being carried out, it is essential to leave clear instructions.
It is advisable to provide:
- telephone number;
- email address;
- name of the person authorised to make decisions;
- any operational instructions;
- list of the work required;
- any agreed spending limits.
This ensures that any unforeseen issues can be dealt with quickly without bringing operations to a standstill.
The day of the launch
Before moving any items, it is important to follow the instructions given by the site staff.
The crew must:
- clear the areas affected by the operations;
- follow the operators’ instructions;
- do not linger in the handling areas;
- do not tamper with lifting equipment without authorisation;
- check that there are no ropes or cables in a dangerous position;
- report any anomalies immediately.
Lifting operations must be carried out exclusively by authorised personnel and in accordance with the procedures laid down by the site.
After hauling the boat out: the right time to check the hull
Once the boat is ashore, the hull can finally be inspected in its entirety.
This is therefore the ideal time to check:
- condition of the antifouling coating;
- presence of osmosis or surface defects;
- condition of the fibreglass;
- seacocks;
- drains;
- galvanised parts;
- propellers;
- propeller shaft;
- seals;
- rudders;
- bearings;
- transducers;
- any previously unseen damage.
An initial inspection makes it possible to identify promptly any additional work that needs to be scheduled.
Good preparation makes all the difference
Hauling out should not be seen simply as the moment when the boat is lifted out of the water.
It marks the start of a maintenance period during which the boat can be inspected, cleaned, protected and prepared for the following season.
Planning ahead means working more efficiently, reducing downtime and tackling maintenance in a more organised manner.
Artemar | Marina • Shipyard • Marine Services
