If you are thinking of hauling out in the tropics we have put together some helpful tips about things to consider when lifting your boat out of the water for storage at a marina or boatyard.
Hauling Out Advice
Before Hauling Out
- Completely fill the diesel and water tanks. You can treat the tanks to avoid problems with bacterial growth. This also adds weight to your boat to keep it steady if there are high winds in a storm or hurricane.
- Mark the position you want the lift straps to be placed on your boat prior to hauling out. It is a good idea to scuba dive/free dive under your hull to mark the correct position.
- Stands should be placed on or near the internal bulkheads. Make sure that your boat is correctly levelled and has adequate support. If the stands/cradle do not rest on concrete, check the ground around the stands to make sure of proper drainage and stability.
After Hauling Out
- Remove the mast and store securely away from the boat. Inspect and repair rigging if necessary.
- Remove all canvas to reduce the windage. Wash, dry, repair, and store your canvas.
- Remove or tie down the bimini frame and the boom. Make
sure there will be no chafing if tied. - Remove solar panels and wind generator blades and store.
- Deflate and stow your tender/dinghy. If your are leaving your RIB strapped to the deck ensure it is very secure.
- Clean and empty your outboard engine then stow securely.
- Remove and stow below all detachable items such as BBQs, lines, flags, and fenders.
- Remove all flammables from onboard such as dinghy fuel, lighters and BBQ starter fluid. Shut off your propane tanks/gas.
- Store all items such as clothing, books and lines in sealed plastic bags to prevent mould growing. Protect your interior from UV damage with coverings.
- Remove all unsealed food products to prevent ants, cockroaches and rodents moving in.
- Remove the batteries from electronic devices and store separately in sealed containers.
- Remove battery terminals or switch off batteries. You can leave the batteries attached if you employ someone to check the water levels. Contacts and the interior of your power panel should be sprayed with a protective coating.
- Clean and drain the the bilges and heads. Put fresh water in the heads. Make sure the rest of the interior is dry and clean.
- Drain and replace engine oil. Replace fuel and oil filters if required. Take the impeller out as per manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Wash and spray the engine and hose clamps with protective coating, as well as all locks and fastening caps.
- Securely close all seacocks apart from the lowest one, which will be used to drain the hull. Remove the hose from the open seacock and insert a mesh to prevent animals and insects from entering. IMPORTANT: Make sure your boat is not placed under trees – leaves can block the seacock causing flooding, and animals can drop down from above.
- Finally, ensure all hatches and ports are secure and locked.
Remove the batteries from electronic devices and store separately in sealed containers.
If you have any additional tips for first time cruisers who are hauling out then please feel free to share on our Facebook Page.