Yacht haul out is an essential maintenance procedure that allows access to the hull, running gear, and underwater systems. Proper planning and execution ensure efficient yard periods while maintaining your yacht's condition and value. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about haul out procedures.
Understanding Haul Out Requirements
Regular haul outs are necessary for hull inspection, antifouling application, anode replacement, and underwater equipment maintenance. Most insurance policies require annual or biennial haul outs with professional surveys. Even without insurance requirements, regular haul outs prevent problems and maintain yacht performance.
The frequency of haul outs depends on several factors including water conditions, antifouling type, usage patterns, and insurance requirements. Yachts in warm Mediterranean waters like Costa del Sol typically require annual haul outs due to faster marine growth. Cold water environments may allow longer intervals between haul outs.
Planning Your Haul Out
Timing Considerations
Schedule haul outs during off-season periods when yard capacity is available and rates may be lower. In Costa del Sol, autumn and winter are ideal for haul out work, avoiding the busy summer charter season. Book yard space well in advance, especially for larger yachts requiring specialized equipment.
Consider weather when planning haul outs. Antifouling application requires dry conditions and moderate temperatures. Extreme heat or cold affects paint curing. Rain delays work and can damage exposed systems. Check long-range forecasts and maintain flexibility in scheduling.
Choosing a Yard
Select yards based on their capabilities, reputation, and facilities. Verify the yard can handle your yacht's size and weight. Check that lifting equipment is properly certified and maintained. Visit the yard beforehand to assess facilities, security, and professionalism.
Consider yard services and nearby contractors. Comprehensive yards offer in-house services for most work, simplifying coordination. Yards with good contractor relationships provide access to specialized services when needed. Our yard support services help coordinate all aspects of your haul out period.
Pre-Haul Out Preparation
Create a detailed work list before hauling out. Prioritize essential tasks like surveys, antifouling, and safety-critical repairs. Include desirable but non-urgent projects if time and budget allow. Share this list with the yard and contractors to obtain quotes and schedule work.
Prepare the yacht for haul out by securing all loose items, closing seacocks, and documenting the condition of systems. Take photos of the hull and underwater gear before hauling for comparison after work is complete. Remove valuable items and ensure the yacht is ready for yard personnel to access all areas.
The Haul Out Process
Lifting Methods
Yachts are typically hauled using travel lifts, cranes, or marine railways. Travel lifts are most common for yachts up to 300 tons, using fabric slings under the hull to lift the vessel. Larger yachts may require cranes with specialized lifting gear. Marine railways use wheeled cradles on inclined tracks, though these are less common in modern yards.
The yard will specify lifting points and weight distribution requirements. Ensure fuel and water tanks are at specified levels—too full or too empty can affect stability during lifting. Remove or secure items that might shift during the lift. Be present during hauling to answer questions and verify proper positioning.
Blocking and Stabilization
Once hauled, yachts are placed on keel blocks and supported by jack stands or shores. Proper blocking is critical for safety and preventing hull damage. The keel must rest fully on blocks with even weight distribution. Side supports prevent the yacht from tipping but shouldn't bear significant weight.
Verify blocking before the lift equipment is removed. Check that the yacht sits level and stable. Ensure adequate clearance under the hull for work access. Proper blocking allows safe work around and under the yacht throughout the yard period.
Initial Inspection
Immediately after hauling, inspect the hull while still wet. Marine growth patterns indicate areas needing attention. Look for damage, blisters, or osmosis. Check through-hull fittings, propellers, shafts, rudders, and other underwater components. Document everything with photos for reference and insurance purposes.
Bottom Work
Hull Cleaning
Pressure washing removes marine growth, old antifouling, and contaminants. Use appropriate pressure settings—too high can damage gelcoat or paint. Work systematically from top to bottom, ensuring complete coverage. Some yards include pressure washing in haul out fees; others charge separately.
After pressure washing, scrub remaining growth with brushes. Pay special attention to through-hull fittings, propellers, and other complex shapes where growth persists. Allow the hull to dry completely before further work. Drying time varies with weather conditions, typically requiring 24-48 hours.
Hull Inspection and Repairs
Conduct thorough hull inspection once clean and dry. Look for cracks, gouges, blisters, or delamination. Check gelcoat condition and identify areas needing repair. Inspect through-hull fittings for corrosion or damage. Examine rudder bearings, shaft seals, and other underwater components.
Address all identified issues before antifouling. Repair gelcoat damage, fill gouges, and treat blisters. Replace worn anodes and service through-hull fittings. Ensure all repairs cure properly before applying antifouling. Rushing repairs compromises quality and may require redoing work later.
Antifouling Application
Antifouling paint prevents marine growth on the hull, maintaining performance and fuel efficiency. Choose antifouling appropriate for your usage and local conditions. Hard antifouling suits yachts that move frequently, while ablative types work better for vessels spending long periods stationary.
Surface preparation is critical for antifouling adhesion and performance. Sand the hull to remove old paint and create a key for new coats. Clean thoroughly to remove dust and contaminants. Apply primer if required by the antifouling manufacturer. Follow manufacturer instructions for application, including number of coats, drying times, and launch timing.
Apply antifouling systematically, maintaining wet edges to avoid lap marks. Use appropriate rollers or spray equipment. Pay special attention to waterline areas and areas prone to growth. Apply extra coats to leading edges and high-wear areas. Allow proper curing time before launching—premature launching reduces antifouling effectiveness.
Running Gear Maintenance
Propeller Service
Remove propellers for inspection and service. Check for damage, corrosion, or bent blades. Clean thoroughly and polish to reduce drag. Inspect propeller shafts for wear, corrosion, or misalignment. Replace shaft seals and bearings as needed. Ensure proper propeller installation with correct torque and locking mechanisms.
Shaft and Strut Inspection
Inspect propeller shafts for straightness, wear, and corrosion. Check cutlass bearings in struts for wear—excessive play indicates replacement is needed. Verify shaft alignment, as misalignment causes vibration and premature bearing wear. Inspect struts for cracks or damage, particularly at mounting points.
Rudder Maintenance
Check rudder bearings for wear and smooth operation. Inspect rudder stocks for corrosion or damage. Verify rudder-to-hull clearances are adequate. Look for cracks or delamination in rudder blades. Service or replace bearings showing wear. Ensure steering systems operate smoothly with no binding or excessive play.
Anode Replacement
Sacrificial anodes protect underwater metals from galvanic corrosion. Replace anodes when 50% depleted—waiting until completely consumed leaves metals unprotected. Install anodes of appropriate material for your water conditions. Ensure good electrical connection between anodes and protected metals. Check bonding systems for continuity.
Through-Hull Fittings
Inspection and Service
Inspect all through-hull fittings for corrosion, cracks, or damage. Check that seacocks operate smoothly through their full range. Verify hose connections are secure and hoses are in good condition. Replace any questionable fittings—through-hull failures can sink yachts.
Service seacocks by disassembling, cleaning, and lubricating with appropriate marine grease. Replace worn or damaged components. Ensure proper reassembly with correct torque. Test operation after service. Consider replacing old bronze fittings with modern composite materials that don't corrode.
Survey Requirements
Insurance Surveys
Most insurance policies require periodic surveys, typically every 3-5 years depending on yacht age and value. Surveys must be conducted by approved surveyors while the yacht is hauled. Schedule surveys early in the yard period to identify required repairs before other work begins.
Prepare for surveys by ensuring access to all areas. Provide documentation of previous surveys and maintenance records. Be present during the survey to answer questions and understand findings. Address all survey recommendations promptly to maintain insurance coverage.
Pre-Purchase Surveys
Buyers typically require surveys before purchasing yachts. These comprehensive inspections examine all systems and structure. Haul out is essential for thorough hull and underwater gear inspection. Survey findings often lead to price negotiations or required repairs before sale completion.
Managing Yard Periods
Coordination and Scheduling
Effective coordination ensures efficient yard periods. Schedule work logically, with preparation tasks before finishing work. Coordinate multiple contractors to avoid conflicts and delays. Maintain regular communication with the yard and contractors. Visit regularly to monitor progress and address issues promptly.
Budget Management
Yard periods often exceed initial budgets due to discovered problems or scope creep. Obtain detailed quotes before starting work. Approve all additional work before contractors proceed. Track expenses carefully. Prioritize essential work if budget constraints arise. Plan for contingencies—unexpected issues are common during haul outs.
Quality Control
Inspect all work before accepting completion. Verify repairs meet specifications and standards. Test systems before launching. Document all work with photos and receipts. Don't accept substandard work—addressing problems ashore is easier and cheaper than after launching.
Launching
Pre-Launch Checks
Before launching, verify all work is complete and systems are ready. Ensure through-hull seacocks are closed. Check that all tools and equipment are removed from the yacht. Verify antifouling has cured properly. Confirm the yard has scheduled lifting equipment and crew.
Launch Procedure
Be present during launching to monitor the process. Verify proper sling placement and lifting. Once in the water, immediately check for leaks. Open seacocks systematically and verify no water enters. Start engines and check cooling water flow. Test all systems before leaving the yard.
Post-Launch Tasks
Monitor the yacht closely for the first few days after launching. Check bilges frequently for leaks. Verify all systems operate properly. Test steering and running gear under way. Address any issues immediately. Document the yacht's condition after launching for future reference.
Professional Yard Support
Managing haul out periods requires significant time, knowledge, and coordination. Professional yard support services handle all aspects of the process, from planning through launching. Our experienced team coordinates contractors, monitors work quality, manages budgets, and ensures efficient yard periods.
Trident Seas provides comprehensive yard and refit support services throughout Costa del Sol. We work with the region's best yards and contractors, ensuring your yacht receives expert care. Our project management expertise keeps yard periods on schedule and within budget while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Conclusion
Successful haul outs require careful planning, proper execution, and attention to detail. Regular haul outs maintain your yacht's condition, performance, and value while preventing costly problems. Whether managing the process yourself or using professional support, understanding haul out procedures ensures efficient yard periods and optimal results.
For expert assistance with your next haul out, contact Trident Seas. Our team provides complete yard support services, ensuring your yacht receives the best care during haul out periods in Costa del Sol.