Every Day Costs Money! 10 Things to Check During a Boat Haul Out

Whether you're a first-time sailboat buyer, a new boat owner, or an experienced cruiser looking to reduce maintenance costs, understanding the true workload of sailboat ownership is essential. The purchase price is just the beginning. One of the biggest hidden costs of boat ownership is the ongoing maintenance required to keep your boat safe, seaworthy, and ready for another sailing season. Haul outs should take place every year or two, and when it's time to haul your boat out of the water, every day on land can cost you money. Most boatyards charge a daily rate while your boat is on the hard, meaning poor planning, forgotten supplies, and unexpected repairs can quickly turn a routine haul-out into an expensive project. So, what actually needs to be done when a sailboat comes out of the water? And how can you prepare ahead of time to avoid wasting money? Steal our list of the 10 things we check during EVERY haul out that we use to maintain our fleet of 20+ yachts & minimize boatyard expenses: 1. Prep & Paint the Bottom 2. Replace the Zincs 3. Clean, Polish & Coat the Propeller 4. Inspect & Service the Thru-Hulls 5. Check the Cutlass Bearing 6. Inspect the Shaft Packing or Saildrive Seals 7. Service the Bow Thruster 8. Inspect the Anchor Chain & Ground Tackle 9. Inspect the Rudder & Joints 10. Drain & Dry the Rudder — The “Secret” Final Tip ⚓️ABOUT US⚓️ The Sailing Academy is an ASA sailing school for those who want to learn to sail, cultivate sailing skills, or begin a lifelong sailing adventure. We teach on premium yachts perfect for every skill level: whether it is at our home base on the Chesapeake Bay, on an offshore experience, or for a family sailing vacation cruising the Bahamas. Your adventure starts here! Learn how to sail a sailboat, get your ASA certifications, and join our Sailboat Club for an affordable full season of sailing. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesailingacademy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesailingacademy/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.sailing.acade X : https://x.com/TSailingAcademy