What to remember when hauling out?

[Unhooked]

Hi all, I'm just about to do my first haul out for storage next week. Will store the boat in Grenada over the summer season. What should I not forget to do before I leave Grenada? Grease on the hard to prevent ants was one tip. Getting the sails down might also be good. However I saw that some of the boats with in mast furling kept them up. Is that advisable?

Any tip on cleaning the bimi? Any tip on what product to use for getting the window seals not to crack? Do you normally do anything else then fresh water rinse to you engine?

Well, since it's the first time I'll guess I might do stuff wrong so better to ask you guys advice beforehand. If you have any thoughts they're very much welcomed. Thanks!

[Cheechako]

Block your tank vents... bees/bugs get in there.
Cover your engine exhaust outlet... rodents? Bees. (tennis ball?)
Make sure the cockpit can drain.
Make sure the bilge pump will stay working or have a garboard drain for the bilge.
Some ventilation for the boat is a good thing.... keeps temp down and mold from getting out of hand.
Remove at least the headsail.

[senormechanico]

Dump your water tanks through your faucets.
Drain the hot water tank.
Who wants green scum coming out of the faucets?

[DeepFrz]

Along with the suggestions above: Change the oil, flush the engine with fresh water, remove the impeller and wash and store it in a zip lock bag. Relieve the tension on the drive belts.

Ensure all ventilation is screened. All cabinet/cupboard doors and door to the engine room are blocked open. All sea cocks are lubed and closed. Holding tank of course is empty and flushed. Perhaps add some vinegar and water to the holding tank.

If you have window shades (external) attach them. If you don't have them you may want to get some. EZ Snap is one brand.

[Jim Krause]

Good comments above - We top off our diesel fuel tank, pull our headsail and in-mast furled mainsail (good time to inspect everything), pressure wash, and disconnect the battery (we don't need to run electronics or the bilge pump but perhaps you do). Since she's going to be stored outside, I'd take off the bimini and anything else that would deteriorate from UV exposure (some lines as well).

[nekkidsailin]

biocide the diesel tank

and I'm sure you know - remove all food

[sailcrazy]

any added suggestions for "summering over" up in the hurricane zone (Puerto Rico), aside from strapping down the boat, putting the dinghy and anchor on the ground (and securing them), and removing everything on the rails? How do you ventilate the interior with everything closed and locked up? Is there any prep to wipe down surfaces to help prevent mildew?

[CdS2 Roland]

I tried both, leave natural ventilation and close all air inlet and run an air dryer with humidity control on 65%. This second try gived a lot better result. But it cost rent and electric supply. Inside was like we leaved it 3 months befor. No mold. It was in Panama.


Boat must be stored flat, so that you are sure all eventual water leaks go into the bildge. If you know you have some water leaks and can't fix it befor leaving, let your bildge pump on.

[Bulawayo]

Some good comments - to us the most critical have already been mentioned; top off the diesel (totally brim full), empty water tanks totally (my wife actually dries them totally and leaves the inspection lids loose), disconnect batteries unless you have solar panels in the circuit, if necessary disconnect your electronics if in a lightning area, remove your impeller and cap off; can usually be done in the water as well, remove your propellor if on the hard - horrible to find it stolen. Ensure the boat is ventilated and as much vulnerable gear as practicable should be removed including dan bouy, life rings etc. Remember the dinghy and outboard engine to be stored. Also turn off the gas cylinders at the bottles themselves. We also change the engine oil and filter and if leaving for an extended period change the coolant adding anti-freeze. If you have a water maker it shall need to be pickled. Similar for a wind gennny - tie it off safely. Also, dont upset others by leaving halyards ready to slap the mast. Also try and shade the hatches - it also stops fading of the interior as well as protecting the hatch lenses. Dont forget the heads - we use white vinegar to prevent them stinking - having flushed through with fresh water. If you leave the sails in place you may also attract various nesting 'things' from birds to bugs.

[David M]

Read the agreement that you make with the boat yard very carefully.

[phydeaux]

Might want to remember to lubricate the thru hulls. The valves and stopcocks, whether bronze or Marelon, last longer and work better lubrictaed, especially after being out of the water.

[SqPeg]

Cool knot. Is that yours?

[dkroar]

This is a great resource with lists, and checklists.

Store Your Boat

[brightontrader]

Remove your speed log to prevent strop crushing it.



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[Island Time O25]

Fresh water wash and dry your anchor and rode and put it inside the boat leaving the anchor locker empty and make sure the drain hole is free of leaves, twigs, etc.

If you have solars that are staying use one way screws to attach so that they cannot be taken off easily.