How do I haul out a boat in Australia?
Short answer
Ring the yard with your displacement, beam and draft, book a lift slot, and arrive with the boat prepared. A haul-out runs: you book a slot, the yard confirms its lift can take your vessel, you arrive at a stated tide, slings go under the hull at marked lifting points, the boat comes out, gets a high-pressure wash within the first hour, and is then blocked or cradled on the hardstand. The lift fee is usually quoted per metre and is only part of the bill.
How to Haul Out a Boat in Australia: practical steps
- Confirm the yard can physically take your boatTonnage is the headline number but maximum beam binds first, especially for catamarans. Give displacement, beam and draft before you book.
- Book a slot and ask about the tideDeep-keeled yachts can often only be lifted near high water. The yard will give you a window, not just a date.
- Mark your lifting pointsKnow where the slings can and cannot sit — saildrives, transducers, prop shafts and skin fittings all matter. Tell the operator before the boat is over the slings, not after.
- Take the wash immediatelyAntifoul growth comes off far more easily wet. Most yards include a high-pressure wash in the first period after the lift; if you miss it you will be scraping.
- Agree blocking and how long you haveCradle or stands, and the daily hardstand rate. Ask when the clock starts and whether there is a minimum.
- Confirm what work you may do yourselfYards differ sharply on owner labour, antifoul containment and which contractors they allow on site. Settle this before you book, not on day two.
Questions to ask the marina
- What is the maximum beam and displacement your lift will take?
- Can my draft be lifted at all states of tide?
- Is the pressure wash included, and for how long after the lift?
- What is the daily hardstand rate, and can I work on the boat myself?
- Do you allow outside contractors on site?
Marinas mentioned
Related marina booking and facility guides
- What a travel lift is and what capacity you need
- Marinas ranked on marine services
- Hauling out a catamaran
Related boat ownership guides
Boat Haul-Out Costs: Build a Complete Yard Budget
How do I choose a marina in Australia?
How do I get a marina berth in Australia?
Length overall includes protrusions. Beam is the widest point. Loaded draft is the depth below the waterline. Confirm the assigned berth, approach and operating limits with the marina.
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