Everything below the waterline on your boat is slowly degrading. Bottom paint is ablating, zincs are sacrificing themselves, through-hulls are corroding, cutlass bearings are wearing, and marine growth is accumulating. The only way to address any of it is to get the boat out of the water. A haul-out isn't optional maintenance — it's the foundation that all other maintenance is built on.
The question isn't whether to haul; it's how often, where, and how to budget for it without getting surprised by the bill.
Most boats in warm-water climates (Florida, the Caribbean, Gulf Coast) need annual bottom paint. Tropical waters support aggressive marine growth — barnacles, algae, and hydroids can foul a hull in weeks during summer months. Even premium ablative paints like Interlux Micron 66 or Pettit Trinidad SR lose effectiveness after 12-18 months in warm water. If your bottom paint is due, check out our guide on the best bottom paints for Florida waters.
Boats in cooler northern waters can sometimes stretch to 18-24 months between hauls, but annual remains the standard recommendation.
Every two years (at minimum), you should inspect and service running gear: propeller shafts, cutlass bearings, stuffing boxes or shaft seals, rudder bearings and pintles, struts, and trim tabs. This is also the time to pull and inspect through-hulls and seacocks. Bronze through-hulls last decades; Marelon fittings should be inspected carefully for UV degradation and stress cracking.
At the five-year mark, plan for a more thorough inspection. This includes removing the rudder to inspect the stock and bearings, pulling the propeller shaft to check for wear and straightness, re-bedding deck hardware that penetrates below the waterline, and a full survey of the hull laminate or plating. A marine surveyor should be involved at this interval.
Grounding, collision, prop entanglement, or sudden water intrusion all warrant an immediate haul-out. Most boatyards can accommodate emergency hauls with 24-48 hours notice, though you'll pay a premium — typically 1.5x to 2x the standard haul rate.
Costs vary significantly by region, yard, and vessel size. Here are realistic 2026 numbers for the US market:
For a standard annual haul with bottom paint, basic zinc replacement, and two weeks on the hard:
Showing up prepared saves you money and makes the yard crew's job easier.
Not all boatyards are created equal. Here's what to evaluate:
If the yard allows owner work, painting your own bottom can save 40-60% on labor. A 40-foot boat needs roughly 4-6 gallons of paint ($150-$250/gallon for premium ablative), plus rollers, tape, and disposable coveralls. Plan for two full days of work: one day for prep (sanding, taping waterline and through-hulls) and one day for two coats of paint.
The tradeoff is your time and the quality of the finish. Professional painters with spray equipment lay down a smoother, more consistent coating than most DIYers can achieve with rollers. For boats over 50 feet, or for premium topside paint systems like Awlgrip or Alexseal, hire professionals.
For standard bottom paint and basic maintenance, plan for 5-10 working days. The haul and wash take half a day. Prep, painting, and zinc replacement take 3-5 days (including drying time between coats). The relaunch takes another half day. If you're adding running gear work, through-hull service, or blister repair, budget 2-4 weeks.
Some yards allow it; many don't. Those that do typically charge $10-$25/day for liveaboard privileges and provide access to restrooms, showers, and laundry. Living aboard during a haul-out means climbing a ladder to get on and off your boat, dealing with dust and paint fumes, and having no overboard discharge — you'll need to use shore facilities for everything.
It happens regularly. Common surprises include osmotic blisters in fiberglass hulls, corroded through-hulls that need replacement, shaft wear beyond tolerance, or damage from a grounding you didn't know about. Reputable yards will call you before doing any work beyond the original scope. Get a written estimate for unexpected work before authorizing it.
Cheaper yards save money upfront but may lack proper equipment, experienced staff, or environmental controls. Expensive yards often cater to larger yachts and may not be cost-effective for a 35-foot sailboat. The sweet spot for most recreational boats is a mid-range yard with a good reputation, reasonable daily storage rates, and a policy that allows you to do some of your own work. Ask for a complete written estimate including haul, launch, storage, power wash, blocking, and environmental fees before you commit.