The Real Cost of Haul-Out: What Boatyard Bills Don’t Show

There’s a moment after the travel-lift straps go tight when your stomach does the same. You’re thinking about the hull, the antifoul… and then the invoice. Hauling out is part of boat life, but the real cost often hides between line items and “while-you’re-at-it” jobs. Here’s what boatyard bills don’t always show—and how to plan better next time.

The quote is not the total

Most yards price lift out and launch by length (per metre/foot) and then charge extras for pressure wash, blocking, and time on the hard. These are standard, but the mix can surprise you. For example, a UK yard lists “lift each way” and “lift, hold & return” with different rates for berth holders vs. visitors—simple on paper, but easy to underestimate if you add a wash or a long “hang” in the slings.

Storage adds up—by square metres

A week becomes two, then three. Ashore storage is often priced per m² per day or month, and it rises fast when a part is delayed or weather stops painting. One Mediterranean marina publishes ashore storage at ~€1.03/m²/day or ~€14.19/m²/month, with a 6-month package that bundles lift, wash, relaunch, and storage. If you plan a tidy two weeks and stay six, that’s a different bill.

Weekend or after-hours? Surcharges

We’ve all done it—arrive Friday afternoon, hope to splash Sunday. Some yards add a +50% surcharge for using the lift outside normal hours, holidays, or weekends. It’s fair (staff + overtime), but it hurts if you didn’t expect it. If your plan is “weather-dependent,” ask about out-of-hours fees before you commit.

The “short list” that grows

You hauled out for antifoul and anodes. Then you see a weeping seacock, a tired cutlass bearing, and a crack in a stanchion base. Now you need a machinist on Monday, epoxy to cure, and a second coat because the tin ran short. Time on the hard stretches; storage and labour follow.

A smart trick: separate “must-do” and “nice-to-do” jobs before you lift. If a part is special-order, consider postponing the haul until the part is in your hands.

Electricity, water, and waste

Not big single items—but steady drips. Some yards meter or flat-fee electric, charge for water/pressure washing, and bill waste disposal (old antifoul, filters, oil). A few also charge admin or small handling fees you’ll only notice on the final invoice. Check the tariff sheet or ask for a “everything that might apply” list. (Examples vary widely by yard and country.)

Cradle, stands, and special lifts

Most normal boats use the yard’s cradles/props. But wide beams, deep fins, or unusual hulls can need heavier kit, bigger lifts, or more staff. Large Med yards advertise 70–150-ton travel lifts as standard; super-yard facilities go to 330 tons. If your boat is beamy or tall, confirm lift capacity and any special handling charges in advance.

“Hold in slings” time

Hanging in the straps for a survey or quick prop swap sounds simple. Many yards allow about an hour; beyond that, they bill a second lift or an hourly rate. If your surveyor runs late, that “quick” hold isn’t cheap. Sync calendars and arrive early.

Weather delays (and paint realities)

Wind, dew, and temperature decide your paint schedule as much as you do. Antifoul and epoxy need dry windows and cure times. If a cold snap hits, your two-day job can become four—and storage bills don’t pause. Build weather slack into your plan and ask the yard what they do when conditions aren’t paint-friendly.

Owner-work vs yard-work rules

Some yards are easy with DIY; others require yard labour for certain tasks (electrics, rig, thru-hulls) or charge a “supervision” fee. Know the rules before you order materials. If DIY is allowed, bring dust sheets, vacuum, and a tidy plan—you’ll save time and goodwill.

Example numbers (just to calibrate)

• Lift & block / launch (UK sample): posted rates per metre, with separate price for “lift, hold & return.” Good for survey days; pricey if it runs long.

• Ashore storage (Spain sample): ~€1.03/m²/day or ~€14.19/m²/month; 6-month package includes lift, wash, relaunch. Helpful if you know you’ll winter ashore.

• After-hours surcharge (Greece sample): +50% for lift/crane beyond working hours/holidays/weekends—common across many yards.

• Big-boat lift capacity (Med): travel lifts commonly 70–150 t; some yards up to 330 t. Check capacity and beam limits before you book.

Prices and policies vary by country and even by yard—always ask for the current tariff sheet and what’s included in the quote.

Lessons I learned the hard way

• Have parts in hand before you lift. Waiting on a €20 seal can cost €200 in extra storage.

• Book the right window. Avoid weekend/holiday surcharges if you can. Splash mid-week.

• Make a simple Gantt. Antifoul day 1, anodes day 2, cure day 3—then add one buffer day for weather.

• One decision-maker. If you sail as a couple or crew, pick one person to sign off changes. That stops the “while-you’re-at-it” creep.

• Ask for a “walk-through” bill. Before you splash, review the draft invoice with the office. It’s easier to correct then than after you’re back in the water.

Planning your own haul-out?

Start here: [How to Choose a Boatyard for Winter] — your checklist for picking a yard that fits your style and budget. Then pair it with [Preparing Your Boat’s Electrical System for Winter] so your batteries and shore power don’t become spring surprises.

⚓ Fair Winds & Final Thoughts

Every haul-out teaches something new — about patience, budgets, and the thousand small choices that keep a boat seaworthy. It’s never just about paint and polish; it’s about keeping your home afloat, one season at a time.

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