Checklist for Marine Repair and Haulout

Marine repair and haul-out involves a major step that requires serious planning and preparation. Generally, boats in excess of 26 feet long require some mechanical device to remove the craft from the water for repair or proper survey. A wise boat owner plans the process ahead of time, familiarizing himself with the most convenient harbor or port facility that can haul the boat from the water with the right equipment and store it safely for needed repairs.

Choosing a Facility

Carefully choose an appropriate marine facility that contains a supply yard, haul-out equipment, and workshop and storage lots. Consider the vessel type and the hauling gear and technique required to remove it from the water. Large fixed keel sailboats require a crane and strap system. Choose a straddle hoist for an extremely heavy vessel, or a tidal grid system for minor repairs to a prop or rudder. Contact the marina and describe the boat's type and dimensions -- gross weight, length and width.

Boat Paperwork and Identification

Obtain and organize all paperwork related to the vessel. Have on hand the boat title, registration, previous repair orders and survey records, damage reports and any work orders that describe additions or modifications to the vessel. When doing business with the marine facility, you need state-approved picture identification, such as a driver's license; bring a birth certificate, social security number and proof of current address.

Work List

Make an itemized list of all expected work and present the list to the marina. The marina must know in advance the extent of the repairs, the size of the vessel and the precise area in the yard to dry-dock it. Major structural hull repairs require a certain area of the marine yard that houses the tools and shop. The marina stores the boat in the proper painting area or area designated for engine removal and repair.

Vessel Preparation

Clean the vessel and remove all personal items from the cabin and storage areas, like cameras, ski and fishing equipment, loose furniture, perishable food and drink items, clothes, bedding, tools, keepsakes, decorations, loose kitchen appliances and any other privately owned gear. Gather all keys to storage cabinets and lockers, engine covers or engine rooms, cabin doors and hatch covers, and mark them for proper identification. The marine facility might need unlimited access to any and all such areas. Charge all vessel batteries.

Vessel Transport

Decide whether to transport the boat to the specified haul-out area, or have the boat picked up from an alternate marina and transported by a marine yard pilot. Liabilities differ from one marina to another, as far as responsibility for the final transport and placement of the boat for haul-out. Supply sufficient gasoline or diesel fuel for any extended transport.

The Repair Order and Estimate

Review the entire work order, which includes the labor time and parts inventory. Sign the work order before work begins. Discuss any conflicts, disagreements or changes in the repair procedure with the marina supervisor. Agree to the method of payment and the payment deadline. If you have questions, examine and question the flat-rate shop manual.

Onsite Visitation

Visit the site to watch and monitor work progression. Certain areas might be restricted where heavy equipment operates on a daily basis. Stay behind cordoned areas, obey sign, and placard markings. Some marinas allow the vessel owner to make slight repairs once the boat has been delivered to a private storage lot. Make such arrangements beforehand.

Additional Repairs

Contact the marina to add additional repairs by phone. The marina will add additional repair requests to the work order, readjust the original quote, date and initial it. The vessel owner should also revise the new repair costs, date and initial his copy of the work order.

Haul Out Damage

Take before and after photos of his vessel. Alert the marina supervisor if you find damage on your vessel, because of the transit or repair work. Calmly state the facts, outlining the damage. Explain why you believe the marina is responsible. The supervisor will listen to the complaints and determine a fair compensation for a judgment ruled in your favor.