The Pre-Haul-Out Sea Trial
Whether you’re hauling out the boat for the winter or for an annual bottom paint job, it pays to ask and answer a number of questions before she comes out of the water. A formal sea trial prior to hauling will do just that, and can be combined with your trip to the yard.
Depending on the boat and your budget, you might want to bring a mechanic along, but the following procedures are within reach of most boat owners. In any case, you will need at least two people: one to operate the boat and the other to perform the inspections.
GETTING STARTED
Begin by placing clean white absorbent pads under the engines. They will remain there until the
