I'm launching my 28.5 Friday for its 26th season on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake.
Before lifting off the jack stands or cradle, climb aboard and close all thru hull valves. Check your fuel shut off at the fuel tank in the starboard sail locker is in the 'on' position and your batteries are charged. Discuss bottom painting proceedure for the cradle patches and bottom of the keel with the yard before they lift her.
they will typically pick her up in the travel lift and lower her into a launchbay; hold her in the slings while you or the yard worker jump aboard and check for leaks. Open the seawater intake to the engine (port side quarterberth access behind the transmission).
After they have dropped the slings out of the way, you or the yard can motor her off to your permanent slip. I do it myself and set up my dock lines and fenders the way I want; you may need a little help the first time. I then rig the sails and re-feed the reef lines and outhaul, hook up the boom vang and cunningham, clean up the cabin, etc so I spend enough time aboard to feel she's sitting OK and the dock lines are set OK. Friday I'm planning on a nice single handed sail to remind myself what a lucky guy I am to be able to keep doing this every new season.
All the best, enjoy the boat and if you like, check in on :
www.huntertwentyeightfive.com to chat with like minded 28.5 owners.