Haul Outs and Yard Time

[Bladeswell]

Hello All,

Looking forward to buying a Catalina 30 and I have some noobie questions. I think I read somewhere that a haul out costs about $300. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but does this include putting her back in the water or is that yet another $300 ? And sense I will have her out, I suppose this will be the best time to take care of any structural or safety or under the waterline repairs. So assuming its all work I can do, does the yard supply the cradle or must I own one ? Am I paying space rent for the yard space and about how much would that be ?
The area is Long Beach, Ca. if that helps. Because of the year of boat I will be buying, 78-84, I know I can expect to have plenty of work that needs to be done. Thanks everyone.

 

[Jackdaw]

Blade,

Welcome to big-boat ownership!

Every yard id different, but they usually have a a-la carte pricing structure. You should assume that that is the cost each way. Often if THEY do the yard work you will get a break on the price. But if you are going to do it, they will charge you both ways, charge rental for the jack stands, and maybe the movement.

Remember that from the yard's perspective there is no difference between your boat and a 2013 model. All the difference the age makes in the purchase price evaporates in the yard.

 

[Bob4203]

Its nuts!

Caution.................expect lots of costs by the yard. First, they will have a take-out, put in charge based on the size of the boat. Charges may vary if the boat stays in the sling temporarily for a survey, quick prop change, cutlass bearing change, etc. These sometimes are subject to an hourly limit. So, if you planning on being "on the hard" for awhile, expect a daily yard fee, which may or may not include water and power. They may require you have the hull pressure washed before placing the boat in the yard. Many yards require you purchase supplies at their marina store which can cost more then the boating stores or online catalogs. This is why do-it-yourself yards are the best. You may see clean up charges, high costs for removing a mast or holding it in place while work is to be done.

First and foremost get the list of charges before anything else.

Budget high! Boat yards are not cheap or great deals these days, which is a hard introduction to the cost of ownership. The 30 will require two gallons of bottom paint so figure anywhere from $125 to $250 per gallon depending on what you buy. Need to clean and wax the hull? If you have someone from the outside do it it can cost as much as $300 UP.

Do your homework, check all yards around and get prices first and foremost that way you will be prepared.

welcome aboard

Bob
'88 Mark II
Georgia

ps. If you let the board know your location, you might get some good advise on yards near you.

 

[Swimnfit]

Welcome to owning a boat in California
The dealings I have had with yards down here in San Diego, the haul out and launch is usually one price. There may... depending on the work done, be a daily charge while the boat is in a cradle which the yard provides. Example.. Boatyard in SD: Haul out/launch, powerwash hull, 2 coats of xxx brand bottompaint and 3 coats along the splash line. approximatelly 3 days $1600.00.
Here's the rub... Environmentally, many yards limit the type of work you can do yourself in the yard, and the time of day you can do it. I had no problem doing some DIY projects while the boat was in the yard after 5PM and on the weekend. If you do have to keep the boat longer on stilts they usually have a daily rate that the yard will charge you.

 

[Bladeswell]

Thanks guys,
At least this gives me a ball park so I will have an idea of what to expect. I will actually want a power wash as soon as she's out of the water and most likely I will have arranged for a survey as well. But it looks like I better be prepared to take care of all necessary out of the water repairs A.S.A.P. Thanks again.

 

[wufibugs]

Just for comparison, take at look at the rates charged by the very impressive yard at Baja Naval in Ensenada http://bajanaval.com/02_BoatyardServices/Rates/index.htm. A friend had considerable work done here on his 58' motor yacht and was very pleased. They will not let you do any work below the waterline, but Guillermo is very willing to work with DYIs, such as letting me bring a soda blaster down for his crew to use in preference to the more aggressive methods they often employ [though a light power sanding for $93 isn't too bad]. He also said I could acid wash the hull as long as I washed away the diluted acid, something most yards in SoCal won't consider. One question I have is why prop changing is always quoted as though it has to be done while in a travel lift as opposed to on stands? Is there some reason prop and cutlass bearing work can't or should not be done on stands? He said I could do any other repairs I want, or work with his crew if I prefer [might be nice to have experienced help to find/fix the hatch leak which is probably dry rot somewhere under there].

 

[Bob4203]

..................once you commit to placing the vessel on the stands (moving travel lift to working location, setting up stands, blocking keel, etc) your in a different $$$$$ mode compared to just holding the vessel in the sling to change out a prop, cutlass bearing, thru-huill, etc). The yard has a set time limit for hanging in the sling then might pro-rate. Sure you can do these tasks on "the hard", but if your intent is to just change out a prop or bearing its easy while in the sling as long as you have the correct tools to do it. Further the yard willl not require you have the hull pressure washed unless you opt for that service (which is worth it!).

In the 48+ years of boat ownership and working on my vessels in yards all along the east coast, you MUST do your research and that is to seek out a DIY yard, which not only provides you hands on experience but saves $$$$$$ as well. If you run into a problem you cannot fix (loosening a thru hull fitting, repair damage to keel or keel post, fixing the infamous "catalina smile", blisters, etc, etc, the yard can always provide those services. Another benefit in a DIY yard is hanging out with other boat owners who often provide a wealth of knowledge which all contributes to the ownership experience.

Take you time and explore all options.

Bob
1988 Mark II
Georgia

 

[wufibugs]

Since I will be polishing and waxing the hull, new striping and lettering, fixing some crazing in the deck gelcoat, painting the bottom, possibly replacing the cutlass bearing and inspecting thru hulls [have no leaks, but need to take a look] and checking the rudder, which can be a Hunter nemesis, getting her out of the sling [$150/hr] and onto stands [$30/day] seems like the order of the day.