If you just purchased a previously owned boat, and it is anchored in a body of water, before you hit the water for the first time, you need to use a haul-out service to make sure that your boat is in good shape. The haul-out process was designed to allow you to check the bottom of your boat and running gear and ensure that everything that is under the water is working just as well as everything that you can see above water. Here are a few things you need to know about the haul-out process.

Remove Items From Your Boat Beforehand

Before you arrange for a haul-out company to service your boat, you need to prepare your boat. Generally, haul-out companies will either move or secure large items that are left inside your boat before they begin their work. As most haul-out companies charge by the hour, this can easily raise your haul-out service costs.

You can reduce these costs by removing all large and loose items from the body of your boat beforehand. For any items that you can't or don't want to remove, secure them to your boat with ropes and bungee cords. Taking this step will make the haul-out process go smoother and should save you some money as well.

Cleaning The Bottom Of Your Boat Is Vital

When your boat sits in the water for months or years on end, organisms start to turn the bottom of your boat into their home. Both mildew and fungal growths can attach themselves to the bottom of your boat. You may also find sea-life attached to the bottom of your boat, such as barnacles.

When you hire a haul-out service, not only do they lift your boat out of the water, they also scrape away any living organisms that have turned the bottom of your boat into their home. If you want to be able to use the previously owned boat that you just purchased for years to come, you need to keep the bottom of your boat in good shape. 

There Are Two Types Of Lifts

Finally, before you call a haul-out company, make sure that you know what type of lift option you want to use for the process. When you have a professional haul-out company remove your boat from the water, they generally use one of two lifting methods. The two primary methods for lifting boats out of a body of water are the forklift method or the travel lift method. 

The forklift method involves the use of a great deal of force to get your boat out of the water. A motorized device is attached to your boat and used to lift it up out of the water. The travel lift method does not involve the use of so much force. Instead, a sling is put around and under your boat, then it is gently lifted up out of the water.

Both methods are effective, and the method that you use depends entirely on your boat. You should call the company that manufactured your new boat and find out which method they designed their boat to be used with. Generally speaking, boats with strong internal structures can utilize the forklift method, and all other boats need to utilize the travel lift method. 

Before you hit the waters in your new boat, make sure that you hire a haul-out service from a company like South Park Marina to take care of your boat; this is the best way to ensure that it is in tip-top shape all the way around.