Annual Boat Lift: What to Expect and Why It Matters
It’s that time of year again—the annual boat lift.
Whether you lift your boat every year, every two years, or every three years, every vessel eventually needs to come out of the water for inspection, cleaning and maintenance. It’s an essential part of responsible boat ownership and helps keep your boat safe, efficient and ready for another season.
The Lift-Out Experience
For many boat owners, the lift-out begins with a little anxiety.
You carefully manoeuvre your boat into the narrow lifting dock, where the hoist’s strops are already submerged in the water. You need to position your boat directly over them before the marina staff can secure everything correctly.
The boat must be aligned as squarely as possible so the lifting strops sit in the correct positions. This is important to avoid damaging components such as:
- The propeller shaft
- The speed paddle wheel (if fitted)
- Other underwater fittings
Most boat manufacturers provide lifting position marks on the hull to make this process easier. If your boat doesn’t have these markings, be sure to provide the lift operator with an accurate underwater profile of your vessel.
Once everything is in place, you step ashore—and the real waiting begins!
As the lift slowly raises your boat from the water, it’s perfectly normal for the nerves to kick in. Fortunately, marina staff carry out these operations regularly and are experienced in handling boats safely.
Cleaning the Hull
Once clear of the water, your boat is moved to the wash-down area.
Here, the hull is thoroughly cleaned using a high-pressure washer to remove:
- Marine growth
- Barnacles
- Algae
- Slime and debris
After cleaning, the boat is carefully moved into its position in the yard, where it will remain while maintenance is carried out.
Now is the perfect opportunity to inspect every part of the hull and identify any work that may be required.
Coppercoat Antifouling
At Pretty Sailing, our boats are protected with Coppercoat®, an epoxy-based antifouling system that requires very little maintenance when applied correctly.
Typically, Coppercoat lasts between 10 and 15 years before reapplication is required. With proper care and regular maintenance, many boat owners report receiving 20 to 30 years of effective protection.
The lifespan depends on several factors, including:
- Water temperature
- Salinity
- Frequency of use
- Regular cleaning and maintenance
There are many different antifouling products available, so it’s always worth speaking with your local chandlery to determine which system is best suited to your boat and cruising area.
Don’t Forget the Anodes
Anodes should always be inspected during lift-out.
If they look worn, they probably are. Replacing them is considerably less expensive than repairing corrosion damage to underwater metalwork.
What Does an Anode Do?
Sacrificial anodes provide cathodic protection.
Manufactured from highly reactive metals such as zinc, aluminium or magnesium, they corrode in preference to more valuable metal components, protecting items such as:
- Propellers
- Shafts
- Stern gear
- Engine components
- Other underwater fittings
Replacing worn anodes is a relatively inexpensive job that can prevent costly repairs in the future.
Inspecting Seacocks and Through-Hull Fittings
Lift-out is also the ideal time to inspect your seacocks (through-hull fittings).
Check that every valve:
- Opens and closes smoothly
- Shows no signs of corrosion
- Is free from leaks
- Remains securely mounted
If a through-hull fitting needs replacing, now is the ideal time.
The process generally involves:
- Disconnecting the attached hoses.
- Removing the old through-hull fitting.
- Cleaning and preparing the hull surface.
- Installing the new through-hull fitting using a suitable marine-grade sealant.
- Fitting and securing the new seacock.
Taking care of these components while the boat is ashore is far easier—and much safer—than attempting repairs once she’s back in the water.
The Final Touch
Once all the maintenance has been completed, there’s just one decision left…
Would you like the topsides polished?
A professional polish restores the shine, protects the gelcoat and leaves your boat looking her very best for the season ahead.
What We Do at Pretty Sailing
Every year, we carry out a comprehensive annual maintenance programme that includes:
- Thoroughly cleaning the underside of the hull.
- Inspecting the Coppercoat coating.
- Checking all sacrificial anodes and replacing them where necessary.
- Inspecting every seacock to ensure it operates correctly and is in good condition.
- Polishing the topsides to restore their finish.
- Returning the boat safely to the water, ready for another enjoyable season.
Ready for Another Season
An annual lift-out is about far more than simply cleaning the bottom of your boat. It’s an opportunity to inspect vital components, prevent costly repairs and ensure your vessel remains safe, reliable and ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.
At Pretty Sailing, we believe that regular maintenance is the key to enjoyable, trouble-free boating.
Fair winds, following seas, and above all… stay safe.
