How to Remove a Sailboat From the Water

After a season or a day of sailing, you may need to remove your sailboat from the water. It can seem like a tedious task, but you should follow these directions to keep your sailboat in good shape and not get rusty or wear out.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A trailer
• Securing ropes and lines
• A truck or car
• A winch, if needed

1. Back your trailer and truck or car to the water's edge where the loading and unloading dock is.

2. Get into the water with a few people to help you.

3. Make sure the rudder and keel are up on your sailboat so that they don’t get damaged.

4. Lift the boat out of the water and place it on the trailer.

5. If your boat is too heavy to lift, back your trailer into the water, hook up the winch to the bow of the boat and winch your boat into place. Make sure that you have someone to guide your sailboat into place.

6. Open the drain plug to release any built up water from the hull.

7. When it’s done draining, secure the sailboat to your trailer and pull away.

Tips & Warnings

• It’s important to drain the water from the hull of your sailboat before storing it on dry land.
• Make sure the keel and rudder are in the UP position or you will damage them on land.

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