Yacht haul-out checklist for underwater inspection

A haul-out inspection should begin as soon as the yacht is lifted. Photograph propeller edges, anodes, hull defects, transducers and the rudder and shaft areas before cleaning removes visible evidence.

This guide covers the checks supported by the source material: hull condition, running gear, anodes, seawater fittings and the post-launch leak round. Stabiliser fins, thrusters and trim tabs can be added to the work list, but this checklist does not assign pass or fail criteria to them because the supplied inspection guidance does not provide those criteria.

Record the condition before cleaning

The first task is documentation. Take clear photographs immediately after lifting, while growth, staining and visible defects remain in their as-lifted condition. Cover these areas:

• Propeller edges: Record each propeller before cleaning or other work begins.
• Sacrificial anodes: Photograph their condition so the decision to retain or replace them is documented.
• Hull defects: Record any visible blistering, distortion or stress cracking.
• Transducers: Include each unit in the photographic record before cleaning.
• Rudder and shaft areas: Capture the rudderstock, propeller shaft and surrounding underwater equipment.

These photographs support the inspection but do not replace the physical checks below. In particular, shaft movement, rudderstock bending, loose stuffing boxes and seized seacocks require direct inspection.

Turn observations into clear actions

Use the haul-out work list to separate routine inspection points from defects that need an engineer's assessment. The following matrix keeps the finding, its significance and the next action together.

Do not treat coating over visible hull defects as the inspection. The pre-launch check specifically calls for identifying blisters, distortions and stress cracks, with any resulting repair scope decided before launch.

Inspect the hull, anodes and submerged fittings

Work methodically over the hull before coating work begins. Inspect for three defined conditions: blisters, distortion and stress cracks. Any of these findings requires scope assessment beyond a visual crew check.

Replace deteriorated sacrificial anodes during the pre-launch inspection. Their condition should already be recorded in the initial photographs, giving the work list a clear before-replacement record.

Photograph the transducers before cleaning. The supplied guidance does not provide further acceptance criteria for transducers, stabiliser fins, thrusters or trim tabs, so it would be wrong to create generic limits for them. Where these items are included in the yard period, assign them to the relevant technical scope, such as stabiliser service or hydraulics and thruster work.

Check propellers, shafts and the rudderstock

Inspect each propeller for dings, pitting and distortion. Verify that its cotter pins are secure. Propeller pitting or distortion is a reason to call an engineer rather than simply recording the condition and proceeding to launch.

Check for possible cutless-bearing wear only after the engine has been secured against starting. Grip the propeller and observe whether there is shaft movement. Movement may indicate that an inboard cutless bearing needs replacement, but crew should report the play rather than make a diagnosis by feel alone.

Inspect the rudderstock for bending while the yacht is ashore. A bent rudderstock requires engineering assessment. Shaft play, propeller condition and rudderstock findings can be grouped under a shaft, propeller and steering inspection so the related work remains together.

On inboard installations, inspect the shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness. The BoatUS commissioning checklist states that a stuffing box should leak only while the propeller shaft is turning. Leakage outside that operating condition belongs on the engineer's defect list.

Inspect seacocks, strainers, hoses and clamps

Inspect and lubricate every seacock before launch. Operate each valve without forcing it. If a seacock is seized, corroded, cracked, insecure or cannot be operated, stop and arrange technical attention.

Inspect the engine-intake sea strainer for:

• Cracking or bending: Either condition requires assessment.
• Corrosion: A corroded strainer should be referred to an engineer.
• Cleanliness: The strainer should be clean before launch.
• Mounting: Confirm that it is properly secured.

Inspect hose clamps and replace them as necessary. The BoatUS checklist advises double clamping below-waterline hose and fuel-line connections with marine-rated stainless clamps.

ABYC identifies H-27 as 'Seacocks, Thru-Hull Fittings, and Drain Plugs'. It also lists H-22 for electric bilge pump systems, H-30 for hydraulic systems and P-6 for propeller shafting systems, indicating that these areas involve complementary inspection disciplines.

The inspection is not complete when the yacht leaves the stands. After launch, check every through-hull for leaks. Include the stuffing boxes in a deliberate leak round and record the result.

What crew can check safely

Crew can carry out several useful checks without moving into diagnosis or repair:

1. Photograph before cleaning. Record propeller edges, anodes, hull defects, transducers and the rudder and shaft areas immediately after lifting.
2. Operate seacocks carefully. Check that each valve can be operated, then inspect its hoses and clamps. Do not force a seized valve.
3. Observe possible shaft play. Secure the engine against starting before gripping the propeller. Report any movement and leave the cutless-bearing diagnosis to an engineer.
4. Complete the post-launch leak round. Check and log every through-hull and stuffing box after relaunch.

Keep the safety boundaries clear. Machinery must be secured against starting before anyone handles the propeller, and a seized seacock must not be forced. An underwater leak found after launch requires immediate technical attention.

When to call an engineer

Arrange an engineering assessment when any of the following appears during the haul-out or post-launch check:

• Running gear defects: Shaft play, propeller pitting or distortion, or a bent rudderstock.
• Seal leakage: Stuffing-box leakage outside the stated operating condition.
• Hull defects: Blistering, distortion, stress cracking or corrosion that needs a defined scope beyond visual inspection.
• Seawater fitting faults: A sea strainer, through-hull or seacock that is cracked, corroded, insecure or impossible to operate.
• Post-launch leakage: Any underwater leak found during the through-hull and stuffing-box round.

Do not defer these findings to a later cleaning or coating task. Record the location and visible condition, then pass the defect into the repair scope before the yacht returns to service.

Blueward Marine can inspect hull defects and manage gelcoat, paint and antifouling work in Palma de Mallorca. Use the online service booking to describe the fault and upload photographs, or call the 24/7 emergency line on +34 971 251 374.