Yacht Haul-Out, Storage and Bottom Paint Cost
How much does a yacht haul-out cost? Per-foot haul-out, winter storage and bottom paint prices, with a worked 50-foot example and what changes the bill.
Every yacht kept in the water needs to come out regularly for antifouling, inspection and repairs, and many owners store theirs ashore for the winter. These three costs, the haul-out, the storage and the bottom paint, are some of the largest predictable items in the maintenance budget. This guide shows typical per-foot prices, a worked example for a 50-foot yacht, and what pushes the bill up.
Quick answer
Yards usually charge haul-out and launch by the foot, and one maintenance guide puts it at roughly $10 to $20 per foot for a 40 to 50 foot yacht. Professional antifouling is quoted at upwards of $100 per foot of hull, and catamarans cost about twice as much. Winter storage depends heavily on the yard: one published 2025 to 2026 tariff charges $24 per foot per month. For a 50-foot yacht that adds up to roughly $12,700 to $13,200 for a haul-out, bottom paint and six months ashore, before extras.
Haul-out and launch
The yard lifts the yacht with a travel lift or crane, supports it on stands or a cradle and launches it again later. Charges are usually per foot of length, sometimes with a minimum, and the price can include blocking and a tarp. Larger or heavier yachts, wide beams, and yachts that need a crane instead of a travel lift cost more. Book early in spring, because yards are busy and prices can vary with the season.
Bottom paint and antifouling
Antifouling stops marine growth on the hull and is normally renewed every one to two years depending on the paint and where you cruise. A maintenance guide quotes professional application at upwards of $100 per linear foot of hull, with stripping, blister treatment and propeller work charged on top. Regular bottom cleaning while afloat is a smaller recurring cost, quoted at around $1 to $2 per foot, and is often done monthly in warm waters.
Storage ashore
Storage ranges from low-cost hardstanding to heated sheds. As one real example, a public port's tariff for winter 2025 to 2026 charged $24 per foot per month for storage from October to March, plus a flat $37.50 a month for shore power. The same tariff rises from April 1, 2026 to $1.30 per foot per day, which is about $39 per foot per month. That shows how much storage prices change by season and by yard, so request a written quote for your dates.
Worked example: a 50-foot yacht
| Item | Basis | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Haul-out and launch | $10 to $20 per foot | $500 to $1,000 |
| Bottom paint (professional) | from $100 per foot | from $5,000 |
| Winter storage, 6 months | $24 per foot per month | $7,200 |
| Total | $12,700 to $13,200 and up |
Illustrative calculation by YachtMetric using the published rates quoted above. The maintenance rates date from 2022 and the storage rate is a single yard's tariff, so your quotes will differ. Shore power, pressure washing, stripping and repairs are extra.
What changes the bill
- Length and beam: prices scale per foot, and wide or heavy yachts need bigger lifts.
- Hull type: catamarans are commonly quoted at roughly double for antifouling.
- Location and season: storage and labor rates vary by region and by time of year.
- Do-it-yourself rules: some yards limit owner work, and professional services can cost several times more than doing the job yourself.
- Hidden work: blisters, osmosis, damaged anodes, saildrive seals and propeller work often come to light once the yacht is out of the water.
How to keep costs down
- Combine the haul-out with other jobs so the yacht is only lifted once.
- Get written quotes that list what is included, then compare per foot and in total.
- Ask about discounts for off-peak dates or longer stays.
- Keep a contingency for work found once the hull is exposed.
For the cold-season checklist, see our yacht winterization cost guide. For the wider picture, see yacht maintenance cost and marina fees, and put it all together with the annual cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a yacht be hauled out?
Most yachts are hauled out about once a year for antifouling and inspection, although some owners go longer between lifts depending on the paint, the water and the insurer's requirements.
Is winter storage cheaper than keeping the yacht in the water?
It depends on the marina and climate. Where winters are cold, storage ashore avoids ice damage and may cost less than a winter berth, but it adds the haul-out and launch charges.
How much does antifouling cost per foot?
A common quoted figure for professional application is upwards of $100 per foot, with more for stripping, repairs and larger or multi-hull yachts.
Sources
- Navigare Yachting: boat maintenance costs, how to avoid surprises (haul-out, antifouling and cleaning rates, May 2022)
- Port of Olympia: winter storage flyer 2025 to 2026 (storage and shore power rates)
