Book now, say North Island haulout operators

Thanks to Covid-19 more Kiwis are turning to their boats for holiday plans, and many haulouts and maintenance providers are already very busy. “Our advice to boaties is to book your contractors first and your haulout space to suit,” says Lucy Goodchap of Tauranga Bridge Marina.

Pictured above: the Westhaven Floating Dock, Marsden Cove Boatyard, and the Bridge Marina Travelift in Tauranga

The Floating Dock at Westhaven says they are dealing with the double whammy of catching up after Auckland’s Level 3 lockdown, and more boaties than usual planning to go boating this summer instead of travelling.  The Floating Dock runs an online booking service and says that Thursdays and Fridays before weekend races are especially busy and weekend haulouts are now booked out for the rest of the year – although the Floating Dock is running a waiting list and suggests booking an overnight haulout to avoid disappointment. 
 
In Northland, Marsden Cove Marina’s boatyard is also under the pump. “It would be a wise move to book haulouts and maintenance ahead of time,” says manager Brent Wilson. “Do it sooner rather than later and if you need a boat builder, painter or rigger, start booking them now as the Northland area is already near to capacity.”  
 
Tips:

• To reduce the chance of growth on your hull, props, shafts and running gear get a lift and clean every 3-6 months and antifoul annually. This will also increase your speed and fuel efficiency. 
• If there are water restrictions in your region, look for a haulout that uses an alternative water supply such as salt water, recycled water, or bore water. Several of these are identified in our new haulout directory. 

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