Don’t leave it until the last week because haulouts, hardstands and contractors are talking about a busy summer ahead. For boat owners that means a need to get in contact with their favourite facility and make bookings if they are going to get lifted, washed or antifouled ahead of the summer cruising season.
We caught up with Wellington’s Seaview Marina:
“It’s difficult to give boat owners certainty because we are at full capacity on our hardstand,” says Marina Administrator Hayley Albers.
She says there are several reasons for this including a run of unpredictable weather which has meant that boats are staying on the hardstand for longer than usual.
“We have 25 spaces for vessels on the hardstand and nine are currently occupied by long-term jobs and vessels in storage, reducing the number of spaces available for other bookings,” she says. The shed is fully booked through until January 2027, and well subscribed from February to April 2027.
“For any vessel owners wanting to have their boats cleaned before the Christmas holidays, I highly recommend booking in as early as possible rather than leaving it until the last minute, as our schedule fills up quickly,” she says. “Calling in the week they would like the work done makes it difficult for us to accommodate your request, especially during this busy period and if you are wanting your vessel to be put back in the water before Christmas, you need to make sure to book this in as soon as possible, as our schedule fills up quickly during this busy period. We’ll do our best ot help you.”