Keeping the wheels turning

Its that time of year in New England when all the pleasure boats are being hauled, except the ones going south, or in water live aboard. Each year we see the boat yards buzzing with activity. Boat owners are there on weekends removing gear, and yard workers are working overtime.

The boat yard staff keeps the wheels rolling in the marine industry. When my boat was hauled this month there was always a helping hand. First the rig comes out with a crane operator and with rigger on deck. Then the guys who put your boat into the travel lift pit, and the straps on from the travel lift, then the travel lift operator, and pressure washer. At that point most boats are blocked and leveled with boat stands with chains on the stands. For me the boat went from travel lift, to hydraulic trailer, down the road to blocking and stands in my shop.

Then there is shrink-wrap, covers, winterizing (luckily I can skip all of this in a heated shop). Once the boat is packed up for the winter the list begins so we can have our boats ready for the coming season, and then it all starts again.

Having worked in and run boats yards for most of my life I can say I loved it. It is a haul and launch grind, but you are outside and seeing progress constantly. And besides you are messing about in boats. I still to this day smell the cool October air and think hauling season.

So, remember these are the people who keep the wheels rolling and boats moving. Next time you are in the boat yard that takes care of your boat, stop one of the yard workers and say, “Thank you”. It will go a long way, and not only will the yard worker feel appreciated, you will have a smile for making some ones day.

I would like to thank the two companies who make the haul out fun and easy for me.

Brewer Wickford Cove Marina, Manager Larry Colantuono and his great staff

Pleasant Street Warf, Inc, owner Eric