For South Shore boaters, spring haul-in day is one of the best days of the year. It’s also one where being unprepared can slow everything down — for you and for every boat behind you in the schedule.
Whether you’re launching a center console, a cruiser, or a sailboat, the process goes smoothly when the boat is ready, the owner knows what to expect, and the boatyard has what it needs to get the job done safely. At Goodwin Marine Services in Hull, MA, we’ve been hauling and launching boats for South Shore boaters since 2010. Here’s what you need to know before your boat goes back in the water this spring.
Book Your Haul-In Date Early — The Schedule Fills Fast
This is the advice boaters hear every year and underestimate every year. Spring launch season on the South Shore is compressed. The majority of boaters want to be in the water by Memorial Day, which means the last two weeks of May are the most in-demand window at every working boatyard from Hull to Marshfield.
Booking your haul-in date in April — or earlier if your boat is already in storage with us — gives you the best chance of getting the launch date you actually want. It also gives the yard time to complete any outstanding service work before your launch window arrives.
If you’re hauling from your own property or a third-party location, call us as early as possible to get on the schedule. Last-minute requests can sometimes be accommodated, but not always on the timeline you need.
Get Your Boat Ready Before the Trailer Arrives
A haul-in goes smoothly when the boat is ready. A haul-in gets complicated — and expensive — when it isn’t. Here’s what GMS needs from you before launch day:
For powerboats:
- Make sure the boat runs. This is not optional. We need the engine operational before loading the boat for launch. If there’s a known mechanical issue, get it resolved before haul-in day or let us know in advance so we can schedule service alongside the launch.
- Have your drain plug in and your bilge dry. Basic, but worth confirming.
For sailboats:
- Sails and boom must be removed before the boat arrives at the ramp. This is a firm requirement — we cannot haul a boat with sails or boom attached.
- Mast step and unstep service is available at an additional cost. If you need us to handle the mast, let us know when you book so we can plan accordingly. Have your mast length ready when you call for a quote.
- Mast side carry is also available at an additional cost for boats being transported with the mast on.
For all boats:
- Invoices must be paid in full before the vessel is loaded onto our trailers or equipment. Having payment ready avoids delays on launch day.
- Overheight vessels — boats with structures that create clearance issues on the road — may require the owner or a representative to ride along to deal with obstacles like trees and wires. We can provide crew for this at additional cost, but it needs to be discussed in advance.
If Your Boat Is Going to Your Own Property
Some South Shore boaters haul their boats to their own yards or driveways for storage. If that’s your situation, there are a few things to have sorted before our crew arrives:
- Blocks and stands must be ready and in good condition when we arrive. We are not responsible for damage caused to the property by our equipment.
- The location and equipment need to be safe for our crew to work. If our crew determines that a location or setup is unsafe, we reserve the right to return the vessel to the water or bring it to our facility until the situation is resolved — at additional charge.
- Boat stands are available to rent off-site with a security deposit, refundable when stands are returned in good condition with the account in good standing.
If you’re not sure whether your yard setup meets the requirements, call us before haul-in day and we’ll talk through it.
What Happens After the Boat Is in the Water
Getting the boat off the trailer is the beginning, not the end. If you need the boat delivered to a slip or mooring after launch, GMS offers a run-to-slip service at an additional cost. Let us know when you book if you’ll need this — it requires crew time and scheduling that’s easier to plan in advance than arrange on launch day.
Once the boat is in the water and running, spring is also a good time to schedule any remaining service work before the season gets fully underway. Our marine service and repair team handles inboard, outboard, I/O, and diesel engines — if something didn’t get addressed during winter storage, spring haul-in is the right moment to take care of it.
We also offer boat storage for boats returning at the end of the season, so if you haven’t thought about fall haul-out yet, it’s worth booking both ends of the season at once.
Weather and Schedule Changes
Spring weather on the South Shore is unpredictable. We do everything in our power to stick to the schedule, but safety comes first — if conditions aren’t safe for hauling or trailering, the launch will be rescheduled. We’ll communicate changes as early as possible and work with you to find the next available slot.
The practical takeaway: build a little flexibility into your launch timeline if you can. Booking your target date with an acceptable backup window gives everyone more room to work with when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Ready to get your boat back in the water this spring? Call Goodwin Marine Services at 781-925-1593, email goodwinmarine@gmail.com, or contact us online to schedule your haul-in. Located at 1196 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA — serving Hull, Hingham, Scituate, Cohasset, Marshfield, and the entire South Shore.