Why sailboat removal is a specialty job
Removing a sailboat isn't the same as loading a powerboat on a trailer and driving away. A stepped mast adds height that affects clearance under bridges and overpasses. A fixed keel changes how the boat sits on a trailer — if you use the wrong equipment, you damage the hull. Liveaboard vessels often have built-up cabin contents, full water tanks, and holding tanks that need to be dealt with before the boat goes anywhere. And older fiberglass sailboats, especially those that have been sitting, can be structurally compromised in ways that affect how the whole removal has to be approached.
Captain Tom's Boat Removal has removed trailer sailors, performance keelboats, liveaboard cruisers, catamarans, and large offshore bluewater vessels. We come to the job knowing what to expect and with the right gear to handle it.
Types of sailboats we remove
- Fixed-keel sailboats — Deep keels require the right cradle and blocking system for transport. We bring proper keel support on every sailboat removal job so the hull isn't damaged in transit.
- Swing-keel and centerboard boats — These are easier to trailer but come with their own quirks. We know the common keel trunk issues on older designs and work around them.
- Liveaboard sailboats — Removing a liveaboard involves draining water tanks and holding tanks, accounting for onboard systems, and often dealing with a boat that's been lived in for years. We handle all of it.
- Catamarans and trimarans — Wide-beam multihulls need an oversized trailer and the right permits for road transport. Captain Tom's has the equipment and handles the permitting.
- Masted boats in marinas — We coordinate mast-stepping and unstepping as part of the removal process when needed, and work with marina staff to use their crane or travel lift safely.
Sailboat removal from docks, slips, and dry storage
Most of the sailboats we remove are either in a marina slip or on the hard in a dry storage yard. Both situations have their own logistics, and we're experienced in both. For boats in the water, we work with the marina's haul-out facility to get the vessel out cleanly. For boats on stands in storage yards, we work carefully around the blocking and stabilize the hull before anything moves.
If your sailboat is in a situation that makes it hard to remove — tight quarters, a mast that's still stepped, or an unstable condition — that's exactly the kind of job we specialize in. Call us and describe the situation. We'll tell you what's involved and what it'll cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. We can coordinate unstepping the mast as part of the job. Tell us the situation when you get in touch and we'll plan accordingly.
Personal gear is your responsibility — we ask that you remove anything you want to keep before the crew arrives. Sails, lines, and hardware can be taken with the boat for disposal, or you can sell or donate them separately first.
Yes — see our boat salvage service. If the vessel is in immediate peril, call us directly rather than filling out a form.
Pricing is based on the vessel's overall length, beam (critical for multihulls), keel configuration, current location, and transport distance. Send photos and we'll give you an accurate quote quickly.