BY SKIP ALLEN, SR.

While we practice and preach an ideology of year-round boating in our warm waters, winter months are often a good time to schedule an annual haul out. In accordance with that, we present you with our 2008 Haul Out Guide. This pull-out feature is chock full of great ideas for making the most of your time on the hard. Our experts share their advice and experience on things as diverse as marking your waterline with a laser level and adding a gyroscope for stability. (My, how far boating has come from the days of a straight edge and cargo ballast.) These projects are designed not only to add enjoyment to your boating, but also add value to your boat.

As mentioned a couple of issues ago, Press On Regardless recently underwent her annual haul out. I didn’t do any major upgrading this year, but as is customary she received a couple of fresh coats of bottom paint, had her zincs changed and her through hulls checked. I also had her props coated with Pettit’s new Prop-Koat Clear. So far, so good.

One of the things I was pleasantly surprised by was the condition in which P.O.R was returned. There was not a spot on her–nor a footprint, a dirty rag or a forgotten tool. As it happens, our dynamic duo, Dudley and Jay, take on this issue of boatyard cleanliness in this month’s Port & Starboard. While I may sit on the fence with regard to whether or not a boatyard should be responsible for returning your boat in Bristol condition, I can tell you the superb customer service I encountered will definitely be a factor when selecting a yard next year. For all you yard owners out there, this consideration should not be taken lightly. As economists note, it is five to seven times more costly to attract a new customer than it is to keep an old one.

Also in this issue is an article assessing the state of our Intracoastal Waterway and the action, or lack thereof, being taken to care for it. With Federal funding virtually non-existent, the burden for maintaining the ICW has fallen on state and local agencies, as well as private businesses that require a healthy ICW to survive. If you think this does not concern you, think again. The economic impact of the ICW stretches far beyond its banks. Continue to let shoaling concerns go unchecked and we may all be stranded at the dock.
One other thing to note is our focus on North Carolina boatbuilders. Already as the crucible of custom sportfishing boats, North Carolina is attracting all manner of boatbuilders to its shores with creative tax incentives and a skilled labor pool. We highlight several of these notable builders and provide background on the Carolina scene to make sure this boating Mecca is on your radar screen. Throughout the year look for other articles highlighting New England, Mid-Western and Florida boatbuilders.

Once again, I invite you to tell us what you would like to read about as well as share your cruising stories. After all, Southern Boating exists because of our readers.