Keel, cradle, mast down
Sailboat storage
A keelboat needs a crane or travel lift, a cradle that fits its keel and somewhere to put a 40 ft spar. Tell us the LOA, draft and whether the mast comes down, and we look for yards set up for sailboats.
- Cradle or stands
- Mast stepping
- Mast racks
- Deep draft
Sailboat storage spec sheet
- Typical LOA
- 22 to 40 ft keelboats; 14 to 22 ft trailer sailers
- Draft
- Fin keels 4 to 7 ft; check the yard well and lift depth
- Haul-out
- Travel lift or crane; mast often unstepped first
- Cradle
- Your own cradle or the yard stands; many club yards need your cradle
- Mast
- Stored on a rack, on the boat with supports, or stepped (some yards allow it)
Sailboat-specific winter work
Mast up or down
Unstepping protects rigging and lets the wrap sit low. Some yards let masts stay up if the cradle is rated for it.
Keel and bilge
Check keel bolts and the hull-keel joint when the boat is on the hard. Drain the bilge and leave the plug out.
Sails and running rigging
Off the boat, rinsed, dry and stored inside. A sail loft can wash and check them over winter.
Inboard diesel
Change oil, antifreeze the raw water side, treat the fuel. See winterization.
Sailboat storage prices
| Item | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Outdoor winter storage | from $30/ft per winter |
| Haul-out or launch | from $8/ft each way |
| Mast stepping or unstepping | from $250 each way |
| Shrink-wrap | from $16/ft |
| Winterizing, inboard | from $500 |
| Seasonal slip | from $55/ft per season |
Starting prices in CAD before tax, from published marina and port rates and market estimates, October 2026. Your boat, the yard and the dates set the final price.
Sailboat questions
Do I need my own cradle?
Many sailing clubs and smaller yards require one. Larger marinas rent stands. Say in the request if you have a cradle.
Where does the mast go?
On a mast rack in the yard, in a mast shed, or lashed on deck on supports. Tell us the mast length so we check rack space.
Tell us about your boat. We find the spot.
Storage type, LOA, region and season. We check what is open near you and reply by email with options and prices.