Boatyards and haul-out in Formentera

For most motorboats, llaüts, large RIBs and cruising yachts on Formentera, the La Savina yard is enough: it takes up to 28 tonnes, 17 metres in length, 4.5 in beam and 2.8 in draft. Besides a full haul-out, it offers short lifts, which raise the boat for a few hours to check the propeller or change an anode, and storage ashore for as long as you need.

If your boat exceeds those limits, the nearest yard is in Ibiza harbour, with a 160-tonne travelift for boats up to 45 metres. Allow for the crossing through es Freus and book a date there too.

On a small island it pays to arrive organised: book autumn and spring dates early, confirm beforehand who will do the antifouling or engine work, and have materials ready to make the most of the days ashore.

A complete haul-out covers lifting the boat (travel lift, crane or trailer), pressure washing the hull, chocking it on the hard and relaunching when the work is done. On top of that come the days on the hard and any work: antifouling, anodes, propeller, shafts, through-hulls or fiberglass.

Some yards in Formentera let owners work on their own boats; others only allow their staff or approved contractors. Check before you book.

Compare lifting capacity (tonnes and maximum beam), the price per metre for the lift and for each day on the hard, whether there is water and power in the yard, and available dates: yards fill up in spring.

Ask for an itemised quote and use the haul-out to do everything that needs the boat out of the water; every extra lift costs money.