
Spring commissioning takes 15-25 hours and covers hull, engine, plumbing, rigging, electronics, and safety gear. This practical boat checklist walks through each system in the order that matters in a yard, with realistic time and cost estimates for a 32-40 foot sailboat.

A practical guide to choosing your first sailboat — monohull vs. catamaran, the best sizes and models for beginners, what to inspect, and real costs to expect in year one.