Boatyard life isn’t just physically hard; it can be mentally brutal! I know from experience that when you’re living on the hardstand, the daily grind of heat, noise, mess, and never-ending to-do lists can get get to you – not to mention the bathroom situation…
This post is all about the mental health side of haul-outs. It’s something we’ve had to tackle during each of our hardstand stays, especially the extended warranty haul-out in Trinidad that lasted over 600 days.
One job leads to six more
It’s a demoralizing yard truth; almost every project on a boat uncovers a new one. If you’ve seen our YouTube channel you’d know this was taken to the extreme on our boat, when, for example, a blister in the bridge deck led to the discovery of large patches of dry fiberglass, and cracks in the crossbeam support turned into a total bow rebuild.
Personally, I found the situation was extremely hard to deal with. Each new discovery dropped morale around the boat, reducing me to tears at times. We questioned how much more could possible be found, but throughout it all I kept my focus on the end goal – sailing the Pacific and South-East Asia. If I didn’t do that, I think I would have gone insane!
I also found it was important to celebrate the wins, and remind yourself that it’s not just you who feels this way. There are others out there who get it, and talking to them can help.
Finding (or avoiding) other cruisers
Yard life can be surprisingly social, and some days talking to another boat owner who’s also covered in epoxy is the best therapy there is. Other days you just need to not hear another story about a broken boat, or be asked to re-hash the latest drama on yours.
The truth is there’s a shared camaraderie among cruisers in the trenches, and some of our closest friendships have started during haul outs. That said, it’s okay to go quiet and have some time to yourself when you’re emotionally maxed out. You don’t owe anyone small talk at the evening sun-downer or while walking around the yard if you’re not in the mental head-space for it.
Delays, decision fatigue, and burnout
Even if you love boat projects, decision fatigue is real. Every task comes with a cascade of choices – what product, what supplier, what method, what order. Add in delays from weather, shipping issues, or contractors ghosting you, and it’s no wonder crews can end up feeling utterly fried.
The signs of burnout sneak up; snapping at each other over stupid things, zoning out in front of your phone for hours, struggling to finish basic tasks, or just feeling overwhelmingly tried. If one of us is clearly having “a day,” we stop, check in, and make time to escape the yard.
Here are some signs we’ve learned to watch for:
- A sudden drop in motivation or energy
- Sleeping poorly or way too much
- Getting irritable over tiny things
- Avoiding the boat entirely
- Feeling guilty for not being productive but also procrastinating
When we start to get like this, we know it’s time to have a decent break away from the yard.
Get OUT of the yard
One of the most useful things we do when we hit a wall? LEAVE THE YARD.
It’s tempting to always say “I’m too busy”, but even just an afternoon away – a beach trip, a walk in the jungle, a restaurant with air conditioning and your favorite pint- can reset your brain. Better yet, make it a whole day! It’s not indulgent. It’s necessary. And often it makes you more effective when you are working on the boat.
Here’s a few suggestions:
- Visit a coffee shop
- Go to a restaurant for lunch or dinner
- Head out to listen to live music
- Catch a movie
- Explore a nature reserve, park or hiking trail (Our favorite!)
- Go swimming at a nearby lake, beach or waterfall
- Have a video call with friends and family
- Try a “tourist” activity in the area
- Go on a one-day road trip or tour
- Volunteer at an animal shelter
Whatever it is, make it something where you can forget about the boat and just enjoy yourself – it’s a No Boat Talk Zone!
It’s OK to hate the hardstand
The truth is, yard life sucks at times. It’s uncomfortable, can feel relentless, and is never as quick as you hope. Being honest about the mental strain is the first step to managing it, and keeping you sane while you work to get back on the water.
One of the creators behind Travel Sketch, Telicia lives full-time aboard SV Liger. She’s a freelance writer who’s worked with a range of international companies, and serves as social media coordinator and magazine editor for noforeignland. With the Med and Caribbean done, she’s charting a course through the Pacific and Asia.
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