Yacht Maintenance – Top tips for protecting your investment

As part of a textbook yacht maintenance schedule, the following checks should be carried out at least once a week – or every time after the vessel has been used at sea:

Wash and Clean Yacht

Most yacht builders will agree that a good, routine clean will be required every two or three months.

However, if you are passionate about having your boat look its best, not to mention adding miles to the longevity of your asset, we recommend cleaning your yacht from port to starboard – every week.

Here are a few basic tips when cleaning the interior and exterior of your yacht:

• Wash all visible parts of the yacht exterior
• Flush saltwater out of the engine
• Clear all bird droppings on boat exterior
• Remove all dust, streaks or debris
• Remove canvas covers and clean upholstery
• Scrub woodwork
• Clean and polish all metal finishes
• Clean interior: countertops, furniture, toilets and sinks

Clean and Check Your Yacht-Storage Facilities

Many yachts use smart storage and space-saving solutions to optimise the space available.

Whether you store towels in the cabinets in the head, or stuff a few extra blankets in the storage compartments for those chilly evenings, storage areas are always useful and should be checked weekly:

• Clean all waterproof storage bags
• Inspect and repair marine rope
• Check and clean cargo nets
• Clean plastic storage bins
• Empty trash in bins and other refuse compartments

Run Routine Inspections

Being proactive about yacht maintenance is all about having a solid plan at hand and taking the time to pick up the little things – before they become bigger things:

• Check your yacht’s rudder, keel and hull for any wear or damage
• Look for any scratches or rust, applying Marine Oil and Gelcoat Restorer as needed
• Inspect the existing coating – if it is damaged, it needs replacing
• Check your boat’s deck to ensure there is no wood damage

3# Monthly Maintenance

While by no means exclusive, the pointers below are a good starting point for monthly yacht maintenance. Though many yacht owners are quite able to perform some of these checks themselves, it is always a good idea to consult your manufacturer’s manual before going ahead with any scheduled maintenance to your yacht:

Systems Check

A yacht has many moving parts to consider in order to ensure a pleasant yachting experience. During times of frequent use, it is advisable to check the following components every month. These checks can be done either by yacht builders or an industry professional:

• Batteries
• Lubricants and coolants
• Fuel
• Transmission
• Pumps
• Exhaust
• Air intake

Inspect Electronics

From air conditioning and water treatment systems to satellite navigation and 24-hour video surveillance, most modern yachts are equipped with highly sophisticated onboard electronics. Electronics can easily be overlooked as part of your yacht maintenance routine.

We suggest running the following checks every month or so:

• Make sure that batteries are clean and dry
• Run a check on fuses and breakers
• Check that all connections are working properly
• Ensure that all wires are dry and clean
• Inspect and mend wire casings
• Check that batteries are working efficiently
• Check your boat’s air conditioning system (flush every 6 months)

Examine Sails

On average, sails and rigging should be inspected, checked and repaired (if necessary) every month:

• Check mainsail for wear and tear
• Check condition of lifeline, turnbuckles and pelican hooks
• Ensure that cotter pins are secured and stable
• Inspect lines, prioritising the replacement of worn items
• Check sails for mould, abrasions or tears that need mending

Clean Yacht Hull

If you are new to hull cleaning, consider including it in your yacht maintenance schedule.

A smooth, clean yacht hull is vital for good performance at sea. Keep in mind that warmer weather means cleaning more frequently, while colder climates will give you a little more time between cleaning intervals.

Currents also play a part; so it is a good idea to enquire about the currents where you are currently sailing from the dockmaster who manages the harbour. A good yardstick is to have the bottom of your yacht cleaned every one to three months.

Cleaning the hull of your yacht will clear it of any:

• Algae
• Marine life
• Barnacles
• Debris

4# Yearly Maintenance

Major Annual Service

Make sure to have your yacht serviced a minimum of once a year by your yacht maintenance professional.

A major yacht service can be a costly undertaking, but considering the effort it will save you in the long run, it is well worth the investment.

Following the service, your yacht maintenance professional will furnish you with a service report summary and additional documentation to add to your yacht maintenance log (very valuable to have available should you ever want to sell your yacht).

An annual yacht service might include:

• Service engine, drivetrain, transmission and generator
• Drain the fuel tank and replace filters
• Refuel using quality marine diesel as instructed by the yacht manual
• Ensure that the correct additives are included with your yacht’s fuel
• Perform oil sample analysis
• Inspect, clean or replace injectors

5# Yacht Maintenance – Costly, But Non-Negotiable

Yacht Maintenance is a crucial element of yacht ownership and operation. On average, it is a good rule of thumb to set aside 10% of your yacht’s purchase price for maintenance – every year.

When acquiring the yacht of your dreams, new or used, be sure to ask your yacht builder for as much info as possible regarding the maintenance schedule of your boat.

It pays to take the time to map out your yacht maintenance routine, focusing on weekly, monthly, and annual checks that need tending to. Finally, if ever you are uncertain about a specific component or problem, always reach out to a reputable, professional yacht builder or industry professional who you can trust to do what’s best for your ‘lady of the water’.