Last year, boat buying hit a 13-year high as enthusiasts looked to set sail and escape with their families and friends.
Boat sales and the purchase of other marine products topped $47 billion in 2020. That’s a 9% jump from the year before.
But now, a new summer has rolled around, and that new vessel isn’t fresh from the marina. So yacht maintenance as the summer boating season gets started is a must for your to-do list.
Not only will you learn the ins and outs of your vessel, but you’ll get a sense of accomplishment and may even fend off an equipment breakdown when you least expect it.
In the following article, we’ll run through a basic yacht maintenance checklist to set you up for another summer of fun.
Engine Maintenance
Your engine is the most important thing to keep on your yacht maintenance log. Among the items to check monthly are:
- the engine oil level
- the oil filter
- transmission fluid
- the raw water strainer and pump
- the siphon tank
- and the heat exchanger anodes
Other aspects of the engine to check on a less frequent basis are the fuel filters, the batteries, and a thorough inspection of any nuts, bolts, and wires.
As part of these technical checks, also make sure your electrical equipment is in working order. This is an extremely complicated part of your yacht maintenance, so if you have any questions, consult an expert like the ones at Tessllc.us.
Running Rigging
By the end of summer, chances are you’ll know your rigging like the back of your hand. So the beginning of the season is the time to consider any changes or upgrades you want to make to the essential rigging.
You’ll need to make an inspection of your lines and halyards for chafing. Take special care to inspect areas where the halyards rub against sheaves.
Lastly, inspect your lines and halyards for splices at the ends. Remember, most rigging has a pretty long shelf life, but an inspection and replacement now could save you a headache later.
Varnishing
Applying a clear coat of varnish not only makes your boat look great but will reduce yacht maintenance costs over the long run. Varnish protects the boat from rot and wear.
While many people think this process is part of spring maintenance as they put their boats back in the water, early summer is actually the best time.
The summer months allow for warmer temperatures and longer days. This is perfect for tackling worn areas with a fresh coat.
Cleaning Decks and Gear
When scrubbing your boat, make sure to use biodegradable cleaning agents if possible. For example, try to use cleaning products that utilize baking soda or vinegar over ones that use ammonia or bleach.
Remember, you’re trying to clean your boat, not pollute the ocean or lake you love. Also, be mindful that many aquatic critters like to hitch a ride on your vessel, so watch where your dirty water gets dumped to avoid the spread of invasive species.
Yacht Maintenance Is Rewarding
While many consider yacht maintenance as necessary drudgery that serves as a prelude to enjoying the vessel, try to look at it as time away from the pull of your everyday life.
Try to look at it as getting to know your boat and not as another chore.
In most cases, the care and proper maintenance of your yacht can be an enriching experience that supplies you with a great deal of personal satisfaction and knowledge.
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