Owning a yacht means getting to spend a lot of time out on the water. Nothing can beat the feel of the wind and sun on your face as you sail atop the water, but there is one thing that could keep you from enjoying your boat: poor condition of the fiberglass structure, rendering the boat inoperable. To avoid significant issues or even complete destruction, take proper care of and regularly maintain your yacht. Here are six tips for yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL to extend the life of your fiberglass vessel:
- Make a maintenance schedule: Depending on how often you use your yacht, schedule time—whether every week or once a month—to spot clean and touch up paint on fiberglass, as well as to inspect parts. Look at it like cleaning your bathroom. It’s better to do regular light wipe-downs of bathroom fixtures instead of scrubbing forever at set-in shower grime. Follow this type of cleaning and maintenance schedule for your yacht to keep it in good condition.
- Wash your yacht: A more thorough wash is needed every now and then to rid fiberglass yachts of dirt, saltwater and stains that can lead to paint discoloration. At the same time as you’re cleaning it, take the opportunity to look for issues that have gone unnoticed or small, hidden damage under dirt. A basic wash is pretty simple: either purchase a boat cleaning solution or mix together dish soap and warm water and apply using a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.
- Polish for protection: The coat of paint over the fiberglass on your vessel needs a good polishing to maintain a hard shell and keep its smooth luster. A quality boat wax also prevents color fade that would otherwise occur from exposure to the sun and saltwater.
- Don’t wait to repair cracks: A yacht’s hull that sees adventure through rough water or sand is susceptible to all sizes of scrapes and cracks. If you have a fiberglass boat repair kit, fix small cracks immediately so they don’t turn into big splits.
- Check for other damage: Yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL is not complete until you have inspected for damage. Maybe you felt a thump while out on the water or you forgot to do a quick check after the last time you went sailing. From the deck and windows to fiberglass components and working parts, perform a routine visual inspection all around.
- Use a boat cover: Buying a boat is a huge investment—not just the initial cost but what you put in to maintain it afterward, like repairs, parts replacements and cleanings. Boat covers are available to protect your yacht’s fiberglass surface from all sorts of things, including hazardous outdoor elements, curious animals, bird droppings, leaves, dirt and other natural debris. A cover will keep your yacht clean in between uses.
At Starboard Yacht Group LLC, we have the necessary skills and equipment to carry out proper yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL. From cleaning parts to performing thorough yacht inspections, our team is available to provide a wide range of boat services and repairs.
Categorised in: Yacht Maintenence, Yacht Management