Whether you’re a new or veteran yacht owner, you likely look forward to each trip out on your boat. To help ensure that your yacht is in the best condition possible and that everything is functioning as it should be and you can continue to enjoy your investment, you’ll want to consistently perform regular yacht maintenance and schedule inspections.
Take a look through the suggested checklists below to make sure you are taking the necessary steps to have your yacht properly maintained throughout the year. Then, if you’re looking for a company to provide yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale and perform regular inspections, make Starboard Yacht Group LLC the go-to yacht group for your boat!
Weekly or more often
- Take a look at your engine and house batteries to determine if they need to be charged. If they do, make sure not to put off this task, as allowing a lead acid battery to remain uncharged for long periods of time can decrease its life and possibly cause other damage.
- Examine the oil level after each time you run the yacht’s engine. Add more oil if needed. Also, take a look at how much water is in the heat exchanger and add antifreeze or clean or distilled water as necessary.
- Check that there is water coming from the exhaust. This is a task you should perform each time you run the engine. At the same time, pay close attention to the color of the exhaust. If it is blue or black, you likely have an engine problem. White smoke may signal a malfunctioning thermostat.
Monthly
- If you haven’t turned on your boat for the last month, turn on the engine and let it run until it reaches the temperature required for operation.
- Look carefully at the yacht’s exterior for any cracks in the paint or any other paint damage. Also, check for any potential damage to the rudder or hull. If necessary, arrange for repairs with a yacht services company.
- To help prevent corrosion, examine cables, gear casings, bearings, shafts and any other areas of the yacht that may be prone to corrosion.
Quarterly
- Perform tests of your emergency supplies, such as alarms and fire extinguishers.
- Examine the fuel systems for leaks.
- Use a soft, moist cloth to clean the tops of the batteries.
Annually
- Check that batteries are not leaking and that there is no damage to engine mountings.
- Determine if any drive belts, such as the alternator, need to be replaced.
- Replace and clean the fuel filters.
The checklists above, while certainly not exhaustive, should help give you an idea of some of the most important tasks that should be regularly performed to keep your yacht in tip-top shape, in turn allowing you to avoid any surprises once you’re out on the water. For questions about yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale or to schedule an appointment to have your yacht inspected, contact the experts at Starboard Yacht Group LLC. In addition to inspections, we perform a wide variety of yacht maintenance, including detailing, plumbing, refinishing and painting, carpentry, fuel polishing and tank cleaning and more. Call us today!
Categorised in: Yacht Maintenence