When you put your yacht into the water, you expect it to go and run without fail. Getting stuck out on the water can be dangerous, but without proper maintenance, this nightmare can easily become a reality. One of the most important aspects of your boat to take care of is the engine—not only can engine failure be dangerous, but it can lead to extremely costly repairs.
Whether you are paying someone else to check out your boat or performing yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL on your own, you should understand the basics of engine maintenance so you can take care of things if need be. By implementing a routine check and maintenance plan, you can continue to use your yacht without fear of breakdowns.
Put these important yacht motor items on your maintenance to-do list:
- Water intake filters: One of the most prevalent issues with yacht motors has to do with a malfunctioning cooling system. Your cooling system will circulate the water your boat sits in, so it’s important that you check on and replace the filters for the water intake system regularly to avoid corrosion and leaks. Don’t go for cheap options here because they have a habit of breaking and leading to larger issues.
- Water pumps: There are usually two major water pumps on your yacht: the seawater pump and the circulating pump. The seawater pump should be pulled up and have its impeller inspected every one to two years, replacing it if necessary. Also check the drive belts, shaft bearings and seals on both pumps. Pay close attention to squeaking, as this is usually an indication of a bearing issue.
- Heat exchanger: The heat exchanger helps circulate water to cool your engine. Because it pulls water from beneath the boat, crud easily builds up over time, reducing the heat exchange process. You should clean this part approximately every two years, or more often if you spend time in poor-quality water.
- Coolant: Always check the coolant tank to make sure it is filled appropriately, mixing the correct amount of coolant with water if it needs to be topped off. If coolant is mysteriously draining, you’ll want to check for leaks around the tank to make sure it isn’t leaking into the engine.
- Oil changes: The oil in your yacht’s engine will need to be changed at different times, depending on whether it is a gas or diesel motor. For diesel, change the oil around every 100 hours. For gas, you’ll need to check on the oil every so often and change it before it turns black in color. Also check on the filters and hoses to replace any that are dirty and leaking.
- Exhaust system: Check on the exhaust risers in your motor’s exhaust system and replace them when they begin to rust. You’ll need to inspect these regularly to determine their condition. Otherwise, they will leak water into the engine. Additionally, the intercooler will need to be cleaned every one to two years because it gets dirty over time. This issue can lead to poor performance of your yacht.
There are a lot of components that go into yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL. If you don’t feel comfortable handling all of the maintenance routines on your own, take it to an expert that offers yacht services and monthly maintenance plans.
Starboard Yacht Group LLC is a premier provider of yacht maintenance and services. From detailing, to electrical engineering and repairs, to captain and crew services, we can do it all to keep your yacht in great shape. Give us a call today to hear more about our services!
Categorised in: Yacht Maintenence