For many boat owners, yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale FL can be a daunting task. There’s so much to do, and so many systems to pay attention to, that it’s easy to accidently overlook a task or do something wrong. Most people know the basics—washing, waxing, fuel and engine maintenance—but they tend to get lost or overwhelmed with the bigger picture.
Hire a Management Company
The best thing you can do for your yacht is to hire a management company to perform any maintenance work for you. Not only will a management firm have a thorough understanding of your boat’s routine needs, they’ll also have all of the equipment and expertise on hand to execute maintenance flawlessly.
Doing It Yourself
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer or someone who takes pride in being a complete boat owner, getting a handle on what maintenance items need to be done is a critical first step. Many annual and semi-annual maintenance lists exist on the internet, and many yacht management companies will be happy to provide you with one. Your boat also likely has its own specific manual, listing the routine services required to keep it running.
For the uninitiated (but persistent) yacht owner, here’s a quick rundown of tips when it comes to maintaining your yacht:
- Check all safety equipment
- Inspect the fuel system
- Inspect your ground tackle
- Test the electrical system
- Observe bilge pumps
- Maintain the hull
- Clean/treat upholstery
This is a very basic list of overhanging maintenance items. It’s critical to understand that within each of these there are anywhere between a couple and a dozen different tasks that require your attention. For example, checking safety equipment may include inspecting rails, stanchions, non-skid surfaces, PFDs, smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors, radios, rations and more. There’s a lot to be done, no matter what facet of yacht maintenance you’re undertaking!
Storage Tips
Did you know that proper storage of your boat falls into the realm of maintenance? If you’re putting your boat away for the offseason, it’s imperative you take the time to do it right. Not properly protecting it can lead to major issues.
Be sure to take into account things like fuel additives, upholstery covers, hull protection, covers and more. In addition, how you store your yacht makes all the difference. It’s critical to choose dry docking facilities that are secure, kept at consistent temperatures and routinely serviced for pests and cleanliness.
Put in the Effort
The biggest piece of advice when it comes to yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL is simply putting in the effort to do things fully and completely. A half-hearted hull waxing only hurts your boat, just like failure to inspect and maintain your emergency items can put you in an unnecessarily dire situation. If you’re going to take the time to perform your own boat maintenance, make sure you’re doing it right.
If maintenance is too big a task for you or you’re still not sure where to start, let Starboard Yacht Group LLC handle the job. We’ll make sure your boat is always in its best condition.