Owning a yacht makes life a dream, but there are still some important skills you need to know.
As a new yacht owner, it’s your duty to give your vessel the proper care. Boating skills aren’t necessarily easy to come by and require a lot of practice to hit home. Maintenance, on the other hand, is something you need to get a handle on immediately in order to preserve your prized investment.
In this post, we’re going to tell you the top 4 things that every yacht owner should know how to do. If you want your personal yacht to last a lifetime, keep reading and learn how to keep it in tip-top shape.
Table of Contents
1. Routine Inspections
Did you know that you should inspect your boat every single time you take it out on the water? Too many new boat owners assume that their vessel is just going to run seamlessly every time they go out, but that’s not going to last long if you’re not caring for it.
Make a checklist to run through in addition to the annual maintenance so that your boat never has major issues. Include the following:
- Check/top off the oil
- Test the steering
- Ensure the bilge pump is operational
- Check the propellor for damage (replace with durable Solas props when damaged)
- Make sure the battery is charged
- Test the electrical system
- Inspect the hull for damage
Once you get used to doing it, this inspection will only take 10-15 minutes and your mind will be at ease on the water.
2. Keeping It Clean and Dry
You should always make a point to keep the exterior of the boat clean, which means taking the time to clean it after a trip. A dirty hull can destroy your fuel efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your boat.
Salt, dirt, debris, and invasive bacteria can deteriorate a boat’s exterior.
3. Systems Check
There are numerous mechanical systems on your boat that should be inspected on a regular basis. Between air conditioning, pumps, air intake, exhaust, coolant, and gas, there’s a lot to think about.
It’s good to have an understanding of how all of these things work.
4. Engine Maintenance
As long as you stay on top of your engine maintenance, you shouldn’t have any cause for concern on the water. If you neglect it for too long, you’ll have a nightmare scenario where you get towed back to the marina due to engine failure.
In addition to checking your oil every time you take the boat out, you should be doing a full oil change every 100 running hours. It’s also important to check for leaks and corrosion on a regular basis. Again, having a trusted mechanic will make your life much easier.
Be The Best Yacht Owner You Can Be
When you’re a new yacht owner, it’s easy to get excited and lose track of the work that needs doing. Follow these tips and your yacht will stay in great shape for a long time.
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