Daily and Pre-Departure Checks: Simple Habits to Prevent Big Problems
A five‑minute walkaround before you cast off pays dividends. Look for obvious leaks, check the bilge for oil or excessive water, and make sure hatches and sea-cocks are secure. Verify fuel and water tank levels, confirm batteries show proper voltage, and test navigation lights and horn. Smell for fuel or exhaust—your nose is a great early-warning tool. Start the engine and listen closely: unusual knocks, hisses, or vibrations are worth investigating on the spot. Finally, check safety gear—lifejackets, fire extinguishers, flares—and ensure they’re accessible and in date. These small habits prevent small problems from turning into expensive emergencies.
Engine, Propulsion and Fuel Care: Routines to Keep Power Reliable
Treat the engine like a living thing: regular nourishment, clean air, and attention. Check oil and coolant levels weekly during the season and change oil and filters per manufacturer intervals. Inspect belts and hoses for cracks and replace before they fail. Grease fittings on steering linkages and fittings according to the service schedule. For fuel, always use quality fuel and add stabilizer if you expect downtime. Drain water from fuel/water separators each outing and change primary filters on a predictable schedule. Avoid running tanks near empty to reduce sediment pickup. Periodically inspect the prop and shaft for dings, bent blades or fishing line; even small dents reduce efficiency and increase vibration. Replace zinc anodes as they erode—sacrificial protection is cheap compared to electrochemical corrosion repairs.
Hull, Deck and Systems Maintenance: Protecting Structure, Electronics and Safety Gear
Rinse salt from hull and deck with freshwater after every cruise to slow corrosion and prevent staining. Wash and wax hull surfaces seasonally to protect gelcoat and make fouling harder to stick. Inspect hull for blisters, loose fittings, or stress cracks, and reseal or repair as needed. Check deck hardware and through‑bolts; torque fasteners that have loosened and reseal with marine-grade sealant where leaks appear. Test bilge pumps and float switches under load rather than just visually. For electronics, clean battery terminals, apply corrosion inhibitor, and update charts and software. Keep a spare handheld VHF and GPS on board. Rotate safety gear checks monthly—ensure fire extinguishers are charged, EPIRBs registered and batteries for flares are within expiration.
Seasonal Care and Winterizing: Long-Term Storage and Preservation Strategies
Prepare your yacht for layup with a checklist and tackle maintenance while systems are accessible. Run fuel stabilizer through the tanks and change engine oil (contaminated oil sitting is corrosive). Flush raw-water cooling systems, add appropriate glycol antifreeze to closed systems, and fog cylinders with fogging oil if recommended. Drain freshwater systems or fill with non-toxic antifreeze; remove and store portable electronics and batteries in a warm, dry place on a maintenance charger. Elevate and support the hull properly on stands; cover with breathable shrink-wrap or a fitted cover that allows ventilation. Schedule a mid-winter inspection to catch condensation issues or rodent damage early.
Keep these routines consistent. A little preventative care—daily attentiveness, predictable engine and hull work, and thoughtful seasonal steps—greatly extends your yacht’s life and keeps every outing safer and more enjoyable.
