logo-chi-yacht

Benefits and Types of Yacht Maintenance

boat propeller

Any boat owner can attest to how vital boat and yacht maintenance is to the lifetime of a vessel. In fact, it is essential in order to keep the vessel afloat and ward off as many high price boat repairs as possible. We suggest creating a yacht maintenance checklist as it will prove invaluable to stay on schedule, as well as a good record of what has been done to a vessel.

We have created a basic checklist of Yacht Maintenance and projects to help boaters stay focused on the health and welfare of their vessels. Every boat is different and will need different care, but this checklist should get a captain and crew started in the right direction.

 

The Engine, Systems & Fuel

The maintenance of a yacht engine, or engines, is critical to the future of a boat considering it won’t go far without them. A few things should be done after a long trip or a significant amount of use over a shorter period.

Check the oil levels and do an oil change, and filter change, if necessary. Check the coolant levels and top them off. Evaluate oil pads if applicable and replace them. Investigate for any new leaks or loose parts due to heave vibration.

 

 

  • Engine Care Month-to-Month

 

Consult your owner’s manual to learn more about the engine and its particular needs. Look for corrosion, clean and use protectants to combat this wear and tear.

Start the engines each month to keep the engines moving and batteries healthy.

Clean the water strainer if needed.

 

 

  • Engine Care Annually

 

Evaluate the tension of belts and how they are wearing and replace if needed.

Investigate the fuel tanks and look for moisture, rust or corrosion.

Evaluate hoses, fittings, and lines to ensure there are no leaks.

Evaluate impellers if applicable.

 

Preventing corrosion

Moisture-rich climates, whether the vessel is in the tropics or stored at a lakeside marina, should get a complete look over for corrosion and moisture damage. Here are some things to look for:

 

 

  • Monthly Corrosion and Moisture Check

 

Evaluate the hull of the boat for blisters, leaks and damaged paint or fiberglass.

Inspect through-hulls, bearings, props, shafts for any corrosion or leaks.

Investigate the bilge to ensure no unwanted corrosion is eating away at surfaces.

 

 

  • Annual Corrosion Checks

 

Evaluate zincs for saltwater boats and adhere to factory recommendations.

Haul out if needed and do any hull maintenance to prevent damage from getting worse.

Evaluate if paint or anti-fouling treatments need to to be done.

 

 

Bilge Pump Checks

We likely do not have to stress the importance of properly functioning bilge pumps. If these pumps fail, they can have a devastating impact on a vessel. Here are some

 

monthly checks to keep them in tip-top shape.

 

 

  • Monthly Bilge Pump Check

 

Evaluate all the components of a bilge pump, while running, to see how it functions.

Check the through-hull strainers and discharge to ensure its free of any debris.

Inspect the valves and confirm they open and close smoothly.

Look for cracked, worn or damaged hoses.

 

With a little forethought and management, your boat maintenance doesn’t have to be too painful. If you believe the team at Chi Yacht Refinishing can assist in caring for deck surfaces, hulls, paint or polishing, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or reach out to our team.