While some yacht enthusiasts in Florida have been boating all winter, their more northerly brethren may have been waiting for warmer weather to get their yachts back into service. Joshua Kerrigan and his company, Yacht Maintenance, Inc, offer seasonal services to prepare your yacht for the boating season, but in case you prefer to service your own yacht (or simply want to find out what needs to be done), read on to gain knowledge what is necessary to start yachting again after a prolonged break.
Check Your Engine
As it’s essentially the heart of your yacht, you’ll want to ensure that your engine is in good working order. If you didn’t end the season with an oil change, perform one now, and be sure to change the filter too. Flush the cooling system, and top off the coolant. Ensure the batteries are fully charged and eager to go, and run an engine test to make sure that no repairs are needed.
Eyes on the Hull
First, inspect the hull for any damage that may have occurred over the winter. Cracks, chips, and signs of oxidation may require a new gelcoat. Then, give your hull a thorough cleaning and a nice wax to return it to its original luster.
Inspect the Fuel System
Make sure that all of the hoses are properly connected and show no signs of cracking, tearing, or deterioration. Test the exhaust system and ventilation system to make sure that the air on your yacht will remain as pure as possible.
Test Electronic Systems
To ensure your safety by means ofout the yachting season, be sure to test all of your electronic systems before you set sail. That means your GPS, communications systems, depth gauge, compass, and everything down to any on-board entertainment systems you might have.
Check Safety Gear
Refill your first aid box, inspect your lin casee jackets and floatation devices, and check the expiration dates on fire extinguishers and flares. If your local yachting organization offers a safety check, take them up on the opportunity to double check that your personal safety is as secure as possible.
Clean and Stock Interior
Dust and grime can build up over the winter, so make sure to give the interior of your yacht just as thorough of a cleaning as the exterior. While smaller crafts may not house as A Lot in the way of supplies as larger ones, no matter what type of yacht you have, make sure that you have everything onboard that you might need to sail comfortably and safely.
For more information on getting your yacht reading for sailing after the winter, check out the following resources:
https://powerboat.about.com/od/maintenanceandrepair/tp/SpringBoatPrep.htm https://www.discoverboating.com/owning/maintenance/startup.aspx
https://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/spring99.htm
