Being on the sea, sailing your own boat is an unforgettable adventure. Whether traveling privately or for commercial reasons. Thus, vessels have been in the water for most of their lifespan. Even when they are not in the aquatic environment, like any other means of transportation, they are susceptible to rust, malfunction and damage.
For your navigation to be safe and enjoyable, it is imperative that you, as far as possible, reduce the risk of adverse effects on the vessels. In other words, every yacht needs to be regularly maintained, checked and protected in order to extend its life. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire the appropriate equipment that will help you achieve this goal.
If you need to mention that maintaining a yacht is as important as maintaining your own health, you know less about boats than you think. Ships need attention to stay in good condition and therefore safe to use. When your car stops, just park on the side and turn on the lights. When you have a malfunction on board, the situation is often serious. To minimize the risk of malfunctions and accidents, the yacht should be maintained regularly, from the engine, through the hull to the exterior coatings.
Antifouling paint
Boats that stand in the sea in the winter, logically, have a greater chance of damage, so the ship should be dry before use. Plastic boats can become heavier up to 10 kg per meter due to the moisture being drawn into the hull. Take sunny days to get moisture out, and during that time you can scrape off algae and shellfish if they have accumulated in the winter.Not only does it look ugly, but the layer of algae and shells also reduces the ship’s hydrodynamics. That means it will go slower, consuming more fuel.
A combination that suits no one. Clean the flora and fauna without fear, because if you remove the protective layer below them, you can repaint and protect again. The best antifouling on the market will make it much easier for you to clean the algae next time, making it difficult for them to adhere to the hull.
Taking care of wooden parts
Shipowners note that despite the varnish that the wooden parts of the ship are covered in, these pieces that give elegance often look worn when you get to it after winter. Don’t worry, the wood is in good condition if the varnish was well applied, but therefore the varnish needs to be renewed every year.
Take care of the wood on your boat as the visual impression is largely dependent on the wood details. Remove the topcoat using sandpaper, sand the surface, wipe with a dry cloth, and apply a new coat of varnish. If the polish cannot be saved, order one of the polish removers and you will simply remove the worn varnish. When you get to the wood, apply a few coats of new varnish and your yacht will look like it’s brand new again.
What about the tank?
If the engine will not be used for a long time, it is recommended that they be treated according to the fuel they use. Gasoline tanks must be emptied, cleaned and opened before the break. The complete opposite is diesel engines, whose tanks should be filled to cap and tightly closed before to prevent condensation.
Pay attention to batteries and electronics
Your boat’s batteries, electronics, and electrical wiring must definitely survive the winter. This is why you have to keep this system and especially the batteries in the winter with adequate and healthy charging. According to Tess LLC, the best solution would be to turn off your main on-board battery charger and test your batteries once a month. If their charge falls below 75 percent, turn on the battery charger and charge them overnight at full charge. Then in the morning, when the batteries are fully charged, unplug the charger.
It is also important for the batteries to keep a close eye on the weather. Namely, if meteorologists announce sudden drops in below-zero temperatures when freezing occurs, it would be best to remove the batteries completely from the vessel. Put them in your home or other warm places, get a mobile charger and occasionally charge your batteries. Preparing your boat for the winter also involves removing all unnecessary items. When we say “unnecessary” we mean things that will not use the vessel during the winter in any way. So, remove electronics, radios, valuables, fire extinguishers, and other appliances to protect them from damage or theft.
Can rigid ropes be softened?
The quality and condition of the rope on your boat often depend on your safety, so don’t let your life hang. Make sure you have reliable ropes and replace them with new ones at the first sign of damage.
But what to do when a rope that is still functional but stiffens from salt and sea exposure?
There is simple help. Dissolve half a glass of fabric softener in 10 liters of water and leave the rope inside overnight. In the morning, rinse the rope and then left to dry, but always in the shade
Polishing
Polishing the sides of the ship and deck parts is very easy nowadays, and with the high-quality coatings available on the market it is much more effective than before.
It is necessary to polish and then protect the metal parts of the deck and pay special attention to the rubber seals. If you notice any damage, it would be wise to buy a new one.
Oil change and cooling control
Before returning to the sea, you should check the oil level and whether the oil is dripping. Attention should also be paid to cool. There are two types of engine, with internal and external cooling. For those with internal cooling, the coolant level should be checked. If you have an engine that rinses directly with seawater before each stop, the engine should be washed to remove the salt.
Conclusion:
It is not easy to keep an eye on the yacht as we can see from the condition of many of the vessels we encounter in the summer. Don’t be one of those negligent owners who own a boat just so they can brag about it in the winter and take a few days off in the summer. Give the ship the attention it is looking for and it will be in your family for generations.
Pay attention to the most sensitive parts, but also regularly inspect parts that many people find indestructible, such as fences and similar metal parts. Nowadays it is very easy to find replacement parts, but if you are not willing to invest your time in maintaining the ship, not all the equipment in this world will be enough.
