Top 6 Yacht Maintenance Tips for Prospective Buyers

Buying a boat also comes with an additional responsibility of its proper maintenance in order to keep the safety intact. Timely maintenance also enhances the life of the yacht. Most people are not aware of the type of maintenance that needs to be conducted at frequent intervals in order to keep the yacht operating and in good condition. Before buying a yacht, it is a must to know beforehand the maintenance cost that you will incur annually. Industry experts opine that annually there is approximately a 10% maintenance fee of the total cost of the yacht.

Let's check out the top 6 yacht maintenance tips you must follow if you buy a yacht

1.  Cleaning the bottom of the yacht-

Cleaning the bottom of the yacht is very essential. Most boat owners overlook this part and only focus on internal cleaning. But cleaning the bottom of the yacht is an utter necessity to get rid of any form of barnacles and other algae growth that sticks at the bottom of the yacht and creates a series of serious problems. Periodic cleaning of the yacht gives a fresh and clean look and prevents the yacht from corrosion, cracks, peeling of paints, scratches and others. Neglecting proper cleaning can cost much higher repair and also severely affects the performance of the yacht.

2. Change the oil-

While owning a yacht, make it a habit to change the oil of the engine for its efficient performance. The manufacturers of the engine insist yacht owners change the oil frequently or at least after fifty to hundred hours of usage. It also depends on the manual of the engine. If the yacht engine is new, it's advised to change the oil after every twenty hours of use. However, the older engines need fewer oil changes.

3. Care for battery-

Examine the batteries and cables of the yacht. In any case, the electrical component and water should not get mixed and be damped. It’s important to know whether the battery is charged or not and its ability to hold the charge while sailing it. Ensure that the connection of the batteries and cables is not corroded or loose in order to avoid any mishap. Make an extra effort to check them before onboarding it. Apart from this, also check the switches of the battery, fluid level of the battery, helm switches, fuse, bus bars and others.

4. Serving engine-

Servicing the engine often or at least once a year is mandatory to keep it safe going. Strict maintenance of the engine can prevent major and minor damages. It’s difficult to figure out the exact areas of maintenance in the engine by naive people. It's highly recommendable to get it inspected form a highly qualified professional marine surveyor who will assist in its proper maintenance service areas.

5. Check the trailer- 

The trailer of the boat is also a vital tool to take care of. Apart from the immediate boat, the trailer also needs regular care and maintenance. Examining the lights of the trailer, roller, cables and other parts of the trailer are essentials and it comes with the maintenance of the boat. Trailer is not a separate entity. A boat owner also has to own a trailer and heavily maintain it for its effective function.

6. Bilge pump-

Checking the operation of the bilge pump is very crucial for any boat. The bilge pump is a key component of a boat which depends on its safety. The function of the bilge pump is to remove the accumulated water and prevent the boat from sinking. Any form of debris that gets accumulated around the bilge pump should be thoroughly cleaned. Frequent inspection of the bilge pump is required to know whether it is cracked or broken so that it can be replaced and ensure the safety of the yacht while on water.

Conclusion-

Owning a yacht also comes with a lot of maintenance. If you are planning to buy a yacht, it is of utmost importance to know the varied types of maintenance that you need to conduct in order to keep it functioning and effective. Apart from cleaning and washing, it requires a series of maintenance services that need to be done from time to time to avoid any damage. Before buying a yacht, it’s good to estimate the annual maintenance expenses as this will help to make better buying decisions.