Owning a yacht is something most people only dream of. Yachts are beautiful, fun, and adventurous. However, they also present quite a bit of work when it comes to maintenance.
A yacht is practically a house on water, and it’s going to take a greater amount of care than a smaller boat. Don’t let your yacht’s maintenance fall to the wayside. Follow these five easy steps to ensure it can withstand the treacherous seas in perfect condition.
#1 Regular Cleaning
The last thing you want is a beautiful, expensive yacht that looks incredible from afar but smells like expired scallops up close.
Large sea vessels can collect foul-smelling debris on their underside due to the fact that they typically don’t leave the water. Keep your yacht looking and smelling fresh by giving the exterior a thorough cleaning at least once a month, if not more frequently. Consider investing in a quality pressure washer to make regular cleanings easier.
Yacht Tip #1: Make sure to use gentle pressure when washing your yacht. You don’t want to chip the paint. Most pressure washers that are advertised as safe for use on cars are going to be safe for use on boats as well.
#2 Marine Wax
In addition to cleaning, you should wax your yacht regularly to keep it looking fresh. Marine wax is a heavy-duty substance that’s going to accomplish several jobs in terms of maintenance.
These include:
- Protect the exterior of your yacht from dings, scratches, and stains.
- Add a shiny finish.
- Make cleaning easier.
- Protect the paint from UV rays.
A freshly waxed yacht is going to look newer, fresher, and stand up to the harsh waves of the ocean better than a non-waxed boat.
Yacht Tip #2: When washing a waxed boat, make sure to use a soap with a neutral pH balance. Cleaning fluid that’s too harsh will remove marine wax.
#3: Pour Foam
Pour foam is essential if you want to keep your yacht in good shape. If you’re new to boat ownership, here’s the rundown on pour foam:
- Buoyancy – Low-density pour foams are a liquid that you pour in the hull of your yacht. The liquid quickly solidifies and expands, creating insulation around the boat. This light, airy material will aid flotation, and ensure your luxury yacht doesn’t start looking like the Titanic (unless it looks like that because Leo DiCaprio is onboard. In that case, you’re good).
- Repairs – High-density pour foam is going to be a bit heftier. While it won’t cause your yacht to sink, it should be used more sparingly. This type of pour foam is typically used for large repairs, such as a hole in the deck. Once you’ve used the foam to repair any cavities, you can paint over the filled gap and keep everything looking new.
- Thermal Insulation – Pour foam is a great insulator. No matter what temperature you’re trying to keep the inside of your boat, a layer of pour foam is going to ensure the thermometer doesn’t move an inch.
Yacht Tip #3: High-density foam will not dissolve Styrofoam, so you may want to use a few pieces to fill any holes before pouring the foam in. This will take up some space and ensure you don’t use all your pour foam on a single repair.
#4: Be Careful with the Glass
It’s important to take special care of the windows on your yacht. The glass that makes up the windows is more delicate than other parts of the ship, and cleaning it with the same soap as the hull is a recipe for disaster.
Opt for a gentle glass cleaner that’s specifically formulated for sea vessels. A marine glass cleaner is going to do a better job at:
- Cutting through seawater stains.
- Sealing glass and preventing scratches and leaks.
- Preventing water spots from forming.
Don’t let dirt and grime stop you from having a clear view of what’s ahead. Keep the windows on your yacht clean and clear.
Yacht Tip #4: Use a soft, cotton cloth to wipe down windows. Anything too abrasive, like a scrubbing brush or terry cloth, may scrape the salt particles against the glass and leave scratches.
#5: Check Your Systems Regularly
Owning a luxury yacht isn’t all fun and games. Any boat, especially a larger one, is going to have operational systems that need to be checked frequently.
These systems include:
- Cooling and heating
- Electricity
- Exhaust and air intake
- Oil, fuel, and coolant levels
Ideally, you’ll want to bring your yacht in for a service checkup once a month to keep everything running smoothly. The last thing you want is one of these systems failing while you’re out at sea.
Yacht Tip #5: Create a detailed log of each service check done on your yacht. Keeping track of dates, repairs, and costs will help you maintain a proper service schedule, and ensure no issues fly under the radar.
Keep Your Yacht in Luxury
You don’t want your yacht falling short of luxury. Always remember to keep the outside clean, the windows clear, and the internal systems in perfect order.
Oh, and don’t forget to check for barnacles!
