Regular Yacht Maintenance Tasks

[Peter Owen]

All this talk of sanding and varnishing leads me to the thought that there are plenty of other things that need to be checked over/maintained on a regular basis if we're to stay afloat safely and remain healthy. I know that it's cheating but does anyone have or can they suggest a regular scheme of things (mechanical, electrical, domestic, cosmetic) that need to addressed and how frequently?

[MMNETSEA]

Originally Posted by Peter Owen

All this talk of sanding and varnishing leads me to the thought that there are plenty of other things that need to be checked over/maintained on a regular basis if we're to stay afloat safely and remain healthy. I know that it's cheating but does anyone have or can they suggest a regular scheme of things (mechanical, electrical, domestic, cosmetic) that need to addressed and how frequently?

Hello Peter,

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Good topic, Maybe something we should all put in our diaries.

Maybe a good start would be to look at the items that come under the classification of "safety".

When scrutineering yachts prior to certain categories of ocean races - the most import section

is that of safety. The same rules can be applied to a cruising yacht. examples :-

1) Check Sea-Cocks for corrosion and function - bungs should be in close proximity.

2) Hose-clips double on any hoses below the waterline, on the engine , on pumps, on through-hulls, change any with suspect worm drives (often these are mild steel in S/S clamps) Replace clips on any hoses that are subject to pressure every year.

3) Check Bilge Pumps - service - clean

4) Check Bilges - limber holes - clean

5) Check Gas Cylinders - hoses (replace every 2 years with certified hose) Check lockers

6) Check Gasoline containers/hoses/compartments

7) Check exhaust system for leaks - include heat exchanger.

8) Check engine bilges for oil leaks

9) Check Prop shaft fittings for wear and leaks

10) Check Engine Mountings

11) Check Rudder Quadrant and shaft bearings

12) Check S/S rigging fittings for signs of hair cracks - especially swaged fittings, don't forget

the bobstay fitting.

13) Check life Lines and Stanchions for strength

14) Check batteries - engine and house - frequent checks on H2O and SG

15) Check for corrosion on electrical switches and MCBs

16) Check Ground Tackle

17) Check Anchor windlass

18) Check sails and stitching

19) Check Dan Buoy and life rings

20) Have Liferaft serviced at scheduled intervals

And all the other items that were not covered here.

Stay Well

[JeanneP]

Excellent list.

Just a comment. I advise taking a magnet with you when shopping for boat parts, particularly hose clamps. I've found mild steel worm drives on clamps that say "all stainless steel".

[MMNETSEA]

Originally Posted by MMNETSEA

Hello Peter,

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Good topic, Maybe something we should all put in our diaries.

Maybe a good start would be to look at the items that come under the classification of "safety".

When scrutineering yachts prior to certain categories of ocean races - the most important section is that of safety. The same rules can be applied to a cruising yacht. examples :-

1) Check Sea-Cocks for corrosion and function - bungs should be in close proximity.

2) Hose-clips double on any hoses below the waterline, on the engine , on pumps, on through-hulls, change any with suspect worm drives (often these are mild steel in S/S clamps) Replace clips on any hoses that are subject to pressure every year.

3) Check Bilge Pumps - service - clean

4) Check Bilges - limber holes - clean

5) Check Gas Cylinders - hoses (replace every 2 years with certified hose) Check lockers

6) Check Gasoline containers/hoses/compartments

7) Check exhaust system for leaks - include heat exchanger.

8) Check engine bilges for oil leaks

9) Check Prop shaft fittings for wear and leaks

10) Check Engine Mountings

11) Check Rudder Quadrant and shaft bearings

12) Check S/S rigging fittings for signs of hair cracks - especially swaged fittings, don't forget

the bobstay fitting.

13) Check life Lines and Stanchions for strength

14) Check batteries - engine and house - frequent checks on H2O and SG

15) Check for corrosion on electrical switches and MCBs

16) Check Ground Tackle

17) Check Anchor windlass

18) Check sails and stitching

19) Check Dan Buoy and life rings

20) Have Liferaft serviced at scheduled intervals

And all the other items that were not covered here.

Stay Well

Read the above list alongside the topic "Ready for Sea" check list

[Lighthouse]

Yacht maintenance on the Cruising Wiki - HERE

[MMNETSEA]

Originally Posted by Lighthouse

Yacht maintenance on the Cruising Wiki - HERE

the most import section

is that of safety. The same rules can be applied to a cruising yacht. examples :-

1) Check Sea-Cocks for corrosion and function - bungs should be in close proximity.

2) Hose-clips double on any hoses below the waterline, on the engine , on pumps, on through-hulls, change any with suspect worm drives (often these are mild steel in S/S clamps) Replace clips on any hoses that are subject to pressure every year.

3) Check Bilge Pumps - service - clean

4) Check Bilges - limber holes - clean

5) Check Gas Cylinders - hoses (replace every 2 years with certified hose) Check lockers

6) Check Gasoline containers/hoses/compartments

7) Check exhaust system for leaks - include heat exchanger.

8) Check engine bilges for oil leaks

9) Check Prop shaft fittings for wear and leaks

10) Check Engine Mountings

11) Check Rudder Quadrant and shaft bearings

12) Check S/S rigging fittings for signs of hair cracks - especially swaged fittings, don't forget

the bobstay fitting.

13) Check life Lines and Stanchions for strength

14) Check batteries - engine and house - frequent checks on H2O and SG

15) Check for corrosion on electrical switches and MCBs

16) Check Ground Tackle

17) Check Anchor windlass

18) Check sails and stitching

19) Check Dan Buoy and life rings

20) Have Liferaft serviced at scheduled intervals