Preventative boat maintenance you should do

Winter may mean we wind back the amount of time we go cruising with family and friends, but it’s also a very important time to schedule all the maintenance and servicing that will ensure you are ready to enjoy your time afloat as soon as the weather warms up.

Now that winter is a fading memory, you really need to jump on the to-do list and book your boat in for the servicing, slip, antifouling and more.

Michael Swain from Riviera Aftermarket says that, while it may seem strange, 'time off' during winter can be particularly taxing for your boat.

WINTER BOATERS KNOW BEST
It's a good time to do the dirty work and keep your boat moving
"In winter at our aftermarket facility on the Gold Coast, we cater for two very different types of luxury Riviera motor yacht owners," he says.

"One group comprises those owners bringing their boats north for the warmer Queensland weather … owners who are able to use their boats regularly and who ensure they stop at Aftermarket as part of their travel planning … whether that be for antifouling, detailing, custom modifications or even a full refit.

"The other group may not be logging the same sea miles, but their luxury yachts also need timely love and attention because long periods of inactivity actually accelerates wear and tear and can contribute to breakdowns the following season."

"Left unchecked, corrosion in particular can spread, moisture can intrude and freeze, lubrication can congeal and neglect can take root over the long, cold months."

With this in mind, Swain offers the following Top Tips for winter and early spring maintenance.

2. Lubricate: Ensure the small but critical systems are lubricated regularly. Go around the boat and lightly apply a moisture-displacing lubricant to the myriad moving metal parts onboard such as hinges, latches, push-pull switches, linkages, ratchet mounts, bow rollers, for example.

3. Structure: Inspect your boat’s hull for corrosion and cracks, and check that the bilge area is clean and dry. If there’s any sign the vessel’s hull requires maintenance, make sure you use a qualified repairer.

4. Bilges and lockers: Check the bilges, removing any standing water and cleaning up any dirt or oil. Do the same with any lockers, drawers, live wells, fish holds or storage areas. Clean these spaces thoroughly, then place commercial moisture absorbers to eliminate mould and mildew during the long off-season. Remove all cushions, clean them well (especially underneath where mildew tends to form) and prop them up on edge to allow air to circulate.

5. Engines: If your engines are due for a service, book your boat in for a service NOW rather than wait until the last minute. Also thoroughly flush the cooling systems with fresh water to remove salt, dirt and corrosion.

6. Prepare the fuel system: Top up your fuel tank(s) to avoid build-up of condensation over months of storage. Change the fuel filter at the end of every season. Add a marine fuel stabiliser to the fuel tank as per instructions to keep the fuel and entire fuel system clean during storage. After adding stabiliser to the tank, run the engine for a few minutes to ensure it circulates through the system.

7. Oil: Every end-of-season checklist should include a healthy dose of lubrication. Change the engine oil and oil filter after the engine is slightly warmed up to help flush out sediment and impurities with the discarded oil. Refill the engine with the appropriate oil and be on the lookout for water intrusion — which usually causes gear oil to look ‘milky’ and discolored — as you drain the gear case. If moisture is present, this could indicate leaking seals that need to be inspected and repaired.

8. Perform a Visual: The best time to catch small problems is before they become major ones. Get up close and personal, and use your eyes to visually go over items that can lead to trouble. For example, inspect for signs of worn cables, broken cable insulation, visible corrosion or rough operation, as well as signs of leakage around seals and fittings. Visually check fuses and wiring connections, looking for signs of corrosion, loose connections or broken insulation. Inspect fuel lines and cooling hoses for signs of exterior cracking, bulging or leakage, especially around bends, hose barbs and connections. Take particular care to test all hose clamps for tightness and signs of corrosion. Check sacrificial zinc anodes and replace those that are more than 50 per cent dissolved.

9. Batteries and electrics: Batteries that are inactive over a long period of time can cause issues when you recommence for the summer. Keep your batteries charged and check all lights, radios and navigation equipment.

10. Safety gear: Check all of your safety equipment, including lifejackets, fire extinguishers, EPIRBs and flares. If anything needs replacement or upgrading, now is the time to do it. Items such as flares have a limited lifespan. If you don’t want to buy them now, remind yourself to purchase new ones before the start of the season.

* This article is reprinted from the Riviera Experience magazine. From a simple antifoul and detail right up to a full refit, Riviera Aftermarket has the service facilities, skills and knowledge to assist you in every aspect of boat maintenance. Their facilities include a 75-tonne travel lift, six-bay undercover facility; two-bay enclosed antifoul and spray facility; five-bay hardstand and 14 marina work berths.