Before your yacht ever touches the water, it already demands your attention. Even if it's fresh from the manufacturer, the hull—especially if it’s fiberglass—should be thoroughly cleaned and polished before launch.
Prolonged exposure to UV light can dull the finish and accelerate wear, which is why seasonal polishing is essential. In warmer climates where the yacht is in use year-round, polishing every four months is highly recommended to maintain a pristine exterior and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
As autumn approaches and sailing winds down, proper care becomes even more crucial. If your yacht will be docked or stored over the winter months, wash it thoroughly before covering it. This includes every exposed surface, particularly the fiberglass sections.
Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the fiberglass before covering acts as a protective film. This seemingly simple step helps prevent microscopic surface cracking caused by temperature fluctuations—a problem that can silently undermine the boat’s structural integrity over time.
When spring returns and you're preparing to relaunch, it's time to reverse those steps. Clean off the petroleum jelly completely and give the hull another deep wash, followed by polishing. If possible, start with a coarser sanding to remove imperfections, then follow with fine sanding to bring out a high-gloss finish. Repeating this polishing process once each season is an effective routine to keep your yacht looking and performing like new.
Beyond appearances, engine maintenance is what keeps you out of trouble at sea. Start with the basics—regularly check your oil levels and ensure your cooling fluid is topped up. Don’t overlook the fan belt, as cracks or slack can lead to unexpected failures.
Every 25 hours of engine use, inspect the seawater filter to ensure it’s not blocked by debris. The condition of the nozzles and rudder grease cups should also be monitored to maintain responsive handling and steering.
Fuel and air systems need special attention, especially in the first few hours of engine life. The gasoline filter should be replaced after the first 20 hours of operation, then every 200 hours thereafter. Oil changes are recommended every 100 hours, with gear oil and air filters replaced at 200-hour intervals. Your main fuel filter should be changed annually to avoid contamination that can lead to costly engine damage.
The golden rule in marine engine care is simple: keep your oil, water, air, and engine clean. Use high-quality lubricants with excellent detergent and dispersion properties. Regularly applying fuel additives to clean the fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for long-term engine health. These efforts ensure not only smoother operation but also reduced fuel consumption and fewer mechanical surprises during your journey.
Whether you’re cruising through the Mediterranean or chasing sunsets in the Caribbean, yacht ownership is as much about preparation as it is about pleasure. Invisible layers of care—cleaning, polishing, protecting, lubricating—build the foundation for every smooth launch and every safe return.
With the right routine, your vessel won’t just look great—it’ll serve you reliably for years to come, through every season and every sea.