Maintaining a luxury motor yacht ensures it runs correctly, and efficiently, and also provides for the maximum resale value when that time comes.
There are daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal checks to be performed, and many owners have created checklist specific to their vessel to achieve this. Annual luxury motor yacht maintenance involves hauling out the craft, and this is the perfect time to accomplish many of the bigger jobs, as well as inspect/repair/replace many key components.
Maritimo’s Senior Marine Engineer and World Champion, Ross (Rossco) Willaton details these.
“One of the largest, and certainly most visible items to be performed is the renewal of underwater coatings. Maritimos are delivered with Sigma Ecofleet antifoul and Propspeed on the running gear. The silicone topcoat on the latter is what makes it shiny and helps to avoid allowing anything to grow on it, as well as being thinner than multiple coats of antifoul, as used to be case. Now, it is important that any different brand is compatible with these. Changing may require the vessel to be taken back to the epoxy coating in the case of the antifoul (hull), and bare metal in the case of the running gear (shafts, screws, skegs and rudders).”
“Having the works carried out an authorised facility also means that any waste is treated on site, and does not re-enter the environment.”
Maritimo’s factory backed service facility, Boat Masters at Hope Island on the Gold Coast is chosen by luxury motor yacht owners from Sydney to Far North Queensland as their preferred location, given their expertise with the brand.
“Whilst out, the vessels through hull fittings, bearings and glands, anodes, strainers, scoops, thrusters, and swim platform can all be inspected, and then cleaned/repaired and repainted as required. Going to a place like Boat Masters also means all the necessary trades can attend to carry out inspections or rectification works.”
“This is the time for all the engineering works to be performed. Service schedules for the main engines, generators, gyro stabilisers, watermakers, and davits all vary depending on the manufacturer, but do need to be carried out to the specifications to avoid any warranty issues or failures whilst at sea,” said Willaton.
Any electrical inspections can be performed at this time, as well. Cosmetically, it is also a great idea to have the hull and superstructure polished by professionals to ensure the gleam and lustre remain, and the dockside/anchorage appeal never leaves.
It is always important to operate any sea cocks or ball valves regularly, so they do not corrode or have organisms grow in them. Costly to repair, they also render regular maintenance tasks like clearing the sea strainer (raw water) impossible, which in turn can lead to engine issues.
If your anodes are being depleted at an excessive rate, or you have corrosion issues on anything metal below the waterline, then stray current may be the cause, and expert advice must be sought to deal with rectification. If it is over 700 to 1000 millivolts or you have the coating being blown off the rudders or propellers, then these are tell-tale signs to have it all investigated.
All Maritimos are delivered with Owner’s Manuals for all engineering, electrical, and electronics systems. These contain a wealth of information, and should be consulted when investigating any problems. Your Maritimo service team is also able to assist, and this is why many owners from Sydney pass through the Gold Coast on the way to the tropics each winter. Peace of mind is invaluable when at sea.
They do an important job, so when the boat is out, the trim tabs need to be checked for full range of movement, and that the ram has not been affected by salt water. Leaving them in the UP position when not in use is a great way to extend the life of the hydraulic aspects of this most vital part of the underwater equipment.
Lastly, if your vessel is not performing as it should, then take time to assess the issues and probable causes. Excessive fuel usage and reduction in performance and handling could be the result of contaminated fuel, issues with the running surface, or excessive water on board. All need to rectified swiftly to avoid creating greater problems.
Naturally, the more you do at shorter intervals, like regular washing of the exterior, diving the hull to remove excessive weed and growths, cleaning and inspection of vents and fans for engine induction/cooling, fresh water flushing of the watermaker, ensuring bilges are clean and free of obstructions, along with checks for glands, seals, clamps and oil leaks will help reduce the overall cost of ownership, and make the vessel ready for action at a moment’s notice.
