Monday, July 11, 2016

What You Need To Know When Maintaining Sailing Vessels

By Donald Reynolds


Chances are if you happen to live by the sea, you may very well have your very own boat or yacht which you probably often use to sail the waters and do some fishing or other leisurely seafaring activities. Maintaining boats is considerably a much tougher challenge than taking care of land based forms of transportation. In order to keep things under control, consider these handy guidelines below when making a trip to the docks and checking up on your boat.

The first order of business is to secure a good location by the coast to dock yachts of any size much like how cars need to be placed in garages for safekeeping. Scout for coastal zones where there might be California boat storage available for your immediate use. Make the necessary arrangements once you have secured a suitable harbor that shall serve as a perfect refuge.

Anything that is kept outside, particularly in the proximity of open bodies of water, will gradually show signs of elemental damage. Factors such as sun and wind plus the direct immersion in water can leave visible residue like grime and scum in key areas. Remove such unsightly things off your boat by making a regular habit of cleaning every nook and cranny.

Never steer your precious boat from out of the pier unless you have absolutely made sure that everything has been properly inspected. Pay close attention to anything that looks out of the ordinary like liquids leaking from worn or corroded tubing, or perhaps stuff like faulty fog lights. Leave no stone unturned when checking every section on the vessel from port to starboard.

The laws of physics state that external forces can directly affect any object when in constant motion. With this in mind, you should be aware that vessels being frequently used will eventually have their fastened parts slowly loosened over time due to propeller vibrations and the natural motion of sea waves. Double check to ensure everything has been duly tightened.

Replacements are necessary whenever you notice any visible parts that have corroded over time or can no longer be fixed to the point of optimal functionality. Anything from torn sails to cracked motor blades and rusted water filters should be discarded and replaced immediately so the vessel will be in good condition. Consult with a boating expert on where to find alternates.

The winter season can be brutal to any dinghy so take the necessary precautions to winterize your yacht before the cold season arrives. Shut down all power and be vigilant when doing steps like draining all tanks filled with fuel or other liquids that are in danger of freezing solid. When in doubt, follow the recommended instructions outlined by the boat manufacturers.

Boats consume large amounts of fuel, so they constantly need to have sustenance for power as a means to keep things in optimal working condition. If you are worried about reaching an empty tank while sailing out at sea, then always have an emergency stash of fuel on board for such contingencies. It always pays to be fully prepared for any eventuality that may arrive.

You have your work cut out for you if you are a lucky owner of a sleek and beautiful yacht for leisurely sailing purposes. Remember to adhere to these tips to achieve successful maintenance goals. Keep a positive outlook while staying safe during your oceanic voyages.




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