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Autopilot
See manufacturer’s manual.
If manual setting is possible, avoid a hasty operation, especially in heavy sea or when the boat is rolling
to a swell in light wind. It is also recommended that the bolts securing the telescopic cylinder is checked
after some time.
Electronic instruments
Especially the speedometer/log but also the echo sounders, wind instruments and other electronics
should be calibrated. This can only be done after the boat has been in use for some time. The first
calibration is made by the yard. This is, however, only possible to do roughly. For best accuracy: check
it later again.
How calibration is done is described in the manual for each particular instrument.
It is, more important to know the actual difference than to have it calibrated correctly.
Don't forget that currents and tide have more influence than an eventual incorrect calibration of the
log.
Fenders
The filling valve should always be at the end pointing down.
This way it will not cause any injury in case it should pop out, due to heavy
pressure in the fender.
The ideal stow away place for the fenders is forward in the chain locker. Make sure the fender lines are
pointing forward, to prevent them being drawn into the chain pipe when the anchor chain runs out.
Have in mind not to hang a fender over the heater exhaust. The exhaust would melt and puncture the
fender.
The gelcoat surfaces
The gelcoat is affected by sun and by aggressive dirt from air pollution and will lose its gloss. Therefore
regular washing is preferable. Liquid soap is recommended, gelcoat cleaners and wax too. The cleaner
will help to preserve the clear, light gelcoat colour and the wax will help to keep the dirt off.
It can hardly be avoided that dull spots will develop on the topsides where the fenders have rubbed.
These can easily be removed by using rubbing compound which is available with finer or coarser grit at
the yacht chandler. If needed you can use a slow rotating grinder with a lambskin pad.
It’s all based on the same ideas as in car maintenance.
Warning
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