13 - HULL AND FURNITURE MAINTENANCE 380
13.2 LONG PERIODS OF YACHT INACTIVITY
Following list only represents a general guide to give the customer an idea
of the ordinary maintenance which should be carried out when the yacht
remains stationary for a rather long period without being used. We recom-
mend carefully checking the instruction manuals of the single devices, be-
cause they often contain special information and very important specica-
tions relevant to the maintenance of each device.
• Engines
Before winter time let fresh water ow into the sea water circuit, check
the antifreeze liquid, the sacricial anodes against the galvanic currents,
remove salt build-ups and spray protective agents. Check oil and fuel l-
ters and replace them if necessary. Carry out the scheduled maintenance
of the propulsion engines, indicated in the Use and Maintenance section.
• Generators
Use the same procedure as for the engines.
• Gear boxes
Carry out the scheduled maintenance for gear boxes.
• Batteries
Check the liquid level and regularly charge the batteries, protect the
terminals with Vaseline grease; even better would be to disconnect the
batteries from the system and to charge them regularly with a separate
battery charger, but this is not always possible on yachts.
• Watermaker (optional)
A proper procedure provided by the supplier in the instruction manual
has to be followed when the watermaker is not used for a long time.
• Washers and Dishwashers
Carry out an empty washing cycle, carefully remove all detergent resi-
dues and accurately dry. Clean the lters.
• Sun-deck cushions
Remove all sun-deck cushions and store them into a dry place.
• Aluminium and steel
Wash all metallic parts with fresh water and protect by rubbing with a rag
soaked into Vaseline oil.
• Wood and interior upholstery
Cover the cushions of sofas with sheets and above all cover all windows
with the relevant covering sheets, so that as little light as possible is
projected inside, because the UV-rays fade the wood and tissue colours.
• Teak wood deck
Wash with water and neutral soap and treat with proper products. Sand-
paper if strictly necessary.
CAUTION
DO NOT USE mechanical or forced water jet equipment (e.g. pressure
washers, etc.) to wash the deck, as this force alters the wood and the
caulking sealants (it detaches the microparticles) causing damage in
some cases even radical (e.g. detachment of the staves).
CAUTION
DO NOT USE alkaline-based or acid-based detergents or aggressive de-
tergents (soda, solvents, ammonia, etc.) to wash the deck; their aggres-
sive degreasing action corrodes the wood (it eliminates its natural wa-
ter repellency and whitens its natural colour), while the caulking sealant
modies its physical-chemical qualities, softening the surface, damaging
the waterproong, sealing and anchoring of the deck.
• Sacricial anodes
Check their wear and if necessary, replace the hull, propellers shafts and
interceptors, etc.. anodes.
To Next Page
Loading...