When it comes to your most prized possessions, there’s little competition for that brand new luxury yacht – and its gleaming surfaces and smooth handling make it both a dream to own and a breath-taking thing of beauty to behold. Gliding through the water with effortless ease and providing you with the perfect vessel on which to enjoy long, hot summers cruising European waters and visiting lavish destinations like the French Riviera and the Amalfi, you could be forgiven for lauding it as the best investment you’ve ever made – but keeping it in flawless condition requires time, effort and upkeep.
Luxury yachts are built to last, but nevertheless, they won’t look after themselves and without ensuring you seek optimal care for its internal components and adding some maintenance tasks to your ‘to do’ list, they won’t remain at their best for long. So, if you’re eager to continue enjoying the good life on board your beloved vessel for as long as possible, then here are some simple tips to help ensure you’ll be able to do just that.
Invest in quality boat bumpers
Boat bumpers are essential for protecting your luxury yacht from damage when arriving into dock. Scuffs and dents, both small and large, can easily be acquired when you come in too quickly or the seas are rough, and can be expensive to repair. When you add the risk or corrosion into the equation, it’s easy to see why boat bumpers are a must for maintaining your yacht – but which material should you choose?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a strong material able to resist environmental stressors including salt from the sea, ice and of course, ultraviolet (UV) rays. A durable material that will last for many years without discoloration, it’s a wise choice. Rubber boat bumpers, too, are a good option and require a lower investment – but it’s worth bearing in mind that these can scratch other boats made from fiberglass.
If you’re looking for the best quality, Tessilmare’s boat bumpers are the perfect choice for your luxury yacht. The company has developed a large network of professional distributors which are located all over the globe to ensure the easy purchase of the finest boat bumpers on the market today.
Have the exterior cleaned regularly
There’s nothing like a fresh polish to get you feeling excited about boarding your yacht, but the importance of cleaning it regularly goes far beyond aesthetics alone. Exposure to sea spray and other liquids can leave yachts smelling unpleasant over time, which can quickly put you off inviting guests to join you for a weekend of sea, sunshine and champagne.
Take the time to give your boat a regular once-over with a quality cleanser and cloth, buffing thoroughly and finishing off with boat wax to keep the hull clean and protected from the effects of the elements. Or, if you lead a busy lifestyle, then pay a professional to do it for you – once a month should suffice.
Boats don’t just get dirty when in use, and even in its mooring, your yacht can quickly become soiled by birds and insects if you don’t cover it up. Invest in a quality, custom-fit cloth and canvas cover to keep the deck and hull protected so that you can be sure of a clean and sparkling yacht each time you intend to use it, and you’re certain to thank yourself for it later on.
You can also ensure that your luxury yacht is protected from barnacles, algae and other marine growths with a fresh coat of quality boat antifouling paint. Unlike regular paint, antifoul paint is specifically designed to protect the hull from marine growth. This not only keeps the hull clean but also improves fuel efficiency.
Purge salt water periodically
Yachts take salt water into their engines when in use, but this can quickly take its toll and begin to affect functionality. Removing it periodically is important in order to prevent damage and keep things ticking over nicely, as well as preventing corrosion and salt build-up. Having a fresh water flush system is also a great tip, as it will allow you to effortlessly and easily flush water out of the system as and when needed with minimal stress.
Check your seals
Seals are often one of the first areas to become worn on luxury yachts and if not kept in check, can lead to leaking. Usually found around windows and doors, as well as hatches, they are vulnerable to sun exposure and can be expected to wear away over time – so survey them regularly for cracks or tears so that they can be dealt with before they become an issue. While it’s possible to repair them when problems are in their infancy, your best bet is to replace them as soon as possible, as papering over the cracks is never a good idea where water is concerned and safety should be your top priority.
Don’t forget your dry boxes
Dry boxes are designed to keep your gear dry and offer some bump protection at the same time. To keep yours in tip top condition, place a desiccant inside, as well as a hygrometer, if you don’t have one. The latter will allow you to control the humidity, keeping it somewhere between 40 and 50 per cent – but you’ll still need to give them a regular clean to keep them at their best and allow them ample time to dry with their lids open before reusing.
