Preface — Why I Wrote This Article？
Eighteen years ago, when I bought my first yacht, I thought maintenance was something you only did when problems showed up. That was back in 2007. I remember it clearly: a scorching summer day when I purchased a used Bayliner 305Sb. I can still recall the pure joy of snapping the very first photo of her.
But later, I realized how wrong I was—and it turned into a very expensive lesson. I once shared this story during an interview with Ocean Navigator. On one trip, while sailing between Nassau and Bimini, my engine started making strange noises and then cut out completely. I had no spare fuel filter, no satellite phone, and not a single passing boat in sight. I drifted for six hours before a fisherman towed me to safety.
It became painfully clear: I hadn’t read up on the Mistakes When Buying a Used Yacht. I was so excited about owning one that I neglected proper maintenance—something that could have easily prevented that crisis.
That day, I made two promises:
a) Never underestimate the value of prevention.
b) Share my lessons learned so others can avoid making the same mistakes.
My goal? To help you cut down on costly repair-yard visits so you can spend more time enjoying your yacht. With nearly two decades at sea, I’ve accumulated a wealth of experience in both sailing and maintenance. Later, as a professional captain, I logged over 40,000 nautical miles across the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia—facing everything from blazing tropical sun to brutal offshore storms.
You might say buying a yacht is easy, but maintaining one is not.From that experience, I can confidently say: if you follow the methods I share here, you’ll be able to reduce your yacht maintenance costs significantly.
Now let’s dive into the 6 ways to keep your yacht in top shape in 2025.
Contents
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Create a Regular Maintenance Schedule
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Protect Against Sun Damage
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Keep the Hull Clean and Protected
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Maintain Engines and Batteries
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Optimize Interior Space for Easy Maintenance
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Ensure Safe Mooring
1.Create a Regular Maintenance Schedule
A yacht is a complex system—every component, from the hull and rigging to the engine and batteries, works together. Neglect just one part, and you could trigger a chain reaction of costly failures.
Today’s yachts are more advanced than ever, but that also means repairs are more expensive if maintenance is skipped. Many new owners think the first step after buying a yacht is grabbing a cold drink and setting off on a trip. The reality? Start with maintenance.
Preventive care is about smart habits and planning that keep your yacht reliable—so you spend more time cruising and less time dealing with crises. The Code of Federal Regulations even states: “Any vessel exposed to salt water for more than three months in any 12-month period since the last inspection must undergo drydock and internal structural inspections at least once every two years.”
I’ve seen countless owners skip maintenance because “the yacht looks fine,” only to face a five-figure repair bill caused by a part that would have cost $50 to replace. Proper planning means catching small issues before they become budget-busting disasters.
Here’s my routine:
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Monthly Checks
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Engine oil and coolant levels, even if the boat hasn’t been used.
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Bilge pump—switch it on manually to ensure it works.
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Battery voltage—anything below recommended levels is a warning sign.
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Seasonal Checks (every 3–4 months)
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Hull inspection from the waterline down—look for barnacles, cracks, or blisters.
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Electrical system tests: lights, navigation, pumps, electronics.
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Safety gear review: flares, fire extinguishers, life jackets.
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Annual Tasks
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Haul out, clean hull, reapply antifouling, and check propellers.
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Engine service: oil, filters, impellers, belts, hoses.
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Deep clean interior, bilge, lockers, and upholstery.
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Tip: I keep a laminated maintenance logbook at the helm. Breaking big tasks into small steps prevents overwhelm and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
2.Protect Against Sun Damage
Most yacht owners worry about storms. I worry about the sun. UV radiation is relentless—it fades gelcoat, cracks interiors, and fries electronics. Over the years, I’ve seen sun damage cost more than storm repairs. Why? Because storms are rare, but sunlight beats down every single day.
A friend once left his yacht in Florida for the summer. By fall, the dashboard had warped, the seats cracked, and half the battery bank’s capacity was gone. Repair bill? $18,000. A $70 custom cover would have prevented it all.
UV exposure accelerates paint fading, fiberglass breakdown, and wood drying. Heat buildup weakens adhesives, overheats electronics, and ages batteries faster.
Prevention methods:
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Use UV-resistant covers and shades.
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Apply protective wax or coatings to the hull regularly.
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Consider marine-grade window films and interior blinds.
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Keep cabins ventilated to reduce heat buildup.
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Store sails and canvas indoors when not in use.
A little sun protection now saves thousands in repairs later.
3.Keep the Hull Clean and Protected
The hull is your yacht’s backbone. It keeps water out, supports weight, and ensures structural integrity. Barnacles and algae not only look unsightly but also increase drag, fuel consumption, and engine strain.
Regular cleaning prevents drag, corrosion, and long-term structural damage. In warm waters, check the hull more frequently.
What to look for:
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Signs of osmosis (gelcoat blisters).
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Cracks or scratches in fiberglass/paint.
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Marine growth like barnacles and algae.
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Corrosion around fittings.
Water trapped in the hull spreads like rust in a car frame—even tiny cracks can escalate fast. Create a checklist for inspections to avoid overlooking small but critical details.
Anti-fouling strategy:
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Always use high-quality antifouling paint.
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Apply in dry conditions, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Clean with a soft brush and mild detergents—avoid harsh methods that damage coatings.
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Pressure wash carefully when needed.
Done right, hull maintenance saves fuel and extends your yacht’s lifespan.
4.Maintain Engines and Batteries
Your engine is the yacht’s heart. Neglect it, and even a simple trip can turn into a crisis. Batteries are just as critical—they power navigation, pumps, lights, and electronics. Poor battery care is one of the leading causes of onboard system failures.
Engine care checklist:
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Check oil and coolant regularly; change oil on schedule.
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Inspect belts, hoses, and clamps for wear.
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Test seawater intakes and impellers to prevent overheating.
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Keep fuel filters clean and dry.
Early in my career, I saw an engine fail mid-cruise simply because the owner skipped a filter change.Moreover, BoatU.S., the largest yacht-related membership organization in the United States, recommends in its published “Boat Maintenance Tips” that filters should be replaced at least once a year, installed in easily accessible areas, and positioned where the canister can be removed with a filter wrench if necessary.
Battery care tips:
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Check electrolyte levels in lead-acid batteries.
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Avoid deep discharges unless designed for it.
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Clean corroded terminals.
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Consider lithium-ion batteries for efficiency—ensure your charging system is compatible.
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Weekly inspections and proper charging routines can prevent countless problems.
5.Optimize Interior Space for Easy Maintenance
A cluttered cabin isn’t just messy—it makes maintenance harder and accelerates wear. Tools, hoses, and gear tossed around create damage and block inspections.
Keep tools near where they’re used (engine room, galley, helm). Use labeled bins and lockers for ropes, fenders, and safety gear. Keep the bilge accessible for cleaning and inspection.
A well-organized yacht reduces workload, improves safety, and makes onboard life more enjoyable.
6.Ensure Safe Mooring
Safe mooring is often overlooked, yet it’s absolutely essential for reducing maintenance costs. Poor mooring practices can lead to hull damage, snapped rigging, and overstressed fenders and lines. The best approach is to inspect fenders and lines regularly, replacing anything worn or frayed right away, and ensuring cleats and bollards are properly sized for your yacht. Mooring lines should be adjusted with changes in tide and wind, and it’s wise to avoid crowded or poorly maintained marinas, as they pose a higher risk of collision damage.
When a yacht is secured correctly at the dock, it’s far less likely to suffer expensive repairs—and you can rest easy when you’re not at the helm. Early in my career as a captain, I learned this lesson the hard way. I once tied my yacht too loosely to a busy marina. By morning, the stern had spent the night “kissing” the piling, and the next day I could say to my yacht was—goodbye, my flawless gelcoat.
Conclusion
Apply these methods, and you’ll save money and worry. Regular small maintenance prevents expensive, time-consuming repairs. Remember why you own a yacht: spend less time worrying and more time sailing, exploring, and making memories on board.
In nearly two decades at sea, my biggest lesson has been to respect your vessel, anticipate problems, and make smart choices. Your yacht will reward you with a longer life, smoother sailing, and more unforgettable memories.
Matthew Harrison
Matthew Harrison is a senior yacht captain and maritime consultant with over 18 years of professional sailing experience. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton commercial captain’s license [USCG 167245], has served as chief captain on multiple private and charter yachts over 50 feet, and has logged over 40,000 nautical miles across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia. He has been featured in Ocean Navigator and various Asian sailing publications and shares practical tips on international sailing forums.
Disclaimer
This article reflects the author’s personal advice based on years of sailing and yacht maintenance experience. Yacht conditions vary; specific maintenance and operation should follow manufacturer guidelines, professional advice, and local regulations. The author and platform are not responsible for any direct or indirect losses, injuries, or costs resulting from using this content.