Inspect Deck Hardware

On deck, carry out a bow to stern appraisal of the deckware. Look at the integrity of the stanchions, pulpits, and lifelines, well as the chain plates and cleats. Inspect your anchor system and clean and grease all winches. Leak test your hatches and portlights. Any repairs or replacements are likely to be best carried out before the season commences to minimise downtime and maximise sailing time – Ancasta Yacht Services is an approved Lewmar Gold Installer, Service and Repair Centre with Lewmar-trained technicians onsite at our Hamble workshop.

• Check stanchions, pulpits, lifelines, chain plates and cleats for damage or wear
• Service all winches
• Leak test hatches

Restore Sails and Canvas Covers

Canvas on deck, including sail covers, biminis, and dodgers, will likely need a good clean if they have been exposed to the elements over the winter. As part of laying up, sails should have been removed and laundered, but at the very least, these should be checked for wear and chafe ahead of your first sail of the season.

• Clean boat covers and/or biminis
• Launder the sails and check for wear

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Engine Servicing

Ancasta Yacht Services’ in-house marine engineering team are Approved Dealers and Service Agents for Yanmar and Nanni diesel engines offering peace of mind and a cost-effective solution if you would prefer to leave your engine service to the professionals.

To maximise performance, regular engine servicing is vital and a typical maintenance schedule would be to carry out a service at typical intervals of 50 hours, 250 hours, 500 hours, and 750 hours.

At AYS, our Yanmar engine service includes:

• A thorough visual inspection
• General clean
• Oil and oil filter replacement
• Gearbox oil level check
• Assessment of the air filters, v-belt, impeller, and anode

You’ll want to check your onboard inventory of engine spares, making sure you have key items like fuel and oil filters, impellors, coolant, and engine oil (safely stowed to avoid leakage). It is also important details are recorded in the engine maintenance log, especially the date and hours of the last oil changes.

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Plan Ahead

One of the most common and costly mistakes yacht owners make is carrying out or booking essential maintenance and recommissioning work too late.

As spring approaches, boatyards, engineers, and service teams quickly become busy, leading to limited availability, delays, and, in some cases, rushed work.

Planning ahead not only ensures your yacht is ready when you want it but also allows time to address any unexpected issues properly.

Guideline timings:

• Routine engine servicing – 1–2 days
• Antifouling and hull preparation – 1–2 weeks depending on the hull condition, weather, and drying times.
• Full recommissioning including systems checks, safety inspections, and any remedial work – 1–3 weeks
• Unexpected repairs or replacements – 1-4 weeks

By scheduling work during the winter months or early spring, you’ll benefit from greater flexibility, better access to preferred contractors, and a more relaxed timeframe to complete jobs thoroughly.

It also means your yacht will be ready to go as soon as conditions improve, rather than wasting time waiting in a queue during perfect sailing days.

Book Pre-Season Boat Maintenance Services

Don’t be daunted by your pre-season jobs list as help is on hand from the Ancasta Yacht Services professional yacht care team to ensure you have a trouble-free season of racing, cruising, and exploring – something every boat owner should enjoy!

For more information on professional winterisation, lifting and storage facilities, visit our yacht servicing division, Ancasta Yacht Services.

BOOK PRE-SEASON BOAT MAINTENANCE SERVICES

EXTRA RESOURCES

Comprehensive Annual Boat Maintenance Checklist

If you want to be thorough, here is our comprehensive pre-season boat maintenance checklist to help you ensure your boat is fully prepared for spring and you can enjoy the new season stress-free:

EXTERIOR

• Clean the hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent
• Make sure drains and scuppers are clear
• Put on a good coat of wax
• Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish
• Clean teak and oil
• Clean windows and hatches
• Clean canvas, bimini and dodger
• Clean interior including bilges
• Check spare parts and tools and replace as necessary
• Make sure registration is current and onboard
• Check and replace wiper blades if necessary

HULL

• Check for hull abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair
• Check and replace zincs
• Check for blisters and refinish if necessary
• Check rub rails
• Check swim platform and/or ladder
• Inspect and test trim tabs
• Check shaft, cutlass bearing, strut and prop
• Check rudder and fittings
• Touch up or replace antifouling paint

DECK, FITTINGS, SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• Check stanchion, pulpits and lifelines for integrity
• Check ground tackle, lines, fenders, etc.
• Check chainplates and cleats
• Check hull/deck joint
• Check deck, windows, and port lights for leaks
• Inspect anchor windlass and lubricate
• Clean and grease winches
• Check and lubricate blocks, pad eyes, etc.
• Check dinghy, and life raft

INTERIOR

• Check, test and lubricate seacocks
• Check condition of hoses and clamps
• Make sure below waterline hoses are double clamped
• Check bilges pumps for automatic and manual operation
• Check for oil in bilges
• Check limber holes and make sure they are clear of debris

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS

• Check battery water level
• Check/recharge batteries
• Check terminals for corrosion, clean and lubricate
• Check bonding system
• Inspect all wiring for wear and chafe
• Test all gauges for operability
• Check shore power and charger
• Check for spare fuses
• Check all lighting fixtures (including navigation lights) and make sure you have spare bulbs
• Check all electronics for proper operation
• Inspect antennas

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• Sound signaling device
• Check distress signals and expiration date
• Check Pfds
• Inspect life rings and cushions
• Check fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary
• Check and adjust compass
• Check navigation lights
• Check charts and replace as necessary
• Check radar reflector
• Check and replace first aid supplies
• Check bailer and hand pump

INBOARD ENGINE(S)

• Change oil and filters – make sure you have spares on board
• Check and change fuel filters – have spares onboard
• Check and change engine zincs
• Check cooling system change coolant as necessary – have extra onboard
• Record engine maintenance log, especially date & hours of last oil changes
• Check belts for tension
• Check transmission fluid
• Check and clean backfire flame arrestor
• Check impeller
• Check and clean water strainer
• Check bilge blower

HEADS SYSTEM

• Check for smooth operation – lubricate and clean as necessary
• If equipped with treatment system, have chemicals on hand
• Y-valve operation checked, valve labeled & secured

WATER SYSTEM

• Flush water tank
• Check water system and pump for leaks and proper operation
• Check hot water tank working on both AC and engines
• Check for tank cap keys on board
• Check and clean shower sump pump screens

GALLEY

• Fill propane tank, check electric & manual valves, check storage box vent to make sure it is clear
• Check refrigerator, clean and freshen, operate on AC and DC
• Clean stove, check that all burners and oven are working
• Check microwave, if fitted

OUTBOARD MOTOR

• Replace spark plugs
• Check plug wires for wear
• Check prop for nicks and bends
• Change/fill gear lube
• Inspect fuel lines, primer bulb and tank for leaks
• Lubricate and spray moveable parts

TRAILER

• Check for current registration
• Check rollers and pads
• Check and lubricate wheel bearings
• Clean and lubricate winch
• Lubricate tongue jack and wheel
• Test lights and electrical connections
• Check tire pressure and condition
• Check brakes (if equipped)
• Check safety chains
• Check tongue lock

SAILS

• Check general condition
• Look for wear and chafing
• Check battens and batten pockets
• Check all sail attachments
• Inspect bolt rope

MAST AND RIGGING

• Check mast and spreaders for corrosion or damage
• Inspect spreader boots and shrouds
• Inspect rivets and screw connections for corrosion
• Check reefing points and reefing gear
• Clean sail track
• Check rigging, turnbuckles and clevis pins for wear and corrosion
• Inspect stays for fraying and “fish hooks”
• Check forestay and backstay connections
• Check masthead fitting and pulleys
• Check and lubricate roller furling
• Check halyards and consider replacing or swapping end for end
• Tape turnbuckles, cotter pins, and spreaders

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