8.4 LONG PERIODS OF YACHT INACTIVITY

The following list only represents a general guide to give the customer an idea of the ordinary maintenance operations which should be carried out when the yacht remains stationary for a rather long period without being used. We recommend carefully checking the instruction manuals of the single devices, because they often contain detailed information and very important specifications relevant to the maintenance of each device.

• Engines
  Before winter time let fresh water flow into the sea water circuit, check the antifreeze liquid, the sacrificial anodes against the galvanic currents, remove salt build-ups and spray protective agents.
  Carry out the scheduled maintenance of the propulsion engines, indicated in the Use and Maintenance section.
  
• Generator
  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 periodically with a separate battery charger, but this is not always possible on ships.
  
• Watermaker
  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 residues and dry thoroughly. Clean the filters.
  
• 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 inner tapestry
  Cover the cushions of sofas with cloths and above all cover all windows with the relevant covering cloths, so that as less 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. Sandpaper if strictly necessary.
  

CAUTION

DO NOT use for washing the deck mechanical means or the forced water jet (eg. Power washers etc..), since such force alters the wood by caulking and sealants (detached microparticles) causing damage in some cases even radical (eg. detachment of the seam from the daggers).

CAUTION

DO NOT use for washing the deck alkaline based detergents, acidic or with aggressive agents (soda, solvents, ammonia. etc..); their aggressive degreasing action erodes the wood (eliminates its natural water repellency, and it whitens its natural colour), while the sealant by caulking modifies the physical and chemical quality, softening the part surface, damaging the waterproofing, sealing el ‘ anchoring of the deck.

• Side windows
  Wash with mild soap and water.

CAUTION

When using the harness support for personnel involved hanging kit for washing the side windows in the hull are prohibited the use of a single point of attack.
For more information on the use and maintenance of the system, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation provided in the appendices to this manual.

• Sacrificial anodes
  Check for wear and, if necessary, replace the hull anodes, prop shafts, and trim tabs, etc.
• LOG Transducer
  Pull out the propeller, clean it and apply the proper propeller plug.
• Windscreen wiper
  Wash with fresh water and lubricate them with Vaseline oil.
• Anchor winches
  Protect the electrical components with a suitable protective spray and lubricate with silicon grease clutches and wildcat.
• Grey water tank
  Pour sterilizing products into the washbasin drains, showers sterilizing products. Empty the tank and clean verifying the floating efficiency.
  
• Black water tank
  Pour a sanitary product containing Paraformaldehyde (for instance T5 available in camping equipment shops) into the WCs and rinse the tank with this mix a couple of times. Drain the tank completely.
• Tender engine
  Wash with the fresh water contained in the cooling system of the engine. Carry out the maintenance as recommended by the supplier.
• Air conditioning
  Before winter:
  
  • Let water flow in the sea water system.
  After winter:
  • Check the anti-freeze mixture in the fresh water circuit: top-up or replace it if necessary (perform replacement at least every two seasons);
  • Carry out the maintenance operations suggested by the Manufacturer.
• Jet-ski
  Wash with fresh water contained in the cooling system.
  Carry out the maintenance suggested by the supplier.
• Bow/Stern thrusters
  Protect the electrical components with proper spray and check the oil level.
• Electro-hydraulic control units
  Protect with the proper sprays and check the oil level.
• Hydraulic steering system
  Check the operation and top up oil if required.
• Refrigerators
  Cleaning and protection for those located on the sun deck should the yacht remain in the open.
• Fire extinguishers
  Check the loading condition and expiry date for regular inspections.
• Safety equipment
  Check the expiry dates of the self-inflatable means, flares etc..
• Water tanks
  Wash with disinfectant, drain the fresh water circuit, especially if frost is forecasted.
• Fuel tank
  Carry out cleaning by means of a decanter especially if there are traces of water into the fuel.
  
• Engine room
  As for the engine room, we suggest carrying out a general cleaning, by removing all traces of salt drifts on devices and protect all electric, mechanic and hydraulic devices, by spraying them with protective agents.
  
• Check all deck, upper deck and sun deck lights.
• Clean all cabins and inspect all dunnages on-board.
• Check all hatches seals and lubricate their contact with appropriate silicone lubricant.
• Clean fan coils with an air jet, sucking the dust from the back net.
• Inspect the outer hull and all components: propellers, anodes, shaft lines, supports, rudders, interceptors, fan coils, sea cocks, bow/stern thrusters.
• Carry out laying up of the yacht in a sheltered and dry place. If the yacht is stationed outside, cover it with a waterproof sheet, in such a way that allows ventilation. Otherwise the formation of damaging moisture could be helped.
• Wash the yacht with fresh water.
• Check all systems and fastenings on the yacht: damages, wear, cracks are signs of unsuitable use. Repair the damaged equipment. If necessary, fit new ones.
• Repair damaged equipment. If necessary, fit new ones;

DANGER

During charging, the batteries produce explosive gas. Do not approach the recharging area with free flames or sparks.
Avoid wrong connections; never connect a positive terminal (+) with a negative one (-).
During battery recharge, remove the caps of the relevant elements.