13.2 LONG PERIODS OF YACHT INACTIVITY

Following list only represents a general guide to give the customer an idea of the ordinary maintenances 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.
The following instructions NEVER REPLACE the specific instructions concerning each single device and issued by the device’s Manufacturer.

• 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.
• Generators
  Use the same procedure as for the engines.
• Inverters
  Carry out the sheduled maintenance for gear boxes.
• Batteries
  Check the liquid level and regularly charge the batteries, protect the terminals with Vaseline grease; the best solution 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 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 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 pro- jected 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 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 detergents (soda, solvents, ammonia, etc.) to wash the deck; their aggressive degreasing action corrodes the wood (it eliminates its natural water repellency and whitens its natural colour), while the caulking sealant modifies its physical-chemical qualities, softening the surface, damaging the waterproofing, sealing and anchoring of the deck.

• Sacrificial anodes
  Verify their wear and if necessary replace the hull anodes, drive system and interceptors.
• LOG Transducer
  Pull out propeller, clean it and apply the proper propeller plug.
• Windscreen wiper
  Wash with fresh water and lubricate them with Vaseline oil.
• Anchor winch
  Check oil level, protect the electrical components with a suitable protective spray and lubricate with silicon grease clutches and wildcat.
• Grey water tank
  Pour into the washbasin, showers and bidets drains sterilizing products. Empty the tank and clean verifying the floating efficiency.
• Black water tank
  Pour into the WCs a sanitary product containing Paraformaldehyde and rinse the tank with this mix for a couple of times. Drain the tank completely.
• 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.
    
• Tender engine
  Wash with the fresh water contained in the cooling system of the engine. Carry out the maintenance as recommended by the supplier.
• Bow and stern thruster
  Protect the electrical components with a proper spray and check the oil level.
• Electro-hydraulic control units
  Protect with the proper sprays and check the oil level.
• 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 tank
  Wash with disinfectant, drain the fresh water circuit, especially if frost is forecasted.
• Fuel tank
  Cleaning by means of a decanter especially if there are traces of water in 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.
• 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: propeller, anodes, supports, interceptors, fan coils, sea cocks, bow/stern thruster.
• 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.
• Check the efficiency of limber holes and that they are not clogged so as to cause the leaking of the bilge system.
• Check the fastening of the partial or total covering of the yacht.
• Disconnect all unnecessary utilities.

DANGER

During recharge the batteries produce explosive gas. Do not approach to recharging area with free flames or sparkles.
Avoid wrong connections; never connect a positive terminal (+) with a negative one (-).