A sailboat should be maintained on a regular basis for it to last its intended lifetime. A written log will keep tasks on schedule. Certain things on a sailboat should be maintained once every three months and others don’t have to be taken care of but once a year. Read your boat manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. If you have everything written down on a log sheet, then nothing will be forgotten and you can also look back to see just which date a certain task was performed.
One of the main tasks that needs to be done each time a sailboat is used, is washing the exterior. If the boat is used in saltwater this task is even more important. Salt water can destroy a boat very quickly. Even if a boat is just sitting by the salty water, the salt spray can do damage. So wash your sailboat at least once a week. The paint or gelcoat needs to be washed with a marine type soap. Otherwise the expensive paint job will not last very long. Use the proper cleaning supplies when washing any part of your boat. Always wash your boat from highest to lowest point or toward the area where it drains.
For either salt water or fresh water sailing, a boat's hardware will need to be protected from rust and corrosion. Even stainless steel hardware will need a coat of wax about every other month. Aluminum hardware can be waxed for protection also. Use the proper supplies for waxing and follow all the instructions given. If the wrong product is used, etching can occur on all the shiny hardware. If you have wooden decks, they must be cleaned and oiled. Use the p roper marine supplies for this job also. After washing the wooden deck, be sure it is completely dry before oiling. Follow the directions on the product you are using.
All parts of a boat need to be kept as clean and as dry as possible. You will want to keep morning dew wiped off every day. A chamois cloth is the best thing to dry all boat parts, as it will not scratch. Windows need to be cleaned with a product that will make the rain or water bead up and run off. There are many different products out on the market, so be sure and use one that is safe for your boat. All glass cleaners are not necessarily safe for all boat glass. Read your labels.
Protect the interior of your boat at all times. When sailing, be sure and keep the door shut, as this will keep salt spray from getting in. Clean any electronic parts with a damp cloth. Do not spray cleaner directly onto electrical parts. Maintain the cleaning of the boat interior just as you would your home. Be sure everything is in working order. All items should be put away out of sight. Use containers for soap etc. You don’t want a lot of loose items banging around as you sail.
Toilets on sailboats should be disinfected every three months at least. Use the proper odor eliminating products inside the toilets holding tank. Be sure the toilet is flushed and cleaned after each trip. Replace soap or any partly used toiletries after each trip.
Cleaning is a necessity in properly maintaining a boat. The other primary task of having a sailboat is maintaining the sail, the engine and all working systems, such as the air system, the steering system etc. The sail needs to be inspected before every trip. The engine should be inspected on a regular basis and especially after each trip. Filters, fluid levels etc. should be checked each time, before going out to sail. Read your boat maintenance manual for upkeep on the engine. If you can’t do it yourself then you should have a professional look it all over. Inspection will detect any leaks or any other kinds of problems or potential problems. The generator, the electrical system, the A/C system, the control system, bilge system, fresh water system and gear box will need to be checked as per manufacturer's instructions. Do not delay in taking care of anything that needs to be done. Maintaining a sailboat properly means a safe trip for you and your guests. Check your sail, your engine and keep your boat clean.
