Getting your boat ready for winter

02.12.2019

It is commonly accepted, that charter employees, at the end of the season, lock their office and go on a vacation. Unfortunately, it is not everything as it seems.

At the end of each charter season, it is necessary to make an analysis of the past sailing season, sum up all revenues and expenses, and prepare reports for the boat owner. Also, suggestions should be made to improve the upcoming season. The charter activity in Croatia is specific because immediately after the conclusion of one charter season, we open bookings for the upcoming season, which means that in agreement with the owners, we should immediately determine the prices of the boat per week, the weeks available for the charter and all the details required to continue your cooperation.

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Besides the financial part of the business, our team prepares all boats for the winter. As part of our charter management program, we make things easier for the owners because they don't have to take care about the boat's maintenance. Nevertheless, anyone interested in knowing how we do it, should continue reading this blog.

The standard charter management program includes two major boat services and summer maintenance. Owner of the boat will be directly involved and transparently informed about all the work that will be carried out on your boat, but at the same time will not have to worry about all the work and craftsmen. At the end of the charter season, it is necessary to clean the boat well from the salt, make major repairs if there are any and prepare it properly for the winter.

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What does it mean to prepare the boat properly for the winter?

The Mediterranean climate is mild and warm, but winters can be rough, especially for the vessels that stay in the sea during the winter. In order to take the best possible care about your boat, good preparation should be done. First of all, it is necessary to wash the sails well. Sails are one of the most expensive, but also the most vulnerable parts of a boat, so our team pays special attention and time to them. Most manufacturers emphasize that the sails should be changed every 5 years, but in order to maximize their shelf life, they need to be maintained regularly. Although the newer sailboats are made of moisture and salt resistant material, our team thoroughly washes all the sails every year at the end of the season and refolds them, thus saving them for winter weather conditions.

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While the boat is still at sea, a general cleaning of the interior of the ship is carried out with professional appliances and supplies. Likewise, Bimini and Sprayhood is taken off the boat, washed and put into storage to keep them dry during the winter.

Winter maintenance also involves cleaning the entire hull of the ship, so a boat must be removed from the sea on a dry berth. Every year the hull of the ship is thoroughly cleaned and polished and a new anti-fouling is applied. While the boat is out of the sea, all systems and tanks, valves and drains are inspected. Professional electricians come and inspect the electrical system on each ship and eliminate any malfunctions or defects. Mechanical systems such as the ship's steering system and the controls themselves are also checked by qualified personnel. All systems are oiled, and valves checked. Water tanks and plumbing are disinfected.

Even though sails are mostly used on sailing yachts, its engines should not be neglected. Depending on the model of the boat engine, it is correctly to change the oil after each 100 hours of operation, and our team of experienced mechanics take care of it. By regularly controlling the engine system, your boat will retain its original quality for as long as possible. During winter service, our mechanics specialized in yacht maintenance will inspect all engines, replace the oil, and inspect the parts that are required for the engine to run properly.

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In addition to all of the above, it is important to mention the propeller check. It is done very often during the year. We always advise our charter guests to check the propellers after switching off the boat so that no discarded fishing net gets wrapped around it. Also, our team inspects throughout the year if there is damage or visible dents on the propeller. During the winter service, the propellers are removed, thoroughly inspected and painted. It is normal that the paint gets off due the boat's usage, but there should be no other damage.

Your charter management contract contains the main items for service and possible repairs, as well as the regular maintenance and cleaning of your boat. During the conclusion of the contract, we make a detailed plan of our cooperation and introduce you to your opportunities and possible challenges.

If you are still not, become a proud boat owner, enjoy your vacation when it is best for you, and leave the rest of your time to us. Our team will make sure that your boat is well promoted, that your bucket lists are filled and that you do not have to worry about maintenance and service. You will also receive regular information about your boat through our reports that will be transparently displayed.

For more information about the charter management program, please contact us via the form below.

 

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