Tag: yacht

How to Prepare Your Yacht for a Sea Trip

The navigation season is in full swing, and for the upcoming cruise to be a pleasant journey and not a test, you need to carefully and in advance prepare for sailing. If you own a boat, then you should make sure it is stored correctly.

You should choose Miami Boat Locker for Boat Storage Miami. Preparing your yacht for sailing is essential for a smooth trip. The level of yacht training largely depends on the complexity and distance of the chosen route.

Whether it is a short sailing trip or a long voyage across the oceans, following and adhering to specific recommendations, you can avoid troubles on board and get the most out of the sea voyage from the time spent on the yacht. Here is how to prepare your yacht for a sea trip.

External Inspection of the Vessel and Equipment

Before launching a vessel into the water, the first thing to pay attention to is the integrity of the hull and rigging. If the yacht is sailing, make sure that the rigging is set correctly, the mast is level, and the sails are intact and perfectly tensioned. Otherwise, all deviations and malfunctions will affect the vessel’s maneuverability and speed, which will be very problematic to control.

Standing rigging should be firmly and securely fixed, anchor and mooring equipment securely fastened. Go down to the hold and inspect it for leaks. While you’re on hold, check your water tanks and pumps as well. Pay attention to the pumps for clogged hose filters. Make sure the pump is pumping.

Engine Inspection

You also need to carry out an engine inspection. After inspecting the engine itself, check the transmission oil level and the engine oil level. The drive belt should be tight, and there should be no worn or frayed areas. Check the hoses – they must be intact, and there must be no oil traces in the hold. All mechanical elements must be well lubricated, and pipes must be undamaged. The seacock must be open to cool the engine. Check the engine regularly, especially during long sea voyages. This way, you will not miss a leak and will promptly respond to any other damage to it.

Electronics and Navigation Inspection

To avoid unpleasant surprises, before the yacht leaves the shore, test the on-board electronics while still on the shore, one by one turning on all the devices on the board. Start the navigation system – a significant discrepancy between the magnetic and steering compasses may indicate that the autopilot is not calibrated. Check if the devices are working correctly: the echo sounder should show the depth, the anemometer – the direction and speed of the wind.

As darkness falls, take a walk on the deck and pay attention to the yacht’s lighting. Make sure all contacts are insulated and protected from water, and the batteries are securely fastened. Check for lights in the cabins and galley, see if the navigation and sidelights are on and if everyone on your team knows where the switches and switches are located.

Here is a list of the necessary equipment you should also have on board:

• Anchor with a rope
• Towing and mooring rope
• Sump pump
• Fire extinguisher
• Bucket with a ladle
• Set of tools
• First aid kit
• Life jackets
• Sound signaling device
• Parachute rocket disaster