The thrill and excitement of acquiring your first yacht is undescribable! Especially if it has always been a dream you were longing to fulfil someday. Now that this day has come, remember that as all vehicles, a new boat also comes with responsibilities pertaining to safety and maintenance. Becoming an experienced yachtsman takes time and effort, so do not rush, and make sure you follow these five beginner tips to start your journey the right way!
Boat storage
First things first: have you decided where you are going to store your new yacht? This is something you need to plan ahead! For those of you that have storage space at home, it’s a great solution, as it provides easy access for regular maintenance, protection from the sun damage and weather conditions and of course security. You will however need to be equipped with a proper registered trailer in order to be able to transfer your yacht to the sea. When you store your boat outdoors, either that’s at your home or at an outdoor storing facility, make sure you always place a good cover over your vessel to protect it. If you choose to store it at a local marina for convenience so that you won’t have to use a trailer every time, ensure that the marina is in a safe location where the water doesn’t freeze in the winter, cover it as frequently as possible when not in use and avoid leaving any valuables on board!
Check the weather forecast
When you become a captain, the weather becomes your most precious consultant! Never leave your house before having checked the forecast. Weather can be very unpredictable, and you do not want to experience that while sailing in the sea. Make sure you consult credible weather sources and avoid getting into the water when the forecast shows strong winds. The national meteorological service issues weather warnings when the sea is unsuitable for sailing, so make it a rule to always have a look on their website before boarding your yacht.
Safety on board
Safety is a classic rule for all kinds of transportation, let alone for your yacht, a means that may take you to places you weren’t planning to visit. Irrespective of the size of your yacht, you always need to have on board:
- Comfortable life jackets that fit the passengers. Keep in mind that children need special child vests, and do not hesitate to invest in good brands that will last instead of cheaper options that will wear out quickly and may endanger your safety.
- Have enough food and water on board, even if you are planning a short trip. An unexpected maintenance or weather problem might require you to stay on the boat longer than expected, so always be prepared!
- An absolute must-have is none other than the first aid kit. It’s obviously something that you need to have properly equipped with bandaids, disinfectants, nausea pills and painkillers just in case someone on board needs them. Do not neglect to replenish it when its contents run out or expire.
Practice
No one becomes a pro without practicing first and in the case of yachts, taking a long trip to tour around your favorite islands can prove to be very irresponsible if you are not experienced enough! Start taking short day- trips and learn the sailing well before planning a long trip with a stayover. Get a friend who is more experienced than you to accompany you on some of your trips and if you have not already done so, enroll in boating courses to get a license along with much valuable knowledge on how to correctly drive and care for your yacht.
Maintenance
It comes without surprise that boat maintenance is key to preserving your yacht’s appearance and operation as intact as possible! Never forget to rinse the sea water off your boat after using it. Saltwater can damage the surface of your yacht if it remains on its surface, so don’t neglect this simple process. Along with washing your vessel regularly, you should also take the time to wax it to protect it against sun damage. Furthermore, each vessel comes with its manufacturer’s manual, so read through it to follow the maintenance instructions suggested by the manufacturer. This step is important to ensure that your warranty will be valid in case a technical problem comes up. Last but not least, secure your boat against moisture as much as possible by drying off the interior surfaces to prevent mold formulation and get a good tight cover to protect it from the rain, especially during the winter months that you may not use it as often.
Hopefully after reading those tips, you are already feeling better prepared on what your first steps will be once you buy your yacht. Finding the right yacht in the first place is something that requires our expert knowledge, so make sure you contact us at Buyboat to assist you with making the best yacht choice and help you fulfil your yachting dream!
