Expert tips for proper cleaning, care and minor beauty repairs
The countdown is on and many of us are already counting down the days until it's finally time to get back on the water! Just before the season starts, however, many still have to get their boats and equipment ready. We’ve put together some helpful expert tips with DOCTOR BOAT.
Who is DOCTOR BOAT?
DOCTOR BOAT is the brainchild of master ship and boat builder Andreas Woyda, who is also head of application technologies at Vosschemie. For many years he has been producing practical application videos for the company’s Yachtcare brand to inform boat owners on the proper care and maintenance of their boats.
You can find even more expert tips from DOCTOR BOAT on the YouTube channel of Yachtcare.de!
When we talk about hull care below the water line, many people immediately think of the dark beard that grew on the hull during the last season.
DOCTOR BOAT's tips for removal and reconditioning:
“Due to biocide regulations, anti-fouling treatments are limited in their effectiveness and must be reapplied,” says the expert. “Before doing so, the surface should be checked for damage and lightly sanded if necessary.” Then the hull can be coated with the right anti-fouling product. Here, too, there are various possibilities, although self-polishing anti-fouling treatments are suitable for most boats. The professional’s tip: “Choose a different colour for the first coat on the primer than for subsequent coatings. As soon as it becomes visible, you know it’s high time for a new application.” For power yachts, trailer boats and vessels that are not regularly moved, a hard or thin-layer bottom paint is suitable.
Hull & deck
In addition to the hull, it’s also essential to maintain the condition of the deck. All surfaces must be inspected, cleaned and treated before the start of the season.
DOCTOR BOAT's tips for cleaning & maintenance:
All boats should be thoroughly polished at least once a year. Decks with a gelcoat can be treated in the same way as the hull. Areas with an anti-slip coating can be cleaned with a soft brush and a suitable deck cleaner. With teak, the big question arises right at the beginning: Do you let a silvery patina form or do you treat the wood with oil? This should be done regularly, because a teak deck needs good and regular care.
Fit for the season on boot.de
Even more tips and tricks for a detailed checklist before the start of the season can be found on our website.
Winches must withstand a lot of punishment and should be serviced from time to time, depending on the stress and the sailing arena.
DOCTOR BOAT's tip for maintenance:
What rests, rusts? This does not necessarily apply here. It is advisable to check the winches once a year and, if necessary, relubricate them with special winch grease. For the other fittings, a functional check will suffice. Stand and running rigging should be checked regularly throughout the season in any case.
Sails and rigging
Sail need a lot of attention and should be checked carefully, especially after storage.
DOCTOR BOAT's tip for a sail check:
It’s best to examine sails before they come on board. That's why it's called: On your knees! Spread the sail out on a clean surface or a tarpaulin and check all the seams carefully. If seams, trim lines or fittings come loose or the cloth becomes threadbare, you should talk to a sailmaker about repair or replacement.
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