Khalil AbuJaber, Marina Manager of Almouj Marina, shares his top tips on boat maintenance during the summer months
Whilst the summer drives Oman’s residents into the sanctuary of air conditioning, it can also be hard on the boats left exposed to the region’s hotter months. Without the right maintenance, summer can leave its mark on the region’s boats long after the sun has lost its heat.
Many boat owners lament the effects of summer on their craft but are unaware of the simple steps that can be taken to negate seasonal wear on their boat when it is left in the marina during periods of low use.
Mourjan Marinas-managed Almouj Marina works in partnership with boat maintenance experts UES Marine to ensure the premier marina’s fleet of luxury yachts are well looked after.
Khalil AbuJaber, Marina Manager of Almouj Marina, comments: “A boat, much like a person, shouldn’t be left exposed to the harsh sun without the right protection. Preparing your boat for summer is essential to ensure a smooth and happy re-launch into the active boating season. Working in tandem with UES Marine, we’re sharing with boat owners our simple steps to screen your boat from the effects of the summer sun.”
Khalil and UES Marine’s top 10 tips on summer boat maintenance are:
1. Ensure fuel tanks are full and fuel shut-off valves are securely shut. During humid months, condensation occurs in tanks, leaving water in the fuel. The larger the area available for condensation to occur, the more water will accumulate into the fuel system.
2. Cover up – don’t underestimate the power of UV! UV is a strong radiation which increases the deterioration of a boat. Cover up as much as is practical, and remove and store equipment where possible.
3. Wash down regularly to keep the salt from getting into the main components. Specific biodegradable boat wash, along with salt-reducing wash will add a light protection to the surface.
4. Professional polishing and detailing adds a protective coat that helps slow down summer’s attack of the surfaces.
5. Have the batteries and auto bilge system checked before leaving a boat for the summer. Moored boats depend on the auto bilge pump working and batteries can break down in the heat.
6. Check all hoses and connections. In the heat, hoses can burst, water expands, oil thins and systems have to deal with added pressure.
7. Ensure all seacocks are closed.
8. Check shore power and battery charging systems are in good order, without any faults. Failure of the charging system can lead to explosions and fires.
9. Switch off battery switches, C/B and distribution boards.
10. And importantly, inform your marina staff if you will be leaving your boat for extended periods.
