Can't talk boat without talking maintenance. The complexity and the number of devices on board require a good do-it-yourself knowledge to ensure the maintenance. Mechanics, electricity, plumbing, composite materials... many are the skills to master. In order not to get lost in all the work, we might as well systematically note what has been done and what needs to be done. We indicate you below in a small table, the broad lines of the work to be carried out.
This list is not exhaustive and will require a readjustment according to your boat. You can add maintenance work on the generator or on a watermaker. In the same way, the intervals of intervention are given here only as an indication. Adjust them according to the manufacturers' specifications.
Finally, we have hidden here the maintenance of safety devices such as flares or fire extinguishers. These have an expiry date. It should be checked and replaced if necessary
ENGINE
| Frequency | Last check | Next audit | |
| Routine maintenance | |||
| Diesel fuel level (maintain fuel level) | depending on use | ||
| Antibacterial treatment of diesel oil | every full tank | ||
| Coolant level | at each start | ||
| Engine oil level | at each start | ||
| Battery charging | at each start | ||
| Exhaust gas control | at each start | ||
| Checking on | |||
| Alternator load (instrument panel light) | in operation | ||
| Oil pressure (sight glass on instrument panel) | in operation | ||
| Cooling water circulation | at each start | ||
| Colour of exhaust fumes | at each start | ||
| Annual maintenance | |||
| Replacing the coolant | annual | ||
| Cleaning the fuel filter | annual | ||
| Cleaning the water filter and strainer | annual | ||
| Changing the engine oil | annual or 100 h | ||
| Replacing the oil filter | annual or 100 h | ||
| Shuttle oil level | 6 months | ||
| Emptying the shuttle | 300 h | ||
| Replacing the diesel filter | annual or 100 h | ||
| Cleaning and emptying the fuel filter decanter | annual or 100 h | ||
| Cleaning the fuel tank | 3 years | ||
| Cleaning the thermostat | annual | ||
| Adjusting the belt tension | annual | ||
| Belt replacement | 3 years | ||
| Checking the electrical wiring | annual | ||
| Replacement of anticorrosion anodes | annual | ||
| Replacing the water pump turbine | 3 years | ||
| Tightening the motor mounting bolts | annual | ||
| Checking the Silentblocks | annual | ||
| Valve lash adjustment | 500 h |
ELECTRICITY
| Frequency | Last check | Next audit | |
| Checking the battery charge | at each engine start | ||
| Protection of electrical contacts (aerosol) | 6 months | ||
| Replacing the engine battery | |||
| Replacing the battery servitude |
ELECTRONICS
| Frequency | Last check | Next audit | |
| Verification of the fixing of the aerials (VHF antenna, weather vane, radar...) | annual | ||
| Removal and protection of contacts (sockets) | annual | ||
| Cleaning the propeller of the loch-speedo | annual |
FRESH WATER CIRCUIT
| Frequency | Last check | Next audit | |
| Grease drain valves | annual | ||
| Tightening of all clamps | annual | ||
| Cleaning the pump filters | annual | ||
| Antibacterial treatment in tanks | every full tank | ||
| Purification and lubrication of WC pumps | annual |
HULL
| Frequency | Last check | Next audit | |
| Checking of candlesticks, balconies and chains | annual | ||
| Fairing | annual | ||
| Antifouling | annual | ||
| Replacement of anodes | annual | ||
| Changing valves and through-hull fittings | 5 years | ||
| Varnish repair | annual | ||
| Teak maintenance | annual | ||
| Polish on dead works | annual |
HARDWARE AND RIGGING (FOR SAILBOATS)
| Frequency | Last check | Next audit | |
| Disassembly and lubrication of the winches | annual | ||
| Checking the turnbuckle pins | annual | ||
| Visual check of guying | annual | ||
| Checking the running rigging | annual | ||
| Checking the sails | annual |
To our friends readers and boaters :
You may have other ideas or other items that you include on your own maintenance lists. Let us take advantage of them by indicating them in the comments below.
