While the tropics are every sailor’s dream, they also bring a set of unique challenges that can put your vessel’s well-being at risk. From the relentless tropical sun to the corrosive effects of saltwater, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of boat maintenance in these lower latitudes.
When sailing offshore, safety is paramount. Having a liferaft on board can make all the difference in case of an emergency: fire, water ingress, etc. But having a liferaft on board is not enough. It’s essential to ensure that it will be in perfect operating condition when you need it.
Let’s take a look at the essential steps you need to take to ensure that everything will work at its best in a critical situation at sea. Starting with protecting and storing your liferaft.
Are your sails losing their shape? Is your boat losing speed and heeling more? Do you want to keep your sails as long as possible and maintain their performance level? Do you want to avoid having to buy a new set of sails too soon?
Here are a few tips to help you care for your sails over time. Thanks to these guidelines, you’ll be able to keep your sails for a few more years.
A properly maintained trailer can last for decades. On the other hand, no trailer, no launch, no boat.
Indeed, for towable boats, it is most often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. But a few simple steps can make a big difference in terms of safety and durability.
Your sailboat is well prepared, ready for racing or cruising. You’re already looking forward to taking the helm, sails well trimmed, in a medium wind. Once you’ve weighed anchor or left the dock, when it’s time to hoist the sails, you look up at the masthead to come into the wind. Then, kaboom! The feeling immediately sinks in: your trip is going to be more complicated and less fun…
The wind indicator is gone, or bent: yet again, those pesky birds have played a nasty trick on you! How can you avoid this problem in the future? We may have a solution for your boat.
Salt is just about the worst enemy of your boat.
Do you want to keep your hardware for as long as possible, but it’s deteriorating because of salt? The first thing to do is rinse your fittings more regularly. But your equipment still needs a little more attention than that.
Just follow the guide!
