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Atlantic Yacht Basin has 85 years experience!

Tag Archives: yacht repair

Tips from Atlantic Yacht Basin

Atlantic Yacht Basin, Blog

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Spring marks the beginning of boat season for many.  So whether you are getting your boat out of storage or making plans for the warmer weather ahead, here are some key things to remember.

1. Build out your “boat list” in advance — Keep a running list of things that you need to do on your boat and schedule that maintenance and those repairs or upgrades proactively. Some fixes and upgrades are seasonal, some are cyclical and some are occasional. But having a plan for how you want to tackle the work that needs to be done to keep your boat in good shape will help you keep its value and maximize your pleasure in getting out on the water — and often with fewer costly surprises as well.

2. Do a thorough engine and systems check and a test run before you take your boat out for its first big trips of the season – So many boaters end up with having major repairs or getting stranded unexpectedly if they don’t check things out before they’re hitting the water for long periods of time. Staying on top of what is happening with your boat – on-season and off — is key.

Keep this checklist in mind for your spring maintenance.

  • Change the oil.
  • Replace fuel filter and water separator and inspect coolant levels.
  • Check batteries and confirm that connections are secure.
  • Check all zincs on hull and running gear
  • Inspect all hoses and hose clamps.
  • Check shaft log and rudder packing for leaks.
  • Clean and polish exterior.
  • Inventory and inspect safety equipment – check dates on flares and fire extinguishers.
  • Check operation of bilge pumps.
  • Check electrical connections for corrosion  – including shore power cord.
  • Check communications and navigational equipment and lights.

3. Have a back up plan for your onboard communications equipment – So many people are such steady smartphone and computer users that they forget the importance of including a back up plan for their onboard communications equipment.  Or they try and rely too heavily on spotty cell reception and uneven Wi-Fi access while out on open water. Don’t get caught in a dangerous situation – for you or your boat – with communications or navigational equipment that is in sub-par condition.  Letting people know what you are up to from time to time while you are underway is also key.  Staying prepared and in contact helps ensure that you can get help if and when you need it most.

How To Make Sure Your Personal Flotation Device Fits Properly

Atlantic Yacht Basin, Blog

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http://www.boatsmartcanada.com/images/personal-safety-equipment.jpg

Did you know…

 

  • That half of all recreational boating fatalities happen in calm water?*
  • That these fatalities often happen close to shore?*
  • That in most cases, there were PFDs stored on board the boat, but they weren’t being utilized?*
  • That the number of U.S. boating accidents had steadily fallen from 1997 to 2012, but they have been on the rise since then?**

This is why The U.S. Coast Guard’ Boating Safety Division recommends that all boaters wear PFDs (personal flotation devices) while they are out on the water. Simply having them on the boat isn’t always enough to save a life.

Just wearing a PFD isn’t enough, though. It’s very important to select the right type of PFD, and to make sure that it fits properly. A PFD that doesn’t may slip off, be incapable of keeping the wearer afloat, cause an unconscious person to flip over, or in some cases, cause loss of blood flow or strangulation.

So how do you make sure your life jacket fits? Follow these guidelines, courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard:

PFD Fitting Guidelines
Whether swimming, fishing, participating in water sports, or just having a family cruise, we want everyone to have a great time out on the water. As always, happy and safe boating from Atlantic Yacht Basin!

Sources:

*https://www.uscgboating.org/images/howtochoosetherightlifejacket_brochure.pdf

**https://americanboating.org/boating_fatality.asp

Atlantic Yacht Basin Summer Storage Specials

Atlantic Yacht Basin, Blog

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Summer Storage 2018

Our storage referral program has been so popular, we’ve decided to bring it back yet again

If you refer someone who becomes a new storage customer for at least 3 months – both you and your friend will get an additional month of storage absolutely free!
You must refer a new storage customer to qualify and they should mention your name when they contact AYB to sign up.

Offer applies to summer storage only and storage must begin on or before August 1, 2018 to qualify.

We’re also a great stopover point for cruisers as well as those heading up and down the East Coast on their annual migrations and we are convenient to a number of airports and major highways as well as the ICW. And for local boat owners, the peace of mind that comes with storing and servicing your boat with AYB means that you can enjoy your boat up until the last minute, knowing that it will be in great hands whenever YOUR boating season ends.


Get More Info About Our Summer Storage Referral Program

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    Repairing and Maintaining Your Boat or Yacht

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    Almost each and every man-made object will fail at some point. The degree of said failures can determine when it is time to repair something or move on. Electronics, appliances, cars, and boats all require maintenance, and without needed maintenance, your boat may not last as long. Repairs can be tricky to navigate- expenses, trustworthiness of the repairers, and time can all be factors that affect repairs. The following are some general tips that may be able to help you through the maintenance and repair process.

    Maintaining Your Boat and Yacht

    –Wash your boat regularly, especially if you boat in saltwater. Saltwater can have damaging effects on your boat’s hardware (particularly the metals your boat is comprised of). Cleaning your boat is fairly easy and requires marine boatwash (or car wash or laundry soap) plus time to brush and rinse your boat.

    –Be sure to regularly monitor your fluids. Fluid analysis helps to check the life of your boat’s mechanical systems and how they endure the elements: heat, friction, stress, pollutants, and the like.

    –Follow a schedule. Keeping tabs on all of the small components helps in the long run for the lifespan of your boat. Avoid those unusual noises or engine failures by following a set checklist that includes practices such as regularly adding oil, conducting a fluid analysis, watching the gauges, checking the propeller, etc.

    Repairing Your Boat and Yacht

    –Consider your budget. Get a written estimate and make sure the repairer you go to gets your authorization on each repair that must be made. Boats are expensive, but you can keep your purse strings tight and still fix your boat. Written estimates help you to approximate costs, while ensuring authorization can prevent the shop from drowning your budget should unexpected problems arise.

    –Don’t be hasty, stay in communication, and follow a plan. Create a work order and completion date to keep things on track. Make sure that the shop keeps in contact with you throughout the repair process. Repairs take time and money. If you are unhappy with your repairs, talk to the shop and see if they can make it right. Don’t be quick to judge. Should they decline to help out, head to another shop and see what can be done.

    –Get help with big problems, but know when it is time to walk away. Complex repairs should be assessed. Work with a marine surveyor before settling on such a big decision. If the marine repairer you are contemplating giving your business too seems uninterested in helping you out or fails to meet your basic requirements (you can’t have everything your way), it may be time to walk away and find another shop.

    No one wants to break down when they are having fun and enjoying their time on the water.  Don’t be discouraged with repairing and maintaining your boat. It takes time and money, but in the long run will help your boat run smoother and last longer.

    Focus On Atlantic Yacht Basin

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    Historic AYB

    Atlantic Yacht Basin, Inc. has been around for awhile. We offer a variety of services, enjoy working with our customers- new and returning, and are conveniently located on the AICW. As a trusted boat and yacht repair, refit, and storage facility, we invite you to learn even more of our history in our About Us section and in the following piece by The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net.

    Focus On Atlantic Yacht Basin, Great Bridge, VA, AICW Statute Mile 12