Boat ownership is not just about enjoying the sea. Your boat may suddenly react like a sick child while running smoothly. Therefore, you should get to know your boat, understand it, and take the necessary measures for her health in a timely manner.
We spoke with Göksu Koçak, who has been working as an electrician on boats for over 30 years, about ways to protect boats from damage. Based on his experiences, we have listed five key points:
- Don't spare any expense.
- Create your emergency action plan.
- Keep your detectors and fire extinguishers up-to-date.
- Never smoke while refueling.
- Avoid positioning your boots on the foredeck.
These five points are something we should always keep in mind. In addition to these, there are also specific notes from Göksu Koçak. Let's share them without skipping.
Battery Safety: You can never know with a battery. Like a heart, it can suddenly stop and fail. For that reason, like the heart, it must be listened to every year. The fact that it was newly purchased does not change this rule. You can listen by touching your hand to the sides of the batteries. You can check if it is heated or not. If acid comes into contact with your body during the inspection, you should immediately rinse that area with fresh water.
You can determine whether the battery is weakening by checking the boat's electricity consumption, and you can also use a measuring device to obtain information about its condition. You should avoid lithium batteries because they are harmful. All electrical connections must be connected to the fuse box simultaneously.
Condition of Valves and Hoses: A good valve lasts five years. However, problems can always arise. Therefore, valves that could even cause the boat to sink must undergo routine inspections every year. Underwater valves must have two clamps.
The hoses of the cooker cylinders must be replaced within seven years. Gasoline main filling hoses must always be clamped at the filler neck. All hose connections should be inspected regularly.
The Importance of Ventilation: If the ventilation of the gasoline is not properly performed and the ventilation is forced into the bilge, the boat faces the risk of explosion. Therefore, ventilation must be directed outside the boat. It is also important not to leave spare gasoline cans exposed to heat for long periods of time and to open the lid occasionally to release the air inside.
The true enjoyment of a boat comes when professional and periodic maintenance is performed regularly. Because when your mind is at ease, you can make the most ambitious sailing plans.
Photograph: Unsplash - Markus Spiske
Görkem Baygın, Setur Marinas Ayvalık Front Office Representative