Yacht Delivery Preparation: Essential Checks After a Long Period Idle

Has Your Yacht Been Sitting Idle? What to Check Before a Delivery

At Oceantrax, we regularly undertake the delivery of yachts that have been unused for an extended period. There can be many reasons for this, from a change in an owner’s circumstances to unexpected ill health or simply a lack of time to spend aboard.

Yachts requiring recommissioning can sometimes offer attractive buying opportunities. However, any saving on the purchase price should be weighed against the work needed to bring the vessel back into service. While a yacht sits idle, metal components can corrode, moving parts can seize, and rubber and plastic components can deteriorate.

How she was prepared for that period can make a considerable difference. A vessel that has been carefully laid up and maintained may be relatively straightforward to recommission. Others may require more attention before they are ready to go to sea.

Before the delivery crew arrives, allow sufficient time to inspect the yacht’s essential systems and address any issues. Preparing in advance can help reduce delays during the delivery and avoid additional costs.

These are some of the key areas we recommend checking.

The following is by no means extensive and depends on the systems fitted but we have tried to cover most of the essential items required for a basic short yacht delivery.

Engine and fuel system

Start with the basics: the seawater pump impeller, drive belts, engine oil and filters.

An impeller left stationary for a prolonged period can deteriorate or take a permanent set, reducing its effectiveness. If its age or condition is uncertain, replacing it before departure is a sensible precaution and a relatively inexpensive maintenance task.

Review the engine’s servicing history and the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. Where servicing is overdue, or the history is unclear, we recommend changing the engine oil and filter before the delivery.

Inspect drive belts for cracking, fraying and signs of deterioration, and check that their tension is correct. Hoses, connections and the cooling system should also be examined for leaks or damage.

Fuel condition deserves particular attention. Water contamination can encourage microbial growth, commonly known as “diesel bug”. This can block filters and interrupt the fuel supply, causing poor running or engine failure.

Where practical, inspect the tank and take a fuel sample to check for water, sediment or contamination. If a problem is found, it should be addressed before departure; adding a fuel treatment alone may not resolve an established contamination issue.

Replacing fuel filters is also a sensible precaution where their condition or servicing history is uncertain. Carrying suitable spare filters aboard is advisable.

Once these checks and any necessary maintenance are complete, test the engine and monitor its temperature, oil pressure and charging performance. Check for fuel, oil and cooling-water leaks, and investigate any alarms.

A controlled sea trial provides an opportunity to assess the engine under normal operating load before committing to the delivery passage.

Seacocks and through-hull fittings

Check that seacocks throughout the yacht operate correctly and show no signs of leakage or deterioration. This includes those in the engine compartment, galley and heads, as well as any elsewhere aboard.

Inspect associated hoses, hose clips and through-hull fittings. Any seized valve or suspect fitting should be assessed and repaired before departure.

Sails and rigging

Sails exposed to sunlight for extended periods can suffer UV damage, particularly to stitching, exposed fabric and protective covers. Inspect them carefully for deterioration, worn seams and signs of chafe.

Check that furling systems operate smoothly and that blocks turn freely. Running rigging should also be inspected along its length, paying particular attention to exposed sections and areas subject to wear.

Lines can become stiff through salt and dirt accumulation. Cleaning them in accordance with the rope manufacturer’s guidance may help, but any lines showing significant wear or UV damage should be replaced.

Standing rigging and its fittings also need attention. If their age or condition is uncertain, arrange an inspection by a qualified rigger before departure.

Electrical systems and batteries

Moisture and corrosion can affect electrical connections while a yacht is unused. Test essential equipment, including navigation instruments, radios, navigation lights and bilge pumps.

Check batteries for signs of damage, confirm that they charge correctly and assess whether they can hold a charge under load. Battery age is a useful consideration, but condition and performance are more important than the date alone.

Confirm that the engine’s charging system operates correctly and that any shore-power charging equipment is functioning as intended.

Check gearbox fluid while in the engine bay, this is often overlooked during service intervales but as engine oil degrades over time so does gearbox oil and if the vessel has been sitting for a long period we recommend changing.

Safety equipment

The safety equipment needed should be assessed against the yacht and the intended passage.

For an offshore short delivery, this assessment should include a suitable liferaft within its service interval, appropriate distress-signalling equipment, fire extinguishers and working VHF.

Any equipment with an expiry date or servicing requirement should be reviewed before departure.

Hull and propeller condition

A yacht left afloat and unused for an extended period can accumulate marine growth on her hull and propeller. This increases drag, reduces performance and can increase fuel consumption. Check folding/feathering propellers open and close properly, growth on the mechanism can cause them to fail.

Even a modest reduction in speed can have a substantial effect over a long passage. For example, a journey taking a loss of just 1 knot over a 14 day delivery can add over two days to complete the trip, assuming the same distance and otherwise comparable conditions.

That additional time can increase crew costs, provisions and fuel requirements. Inspecting the hull and propeller, and arranging cleaning where needed, is therefore an important part of preparing for a delivery.

Steering Gear

Ensure the steering gear functions correctly, runs smoothly and lubricate the mechanism as required. Also check for any corroded cables and terminals and play in the rudder stock. Remember the steering gear has to cope with quite heavy loads during bad weather.

Allow time for preparation

A yacht that has been sitting idle may need more than a quick check before she is ready for a passage. Allowing time for inspection, servicing and a sea trial helps identify problems while they can still be dealt with alongside.

Thorough preparation reduces the risk of avoidable stoppages and unexpected costs. Although weather and other factors can still affect the schedule, a well-prepared yacht gives the delivery the best possible start.

For a more in depth yacht delivery inspection list view and download our check list here

If your yacht has been unused for a while and you are planning to relocate her, contact Oceantrax to discuss your delivery and the preparation that may be needed before departure.