Owners of smaller yachts and boats that do not have their own captain should pay special attention to any change in the behavior and functioning of engines and systems. This data will be particularly useful to your marine mechanic. It can help them not only diagnose a breakdown and plan yacht repairs, but also prevent a larger problem through preventive measures.

The captain is always on duty!

Owning a yacht in itself provides a feeling of immeasurable freedom. However, having a boat also means responsibility – to the vessel, to your own health and life, as well as to the health and life of everyone on board.

Every yacht owner gets used to the conditions on board just as a driver gets used to their car. Whether you bought your boat brand new "off the shelf" or your vessel is pre-owned, after a few trips you should already know its peculiarities.

And that means one thing – that you can probably now tell when something is not right. It is necessary to always be on the alert for small changes and to document them carefully.

Think of this task as preparation for a doctor's appointment. Before a physician, you would outline the general symptoms of your ailment. Before a mechanic, you must describe in detail the conditions and changes you observe in the functioning of the overall macrosystem that is your yacht.

ship's log with notes for the responsible marine mechanic

What you should share with your marine mechanic

  • Changes in engine performance - Think of the engines as the heart of your yacht. They should "beat" evenly and calmly. Any change in their functioning that is not incidental and explainable by your activity can be a sign of a problem. This could be a change in sound, RPM, or vibration. Careful diagnostics of the engines by a trained team who can recognize the causes of the unexpected symptoms are necessary. Note not only the tangible changes but also the conditions under which they are observed.
  • Unexpected changes in fuel consumption – Just like your car, a vessel has limits on fuel consumption. These depend on various factors related to weather conditions, maneuvering activities, and additional equipment. After some time sailing, you will be able to notice an unnatural change in consumption that cannot be explained by an emergency situation on board.
  • Handling issues – Nowadays, much of the art of sailing is aided by additional systems and navigational instruments. This significantly facilitates the captain of the vessel and makes this role more accessible to yacht owners. With the exception of emergency situations related to heavy swells or currents in unknown waters, maneuvering should be a mastered process. However, if you suddenly find it difficult to maintain your position or steer the boat in the desired direction, this must be documented and passed on to the mechanic. The causes can be diverse, so don't forget to note the conditions in which the changes are most pronounced.
  • Electrical system problems – If you unexpectedly lose power at home, you would probably seek assistance from an electrician. The fact that you are at sea and rely on a generator or solar system does not mean that it is normal to unexpectedly lose power. Any flickering of lights or malfunction of electrical equipment can be a sign of a breakdown. Even if it does not directly affect your safety, it is good to take care of the problem. This way, you can save yourself more serious repairs in the future.

Experience is gained over the years!

Any other detail related to a minor malfunction or unexpected reaction from the vessel can also be useful. Some incidental changes may be completely innocent and easily explained. Others, however, can help prevent a breakdown. More experienced yachtsmen often learn to recognize worrying signs. Furthermore, they always rely on an experienced marine mechanic to consult with!