Time for the haul-out?
Every motor yacht owner knows: good maintenance means fewer headaches. But beyond peace of mind, a well-cared-for vessel performs better and commands more at resale.
Annual haul-outs aren’t just about applying a new coat of antifoul. They’re an opportunity to give your boat a complete physical. Maritimo’s senior marine engineer and world champion offshore racer Ross Willaton — known in the trade as Rossco — says these periods ashore are the best time to tackle essential works that can’t be done in the water.
“One of the largest and most visible items is the renewal of underwater coatings. Maritimos are delivered with Sigma Ecofleet antifoul and Propspeed on the running gear,” he explains. “The silicone topcoat on Propspeed is shiny and slick — it’s there to stop marine growth and reduce drag. But switching brands can mean stripping back to the epoxy coating or even bare metal, so compatibility matters.”
And if the work’s done at an authorised service centre—the Motor Yacht Service Centre in New Zealand, it’s handled responsibly.
“Having the work carried out at a certified facility means waste is treated on site and doesn’t re-enter the environment,” Rossco says.
What to check during your annual service
While your boat’s hauled out, use the time wisely. Here’s what to tick off:
- Running gear: Check shafts, skegs, rudders, screws, bearings, glands and trim tabs for wear and corrosion.
- Coatings: Reapply Propspeed and antifoul — don’t mix incompatible systems without expert advice.
- Through-hulls: Inspect all fittings, scoops, strainers and anodes. Clean and replace as needed.
- Systems and hydraulics: Service engines, gensets, gyro stabilisers, davits and watermakers to the manufacturer’s schedule.
- Trim tabs: Check they’re working through their full range. Saltwater ingress into the rams is a common issue. Store in UP position when not in use.
- Hull and superstructure: Professional polishing helps protect gelcoat and keeps your boat looking sharp.
While cosmetic work can wait, ignoring mechanical or underwater issues can be a costly mistake. Problems caught early are easier to fix — and far less likely to ruin your next coastal adventure.
Stay ahead of corrosion and stray current
Excessive anode wear or underwater corrosion are red flags. If your props or rudders are losing paint, or your anodes vanish in months, stray current may be at fault. This can be dangerous, both to your boat and to others nearby.
Anything over 700 to 1000 millivolts on a silver chloride reference meter is a warning sign. And if your protective coatings are blistering or flaking, it’s time for a proper diagnostic.
Through routine inspections, you can avoid many of these issues before they become major problems. Ball valves and seacocks should be opened and closed regularly. Sea strainers need to be accessible and clean — a blocked strainer can overheat your engine fast.
Preventative care between haul-outs
Don’t leave it all until the annual service. Regular minor maintenance makes major jobs easier and cheaper.
Keep your yacht shipshape with these habits:
- Wash the exterior regularly, especially after saltwater use
- Dive the hull between haul-outs to remove weed and growth
- Clean vents and fans for engine and cooling intakes
- Flush the watermaker with fresh water
- Keep bilges clean and dry
- Check all glands, seals, clamps and fuel lines for leaks or wear
Also keep an eye on performance. If you notice sluggish acceleration, increased fuel burn, or rough handling, investigate immediately. The culprit might be as simple as fouling or weight distribution — or something more serious like contaminated fuel.
Use your manuals — and your service team
Every Maritimo is delivered with detailed Owner’s Manuals for all engineering, electrical and electronic systems. These documents are gold. Use them as your first port of call when issues arise — and share them with your marine technicians to streamline repairs.
Many New Zealand owners schedule a service stop on their way up north, Great Barrier Island, or the Coromandel. It’s about more than logistics — it’s about confidence.
Peace of mind is priceless when you’re offshore, Maritimo point out. You want to know your systems are up to date and ready for anything.
Ready when you are
Periodic servicing isn’t a chore — it’s an investment in reliability, safety and enjoyment. The more time you spend looking after your vessel, the more time you’ll spend using it.
Because nothing ruins a perfect day on the water faster than a preventable problem.
