10 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHIPYARD
The fundamental aspects to bear in mind when choosing your shipyard are professional competence and reliability, so the shipyard should have the following characteristics:
- Team always present in the marina to offer assistance
- Solves problems on the boat both when in the water and dry dock
- Travel lift capacity (160 t and 700 t near the Port)
- Correct, complete and transparent estimates
- Detailed description of jobs in estimate
- Use of quality products and innovative materials
- Quality work and impeccable service
- Technology, know-how and equipment suitable for work to be done
- Quality/price in line with current market trend
- Respects schedule
CORRECT BOAT MAINTENANCE
Meticulous boat maintenance is essential for long-term trouble-free sailing and top performance. The optimal solution is to follow a routine maintenance plan every time the boat is in the shipyard for work or when laid up for the winter.
It is a good idea to make a detailed list of the maintenance work and repairs you want the shipyard to do to decide which have priority and any that aren’t essential; correct work “economy” first and foremost should indicate refitting, correct engine and plant maintenance especially for the parts in contact with seawater and a thorough check-up to guarantee boat and passenger safety.
It’s important not to put these jobs off until next year to avoid unfortunate and costly problems before setting off on a trip.
It’s important not to put these jobs off until next year to avoid unfortunate and costly problems before setting off on a trip.
Planning maintenance at the end of the sailing season is advantageous for two good reasons:
- Work planned at the end of the season can be done precisely taking the time required, but if you put these jobs off to a later date they may take longer due to the high number of requests with the risk of having to do the jobs in a hurry and/or not being able to do them in time.
- At the end of the season there’s more time with greater availability of spare parts, so you won’t have to wait for spares to be delivered.