Boat maintenance calendar: what to do each season
A simple annual plan to keep your boat ready: what to check before, during and after the season.
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Boat maintenance blog
Practical, honest guides to look after your boat: teak, hull, antifouling, gelcoat, engine and planning the boating year, written for Mediterranean boat owners.
Planning
What to check on your boat at the end of the season: complete checklist
October and November are the key months: what to check on engine, hull, deck, electrics and interior before the boat sits through winter.
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Costs & decisions
How much does it cost to maintain a boat per year? Real breakdown by length
Berth, insurance, haul-out, engine, cleaning, surprises: what owning a boat in the Mediterranean really costs and where you can save without neglecting it.
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How to choose a trustworthy marine mechanic or boatyard (and avoid nasty surprises)
What to ask, how to compare quotes and which red flags to watch before leaving your boat in a professional’s hands.
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Teak
How to replace a boat teak deck: step-by-step process
From stripping the old deck to the final caulking: how boat teak is replaced and what to watch for if you hire someone.
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Types of boat teak decking: natural, plantation, synthetic and alternatives
Natural, plantation, synthetic or cork: which deck material to choose for your boat based on budget, use and maintenance.
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How to clean boat teak without damaging it
Salt water, a soft brush and always across the grain: the basic rules for cleaning teak without wearing it out, plus how to tackle tough stains.
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How long does boat teak last? Lifespan and signs of wear
A well-kept teak deck lasts 15 to 25 years. Here’s what wears it out, how to measure it and when it’s time to replace.
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Boat teak maintenance: a complete season-by-season guide
Cleaning, protection, caulking and sanding: everything a teak deck needs through the year to last for decades.
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How much does it cost to replace a boat teak deck? Guide prices
Guide prices per square metre, what pushes the cost up and how to compare quotes for a new teak deck.
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Hull, gelcoat & antifouling
How often should you antifoul a boat?
In the Mediterranean, once a year is the norm. Here’s what changes that and how to tell if your hull needs it.
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How to repair boat gelcoat: chips, scratches and cracks
Step by step to repair chips and scratches in gelcoat, match the colour and know when the damage needs a professional.
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How to polish and wax a boat so it shines like new
Wash, cut, polish and protect: four steps to restore gelcoat shine and keep it all season.
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How to clean a boat hull: topsides and bottom
Products, technique and frequency for cleaning the hull, removing bow yellowing and keeping the bottom clean between haul-outs.
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Engine
Boat engine maintenance checklist before the season
The list marine mechanics use to prepare an engine for the season, adapted for inboards and outboards.
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