Ensure a smooth shipyard period

When a yacht is running at full capacity, even small oversights in maintenance can escalate into big problems. A failed air-conditioning unit, a faulty stabilizer, or a generator breakdown doesn’t just create technical headaches — it disrupts the owner’s enjoyment or charter revenue, and reflects poorly on the crew.

The good news? Many of these pitfalls can be avoided with the right planning and by knowing when to bring in external specialists.

1. Relying Too Heavily on the Crew Alone

Your crew are skilled and resourceful, but they can’t be experts in everything. Tasks like hydraulics, AV/IT upgrades, or complex fabrication are best left to specialized contractors who do this work every day. The added benefit? Contractor work usually comes with a warranty — something in-house fixes can’t offer.

2. Ignoring the Small Warning Signs

Strange vibrations, irregular temperatures, or minor leaks are often brushed aside during a busy season. But waiting until failure forces your hand is risky and costly. Address small issues early and use downtime to schedule inspections with trusted contractors.

3. Failing to Plan for Yard Periods

Shipyard time is expensive, and every day counts. Without early planning, you may find the best contractors fully booked. Secure contractors in advance, and always build in buffer time — jobs frequently run over due to unforeseen complications.

4. Not Budgeting for Contingencies

Unexpected repairs happen. Ensure funds are available for critical jobs so that decisions aren’t delayed waiting for approvals. A smooth financial process prevents small problems from becoming big ones.

5. Overlooking Documentation and Records

A solid maintenance log saves time when bringing contractors onboard. They can get to the root of the problem faster if they have clear service history, saving you money and preventing repeat issues.

The Bottom Line

Keeping a yacht in peak condition means knowing when to bring in external expertise. With the right contractors, careful planning, and proper budgeting, you can avoid the common maintenance pitfalls that put a season at risk.

That’s where YotPoint helps: by connecting captains and heads of department with trusted contractors, so you can keep your yacht running smoothly, protect uptime, and deliver the best experience for owners and guests.