December is for looking ahead as well as back. This was my second year as a boat owner. Looking back, I see how much I’ve done and how much remains. On the eve of Western Christmas, here’s my list for 2025.
Hull:
• In spring, the yacht suffered an impact at the stem. I stabilised the damage then; now it needs restoring: open it up, sand, laminate fibreglass, apply gelcoat and fair it.
• On the autumn Wismar trip, I struck a rock with the keel, causing a small leak at the keel joint. Clean back, degrease, apply polyurethane, prime and paint. Losing the keel is among the most frightening scenarios, so corrosion and further damage must be prevented.
• The original 1975 gelcoat has oxidised and dulled. I plan to sand, prime and paint it.
Mast and sails:
• Line the inside of the mast opening with cushioning material to soften impact loads.
• Replace the bent wind indicator.
• Replace the main-halyard masthead sheave too. It’s designed for 8mm rope; I’ve already bought thirty metres of 10mm.
• Buy a spinnaker sock, spreader boots, a new mainsail-tack shackle, another for the anchor chain, and telltales for more precise trimming.
Engine:
• Replace filters, oil, impeller and gasket, and alternator belt.
• Add sound insulation between the port locker and engine for comfort.
• Water seems to enter the bilge through the exhaust. Reseal its connection to the through-hull fitting, just in case.
Inside and out:
• I carelessly scratched the acrylic portlights with a sponge in summer. Polish with plastic polish.
• Oil all the wood again and grease the winches.
• Replace the guardwires and add soft covers for leaning against.
• Renew mattress and cushion covers.
Postponed another year:
• Replacing seacocks, shrouds, turnbuckle covers and topping lift.
• Sewing a lazy bag, tiller cover and winch covers.
• Replacing the starter battery and putting it in a protective box.
• Making a shelf for electrical equipment, fitting a proper circuit-breaker panel, and routing everything through it.
• Fitting Bluetooth speakers and a barbecue, and finding a sensible place for the fridge.
Travel plans:
• Bornholm via Rügen, returning through Sweden and the Danish South Sea. About two weeks.
• Join a crew for a long passage or delivery, gaining watchkeeping, tidal navigation and offshore experience.
• Find a Kiel berth and make several Kiel Canal trips to Rendsburg and back.
• Visit Boot Düsseldorf — Europe’s largest boat show.
• Attend the start of The Ocean Race Europe in Kiel on 10 August, as I did a year and a half ago.
Of course, I’ll write about it here.
2025 looks busy, perhaps as busy as 2024. The yacht has become a living project, needing attention, knowledge and love.
Happy holidays! Share your goals and wishes for the coming year in the comments.
#maintenance #plans
Hull:
• In spring, the yacht suffered an impact at the stem. I stabilised the damage then; now it needs restoring: open it up, sand, laminate fibreglass, apply gelcoat and fair it.
• On the autumn Wismar trip, I struck a rock with the keel, causing a small leak at the keel joint. Clean back, degrease, apply polyurethane, prime and paint. Losing the keel is among the most frightening scenarios, so corrosion and further damage must be prevented.
• The original 1975 gelcoat has oxidised and dulled. I plan to sand, prime and paint it.
Mast and sails:
• Line the inside of the mast opening with cushioning material to soften impact loads.
• Replace the bent wind indicator.
• Replace the main-halyard masthead sheave too. It’s designed for 8mm rope; I’ve already bought thirty metres of 10mm.
• Buy a spinnaker sock, spreader boots, a new mainsail-tack shackle, another for the anchor chain, and telltales for more precise trimming.
Engine:
• Replace filters, oil, impeller and gasket, and alternator belt.
• Add sound insulation between the port locker and engine for comfort.
• Water seems to enter the bilge through the exhaust. Reseal its connection to the through-hull fitting, just in case.
Inside and out:
• I carelessly scratched the acrylic portlights with a sponge in summer. Polish with plastic polish.
• Oil all the wood again and grease the winches.
• Replace the guardwires and add soft covers for leaning against.
• Renew mattress and cushion covers.
Postponed another year:
• Replacing seacocks, shrouds, turnbuckle covers and topping lift.
• Sewing a lazy bag, tiller cover and winch covers.
• Replacing the starter battery and putting it in a protective box.
• Making a shelf for electrical equipment, fitting a proper circuit-breaker panel, and routing everything through it.
• Fitting Bluetooth speakers and a barbecue, and finding a sensible place for the fridge.
Travel plans:
• Bornholm via Rügen, returning through Sweden and the Danish South Sea. About two weeks.
• Join a crew for a long passage or delivery, gaining watchkeeping, tidal navigation and offshore experience.
• Find a Kiel berth and make several Kiel Canal trips to Rendsburg and back.
• Visit Boot Düsseldorf — Europe’s largest boat show.
• Attend the start of The Ocean Race Europe in Kiel on 10 August, as I did a year and a half ago.
Of course, I’ll write about it here.
2025 looks busy, perhaps as busy as 2024. The yacht has become a living project, needing attention, knowledge and love.
Happy holidays! Share your goals and wishes for the coming year in the comments.
#maintenance #plans
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