Page 28: of Marine News Magazine (May 2016)

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COLUMN BOATBUILDING

Beyond the Build

It is in the best interest of the builder to instill a thorough understanding of how the vessel was built, how the systems operate, and the best practices and schedule for maintenance.

By Joe Hudspeth

It is an unexplainable phenomenon, yard will however have some great tips to offer that will but one of the best parts of buying a make operating and maintaining a vessel more like a breath brand new vessel is the short lived joy of fresh air that will last so much longer than the new boat that comes from experiencing the aro- smell. Every new construction, repair, and refurbish proj- ma of new boat smell. It is true, even ect should have a maintenance plan or some foresight into new workboats come with the desirable maintenance implications before any work is initiated.

scent that assures their owners that the What may appeal to the shipyard as a quick and easy in- millions just spent were worth every stallation technique can easily become a nightmare for the penny. Shortly thereafter, the euphor- crew’s daily operations and care, if not addressed. For exam-

Hudspeth ic fragrance fades, the loan payments ple, many pieces of equipment can be ordered with either come, and the work of maintaining a workboat begins. right hand side or left hand side service panels, which can

Perhaps it is pride, but vessels owners rarely ask and com- help alleviate the predicament for Cirque Du Soleil type ma- mercial shipyards are not in practice of sitting down with neuvers just to change a ? lter. Take a survey of the crew to their customers to review a proper maintenance plan for ? nd out operational challenges that may be easily addressed their newly built craft. Maintenance is not really the build- through minor modi? cations in the new vessel design or next er’s responsibility, right? More commonplace is a quick yard haul. Addressing such considerations will improve both walkthrough of the various systems, perhaps a bit of simple maintenance effectiveness and maintenance motivation.

hands-on instruction if you are lucky, and then a large box It may be something as simple as adding a shovel-sized of assorted equipment manuals is passed over to the cus- snow removal door on the top deck that will make a signif- tomer with a handshake and verbal wishes of good luck. icant difference for an entire season. There should also be

It is in the best interest of the builder to instill a thorough no shame in honesty and it is best to confess to your ship- understanding of how the vessel was built, how the systems yard where you may be lacking in maintenance. If your operate, and the best practices and schedule for mainte- bilge cleaning practices are leaning towards the side of not nance. This simple initiative will decrease the potential for as good as they should be, it may be worthwhile to ask warranty claims. Furthermore, happy vessel owners tend to about options for preventative maintenance technology become repeat customers as well as advocates for referring with your yard. Systems like the Arid dry bilge machine other business. Most new construction business comes via are excellent at sucking up even what a housekeeping bilge witnessed positive experience of a previously constructed pump would leave behind to soak.

vessel. Educated owners are more likely to take care of their

NOW EFORE OU O vessels, keep them ship shape and the envy of the dock, K B Y G which will bode goodwill for both the owner and builder. With changing technology, it is becoming increasingly more important to take the time at the shipyard to ask about

L B B M A what was installed, where are the access points, and how it

OOKING ACK EFORE OVING HEAD

The best shipyards embrace continuous improvement works and should be maintained. Check that your builder and they have not become experts without the feedback of has documented and mapped the complete anode system what does and does not work while at sea. An experienced for the hull and plumbing system. Find out where the low

Image: AAM

May 2016

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