The key to preserving your catamaran isn’t just reacting to problems—it’s building a repeatable rhythm of small actions.
Every owner should create a personal maintenance log with recurring tasks- set some weekly, some monthly- and stick to it. The ocean rewards consistency.
Here’s a proven system based on hands-on experience and best practices from across the industry.
Create your own recurring maintenance log
A blank document or an excel file or a composition notebook with some scribbles in it. Track what you’ve done and when. Track what needs to be done.
Here are the core items I always include, drawn from both personal experience and real-world best practices:
Washdowns: The First Line of Defense
A proper washdown goes further than almost anything else. After a passage, it’s obvious. But even dockside, salt quietly builds up on every surface. That includes your lines, fittings, roller furlers, and winches.
- Wash with fresh water and boat soap regularly.
- Spend extra time on moving parts.
- Dump a bucket of soapy water over coiled or stale lines—they’ll clean up and soften right away.
When I was a captain, this was my ritual. I loved doing this work early in the morning, barefoot, sun coming up, reconnecting with my home.
Sea Strainers: Don’t Wait
Too many people wait until the engine overheats to check their sea strainers. Why? It takes five minutes. Clean them out once a week—or whatever schedule works for your use. Prevent the problem instead of reacting to it.
Bilges: Open, Empty, Inspect
Every time I took over a new boat, I opened every bilge. Took everything out. Cleaned it. Looked at every pump, wire, and fitting. You can learn a lot about the state of a boat from its bilges. Make it a habit.
Engine & Mechanical Basics
At minimum:
- Check gearbox oil
- Clear sea strainers
- Inspect belts, coolant levels, and raw water flow
- Run a freshwater flush after saltwater trips
- Keep a clean log of engine hours and oil changes
Electrical & Safety
- Clean battery terminals and check water levels if applicable
- Inspect wiring for corrosion or looseness
- Test bilge pumps and float switches
- Confirm all safety gear is working and accessible
Deck Hardware & Moving Parts
- Rinse all stainless after each outing
- Lubricate latches, hinges, winches, and zippers with marine grease or anti-corrosive spray
- Keep scuppers and drains clear to prevent pooling
Final Word: Build the Habit
Your catamaran won’t fall apart all at once. It’ll fall apart slowly- unless you’re paying attention.
So build the log. Follow it. Adjust it. And if you ever hand the boat off to crew or to a buyer, that log becomes an asset.
Dylan Haas
Dylan’s connection to the water started young, growing up near the Chesapeake Bay and spending time on a mix of powerboats and Hobie Cats. What started as weekends on the bay turned into a lifelong passion for being on the water—and ultimately, a career around it.He earned his RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification in South Africa, where he gained valuable offshore experience sailing around the Cape of Good Hope (or Storms!)—home waters for Leopard Catamarans. He went on to work as a charter captain in the Caribbean, running both day trips and extended charters alongside his wife.Now based in Fort Lauderdale, Dylan brings that hands-on experience to the brokerage. He’s had a longtime appreciation for Leopard Catamarans, dating back to the first time he stepped aboard one in a marina in Deltaville, VA. Whether you’re new to sailing or looking to upgrade to your next boat, Dylan is ready to help guide you through the process.