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