S/YJane & Darcy

The never-ending to-do list: life aboard means constant maintenance

Let’s get one thing straight: boats break. Constantly. Cruising on a sailboat like Jane Darcy is a bit like living in a floating Swiss watch — except the watch gets sprayed with saltwater, baked in UV, rocked by waves, and occasionally whacked with a winch handle.

Every single day onboard, there’s something that needs fixing, tweaking, lubing, replacing, or at the very least — staring at with suspicion. And honestly? That’s part of the charm.

Systems, Systems Everywhere

Life at sea involves managing a symphony of systems. There’s the electrical — batteries, solar panels, charge controllers, wiring runs snaking behind every panel. Then there’s the electronics: GPS, radar, autopilot, depth sounders, AIS, and the spaghetti junction that is your NMEA network.

And let’s not forget the mechanical bits. Winches, blocks, tracks, steering cables, the trusty (or not-so-trusty) engine, and all the pulleys, shackles, and linkages that make your floating home move and maneuver.

All of these components need regular TLC. Winches need to be disassembled, cleaned, and re-greased. Electrical contacts should be inspected for corrosion. Bilge pumps need testing, hoses need securing, and filters need replacing. It’s not just about performance — it’s about safety and seaworthiness.

Lubricate, Tighten, Repeat

Everything that moves needs to be lubricated. Everything that shouldn’t move needs to be tightened. Salt and sun are relentless enemies — they eat metal, rot rubber, and degrade just about anything that isn’t stainless steel or teak.

Your sailboat is a mobile environment, and motion means friction. From the traveler car to the companionway slides, the mantra is simple: clean, lube, protect. A few drops of Teflon or a dab of marine grease now can save a day of headaches down the line.

Sails and Wood: Care Required

Your sails are your engine — and they need love. UV damage, chafe points, stitching fatigue — all of these need checking. A stitch in time literally saves nine (and prevents the dreaded “flog and flog” of a torn genoa).

And if your boat is graced with a teak deck or other wooden elements, add varnish, scrubbing, and careful inspection to your calendar. Wood is beautiful, but it’s not maintenance-free. A regular cleaning and oiling ritual will keep it glowing and prevent it from turning into splintery misery.

Tools and Spares: The Seafarer’s Arsenal

You need a good toolkit aboard — and we’re not talking about a tiny set of screwdrivers from a discount store. A solid selection of metric and imperial spanners, marine-grade wire cutters, a multimeter, spare impellers, filters, fuses, shackles, hose clamps, and sealants are just the start.

Remember: if you don’t have it, it will break. And if you do have it… well, it might still break, but at least you can fix it.

Safety Never Rests

Lifejackets, fire extinguishers, flares, EPIRBs, MOB gear — these aren’t “install and forget” items. They require regular checks, expiry date reviews, and functionality tests. Your life may depend on them one day — so give them the attention they deserve.

Log It, Don’t Lose It

Keeping a maintenance log is more than just good practice — it’s peace of mind. Whether you use a physical book or a digital app, record everything: oil changes, sail repairs, part replacements, leak sightings. Not only does it help you track recurring issues, but it also makes life easier if you ever sell the boat or hand off to a crew member.

Deal With It Now… Or Later, With Interest

Here’s the deal: procrastination is the real villain at sea. A minor drip from a hose clamp can turn into a soaked bilge. A slightly stiff winch can seize. A frayed halyard can snap at exactly the wrong time.

If something’s off, deal with it while it’s small. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

The Joy of a Shipshape Ship

Here’s the secret: maintenance can be incredibly satisfying. There’s a quiet joy in oiling a squeaky hinge, tuning a rig, or polishing brass until it gleams. A well-maintained boat feels different — solid, responsive, trustworthy. It feels like freedom.

So yes, every day brings a new little project — and that’s perfectly okay. After all, part of sailing is falling in love with the rhythm of care and attention. The boat takes you on adventures; you return the favor by keeping her in top shape.

As they say: shipshape and Bristol fashion.

Now, where did I put that tube of Lanocote?