One of the dreaded but essential necessities of maintaining a sportfish is the annual trip to the boatyard. There are many tasks that a crew can do themselves to help expedite this yearly procedure. However, the most important thing is to be there, or at least have a member of your crew there every day. Nothing slows progress more than not being around if the yard has a question about a project and they must pull people off your boat while waiting for an answer or approval. It’s also a good idea to have someone there while workers are present to keep track of their time on the boat or any mistakes that may occur as well.
Simple things like cleaning up and vacuuming after workers are finished so that they can start fresh the next day can help. Washing, buffing, waxing or lending an extra hand when needed can also go a long way. Larger tasks, such as the removal, polishing and labeling of all hardware before a paint job, can speed up the process even further. Some crews will also use the downtime to their advantage by tackling the more complex jobs, such as refinishing the helm and fighting chairs; painting the engine room, lazarette or bilges; and sanding the teak deck and cover boards.
To prevent any damage and even more time spent in the yard, it’s always a good idea to remove curtains, chairs or other items and cover areas while work is completed. Overspray is one of the leading reasons for extended visits at some yards, which can cause unnecessary time and labor issues as well as disputes with the boatyard. Procedures such as setting up scaffolding and Visqueen around the transom for the name painters before their arrival can be helpful and make the job easier for them.
For extended visits, use a cooling tower so that you can run your air conditioning. This will prevent overheating of the boat’s interior, which can cause sagging headliners or milking effects on wood finishes. It also makes for a comfortable work environment. Cooling towers have increasingly become more available at most yards. Or they can be purchased for less than the rental cost for a month if you have a place to store one.
Finally, get to know the guys that are doing the work on your boat and let them know that they are appreciated. Bringing something for breakfast or treating their whole crew to lunch at the yard is a good way to show recognition for the work they are doing. Also, keeping jobs within budget by having good communication with the yard managers, supervisors and the boat owner so that everyone is on the same page is crucial for a smooth and satisfactory visit to the yard.
Capt. Kevin Deerman is at the helm of the Draggin’ Up, a 72′ Viking based in Houston, Texas. With an impressive career spanning 30+ years, Capt. Deerman is a seasoned captain with a passion for tournament fishing and exploration of the world’s most renowned billfish hotspots.
When he’s not at sea, Capt. Deerman can often be found sharing his knowledge and insights with fellow anglers, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the fishing community. As a valuable contributor to our publication, Captain Kevin Deerman continues to inspire and inform, making every issue a journey into the exciting world of sportfishing under his expert guidance. Be sure to subscribe to our publication below and click here to send Captain Deerman a message [email protected]
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