Charter know-how · Yacht care and maintenance
Yacht care 5: when something breaks
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Things break on boats, even well-kept ones. Handled calmly and reported early, most breakages are a short call and a quick fix by the base.
What to do
- Make the boat and crew safe first.
- Call the base's breakdown number with your position, what happened and what you see. Photos help.
- Write down what happened and when: it helps the base, and the insurance if needed.
- Ask before repairing anything yourself or paying a local mechanic. Keep every receipt: the base may refund agreed repairs that are not your fault.
Wear and tear or damage?
Normal wear and tear and faults in the boat's equipment are the operator's responsibility. Damage caused by the crew, such as a grounding, a collision or a sail torn by flogging, is usually charged against the deposit or claimed on the damage-waiver insurance.
Being honest and reporting early is in your interest: the base can often fix it during the week, and hidden damage found at check-out tends to cost more.
General guidance for charter crews. Your charter company's briefing, the boat's own manuals and local rules always come first.