Annual Boat Refit: The Marathon Begins at Dover Marina
The annual refit of Maverick has kicked off, and what a start it’s been! As any boat owner knows, maintenance is a crucial part of vessel ownership, but it doesn’t make it any less daunting when the time comes.
Our day began bright and early at Dover Marine boat yard, where the exceptional staff had us scheduled for a 10:30 boat lift. The efficiency of the team was immediately apparent as they executed the lift with precision, followed by a thorough hull jet wash that revealed the past year’s accumulation of marine growth.
By 11:45, Maverick was safely chocked up on blocks, and that’s when the real work began. Together with Tom, my trusted partner in these nautical adventures, we launched into what can only be described as a marine version of a Formula 1 pit stop. Armed with spanners, hammers, and even a blowtorch for some of the more stubborn components, we tackled the mammoth task of removing the complete engine, propeller shaft, and prop.
Despite some colorful language echoing across the yard (as is tradition in any serious mechanical undertaking), we managed to complete the removal and loading of all major components onto our trailer by 15:45. The speed and efficiency of the operation surprised even us – five hours from water to complete engine removal is no small feat!
However, this is just the beginning. The next two weeks will be filled with:
- Detailed cleaning of all components
- Routine maintenance checks
- Necessary repairs and replacements
- Hull inspection and treatment
- Systems testing and calibration
Our goal is to have Maverick back in the water within 14 days, ready for another season of adventures. This ambitious timeline would not be possible without the outstanding support and facilities at Dover Marina Boat Yard. Their professional team has proven, once again, why they’re the go-to facility for serious boat maintenance in the area.
I’ll be documenting our progress throughout this refit journey, sharing both the challenges and victories along the way. For fellow boat owners planning their own maintenance schedule, this series might provide some useful insights into the process.
Stay tuned for regular updates on our race against time to get Maverick ship-shape and back where she belongs – on the water!
