Why Yacht Owners Trust Horizon Yacht Charters – Maintenance Done Right

One of the key cornerstones of Horizon Yacht Charters’ business plan is providing meticulous maintenance. We protect the value of our owners’ yachts through our continued maintenance programs to provide the most trouble-free sailing experience for both Horizon’s yacht owners and charter guests.

It starts with ensuring each yacht spends at least 24 hours on our docks in between each charter so that needed maintenance is not ignored. Between each charter, our team of mechanics, technicians, riggers, shipwrights, quality control personnel and cleaners spend an average of 14 hours on each yacht to ensure any issues are addressed before the next guests take her out. We take quality control and safety very seriously. That extends into quarterly and annual maintenance programs that last throughout the year.

Rig Checks Whilst we do a rigging check in between each charter, we also do several comprehensive rig checks during each year. Our team has well over 100 years of rigging and sailing experience and are backed up by the best rigging professionals and surveyors in the BVI.  We inspect each cable, swage, tang, turnbuckle, chainplate, shroud, stay, lifeline etc. from the top of the mast down the hull each year to ensure we catch any problems that need addressing. When yachts are not on charter in the late summer, sails and canvas are also removed and given a thorough inspection. Any chafe, wear, or improvements are affected then to ensure safe and efficient sailing for the sailor. Servicing winches and windlasses is done as part of the annual maintenance.

Mechanical and Technical System Checks

Beyond checking all the yacht’s systems for each charter, Horizon aims to exceed the manufacturer’s maintenance schedules. For example, we will do an oil change 50 hours earlier on engines and generators to ensure they do not exceed the recommended hours on the next charter. Throughout the year we monitor maintenance schedules and ensure they are adhered to. Every system is thoroughly monitored and maintained with intensive maintenance schedules done during extended down time. Whether it’s your head system, your air conditioning, or your engines - for over 25 years we have continued to refine the proper and most effective way to maintain all your yacht systems.

Inventory Checks

Between our quality control managers and interior staff, we maintain your inventory so that from the galley ware to emergency flares, everything is in perfect order for your convenience and safety. Horizon Yacht Charters is the only charter company that has adhered to the MCA code since its implementation in 2005. Whilst it was not enforced at the time, Horizon fully committed to being the safest company in the BVI. It’s not until recently that the BVI has enforced the MCA Blue code on the rest of the BVI companies.

Deep Cleaning

Presenting an immaculate yacht to our charter guests goes a long way to how they treat it. It shows that we care and, in turn, we find clients treat the yacht with more care as well. Our professional crews perform deep cleaning of every interior and exterior surface. This ensures health and aesthetic presentation are prioritized for the optimal comfort and enjoyment of owners and guests alike. At least once a year the interior beds, the seating, and storage areas are all removed to get to all the hard-to-reach areas and prevent insect habitation. We often polish all the interior metals so that the challenging tropical salt air environment does not degrade your light fixture and faucets.

Dinghy Maintenance

We understood from very early on that your dinghy and outboard are as important as the yacht’s reliability. Without the dinghy working correctly how can you get to shore and explore?! Each of our dinghies is powered with a 15hp, well maintained outboard that is checked each time before it goes out on charter. Every summer we do a full maintenance schedule on each outboard to ensure an easy-to-start and reliable motor to take a full dinghy to where you want to go.

Added Value with Horizon

When you place your yacht into charter management with Horizon, your maintenance records are well kept and each month you will be given a full tally of the maintenance records. Horizon is locally owned and operated, which means everyone from the team maintaining your yacht, to the people booking your yacht are right here in the BVI. Each owner is assigned a personal liaison who will provide you with updates on your yacht and answer any queries you may have. With in-house and local expertise, resources, and Horizon’s direct relationship with the manufacturers, we can also work with you on any upgrades or projects that you want to do.