The Importance of Maintaining Your Yacht’s Hydraulic Swim Platform
Owning a yacht is a dream come true for many people. The freedom to explore the vast ocean, beautiful beaches, and hidden coves is an experience like no other. However, with great freedom comes great responsibility, and yacht owners must be aware of the maintenance required to keep their yacht in top condition. One area that is often overlooked, but critical to your safety is the hydraulic swim platform.
A hydraulic swim platform is a mechanism that allows yacht owners to extend and retract their swim platform with the push of a button. Ignoring maintenance of your swim platform can lead to malfunctions and potentially compromise the safely of the vessel and it’s passengers.
To avoid any inconvenience and costly repairs, it’s essential to inspect the platform mechanism regularly and ensure it’s free of obstructions. Also, check the gasket that creates the seal between the platform and the transom for defects.
Most hydraulic swim platforms have sensors that prevent you from operating the boat unless the platform is fully retracted. These sensors can become obstructed by debris and growth over time, making it crucial to clean them regularly to avoid any malfunction which could prevent you from taking your yacht out on the water.
Check the fluid levels and examine all connections for any signs of leakage. It’s equally important to inspect all hoses for any signs of damage, such as cracks or abrasions, as this could potentially result in the loss of fluid or subsequent pump malfunction.
Many hydraulic swim platform systems come equipped with a handle that allows yacht owners to pressurize the hydraulic system in case of an emergency. This backup mechanism is known as the manual override. It’s important to first locate the solenoid which is responsible for selecting the desired charging path. There are typically four solenoids to choose from, each marked with a specific label such as up, down, lock, or unlock. To operate the manual override, refer to the description located on or near the hydraulic pump. This pump is often located in either the lazaret or steerage area of the yacht.
Neglecting maintenance for your hydraulic swim platform can result in costly repairs, replacements and compromise the safety of your vessel. By taking the time to inspect and maintain your hydraulic swim platform regularly, you can enjoy a worry-free boating experience and extend the lifespan of your system. A well-maintained swim platform provides a safer and more enjoyable experience while on the water.
