The annual maintenance schedule and antifouling

A yearly routine of haul-out, antifouling, engine service, anodes and safety gear checks keeps a boat reliable. Fouling grows fast in warm Med water.

Updated 24 Oct 2026 2 min read

Key points

Haul out and antifoul at least once a year in the Med, in spring before the season.
Service the engine, impeller, filters and anodes every year.
Check expiry dates on flares, lifejackets and the life raft.

Antifouling

Marine growth builds up quickly in warm water, slows the boat and raises fuel burn. Antifouling paint releases a biocide that discourages it. Haul out once a year in the Med, usually in spring, and apply a fresh coat. Boats that stay in the water all year and are lightly used still collect growth.

Hard antifouling wears slowly and suits fast boats.
Self-polishing (eroding) wears away gradually, which keeps releasing biocide.
Hybrid mixes both properties.

The new paint must be compatible with the old. Ask the yard what is on the hull, and follow the manufacturer's instructions on preparation, number of coats and drying times. Biocide rules in the EU restrict some active substances, so the products change.

The yearly list

Hull: wash, inspect, repair chips, antifoul, polish the topsides. See Gelcoat and hull care: UV damage and osmosis prevention.
Anodes: replace when they have lost about half their mass.
Propeller and shaft: clean, grease, check the cutlass bearing.
Engine: oil and filters, fuel filters, impeller, belts, coolant. Follow the manual's hours and calendar limits.
Gearbox and sail-drive: oil change. Replace the sail-drive diaphragm at the maker's interval, commonly about 7 years. See Propulsion and fuel: outboard, inboard, sterndrive, IPS, sail-drive, and diesel vs petrol.
Seacocks: operate and grease. See Seacocks, through-hulls and skin fittings.
Rig and sails: inspect fittings, wires and stitching. See Standing rigging and spars: when replacement is due.
Winches and windlass: clean and grease.
Batteries: test and clean terminals.
Safety gear: see below.

Safety gear dates

Flares carry an expiry date, usually about 3 years from manufacture.
Life raft: service at the interval the manufacturer gives, commonly 1 to 3 years.
Automatic lifejackets: check the gas bottle and the bobbin, and service per the maker's instructions.
Fire extinguishers: check the gauge and the inspection date.

Keep a log

Write down what you did, when, the engine hours and the cost. A tidy log supports resale. See The seller's document pack: VAT, registration, CE, service history.

Also useful at step 6 Gelcoat and hull care: UV damage and osmosis prevention

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; check your own case with a professional or ask us.