Why preventive maintenance saves money
The false economy of deferred maintenance and how to avoid it.
The Temptation to Defer
It's tempting to skip non-urgent maintenance. The engine starts fine. The generator runs. Why spend money on servicing when everything works?
This logic is the single most expensive mistake yacht owners make.
The True Cost of Deferred Maintenance
Deferred maintenance doesn't save money—it just moves costs into the future, usually with a multiplier attached.
Example: Engine Service
- Preventive: Annual service at £2,500
- Deferred: Engine failure requiring rebuild at £35,000 + lost charter income
That "saved" service cost you £32,500—plus the disruption and reputational damage of a mid-charter breakdown.
The Multiplier Effect
When maintenance is deferred, problems compound:
- Minor wear becomes major failure: A £200 impeller becomes a £15,000 heat exchanger
- One system affects others: A clogged filter strains a pump, which damages a motor
- Downtime costs: Lost charter income, missed seasons, emergency yard fees
What Preventive Maintenance Includes
A proper preventive maintenance program covers:
Engines and Generators
- Oil and filter changes
- Cooling system inspection
- Belt and hose replacement
- Fuel system servicing
- Load testing
Systems
- Air conditioning filters and refrigerant
- Watermakers (membranes and pumps)
- Bilge pumps and high-water alarms
- Electrical systems and batteries
- Plumbing and through-hulls
Safety Equipment
- Life raft servicing (annual)
- Fire extinguisher inspection
- Flare replacement (in-date)
- EPIRB battery replacement
Hull and Structure
- Antifouling (annual or biannual)
- Anodes replacement
- Through-hull inspection
- Deck hardware and rigging (sailing yachts)
The Onyx Approach
We create bespoke maintenance schedules for every vessel, based on:
- Manufacturer recommendations
- Usage patterns (hours, miles, conditions)
- Equipment age and history
- Operational requirements (charter vs private)
Our Process
- Audit: Full technical audit of current state
- Schedule: Build preventive maintenance calendar
- Execute: Coordinate all work with trusted suppliers
- Track: Monitor and report on all work performed
- Optimize: Refine schedule based on performance
ROI of Preventive Maintenance
Clients on our preventive maintenance programs see:
- 60% reduction in emergency call-outs
- 40% lower annual maintenance costs vs reactive approach
- Near-zero mid-season breakdowns
- Higher resale value due to documented service history
Case Study: 68ft Motor Yacht
A client came to us after three years of minimal maintenance. The immediate costs to stabilize the vessel:
- Engine rebuilds: £42,000
- Generator replacement: £18,000
- Air conditioning overhaul: £12,000
- Safety equipment: £6,000
Total: £78,000
If preventive maintenance had been followed (at £8,000/year), they would have spent £24,000 over three years and avoided the failures entirely.
Savings: £54,000
How to Start
- Commission a technical audit: Understand current state
- Build a schedule: Work with your management team to create a plan
- Budget properly: Allocate 5-10% of vessel value annually
- Stick to it: Consistency is key
Conclusion
Preventive maintenance isn't an expense—it's an investment in reliability, safety, and resale value.
The question isn't whether you can afford preventive maintenance. It's whether you can afford not to.
Want to implement a proper maintenance program? Contact Onyx for a technical audit and custom schedule.