After all the planning, designing and building, the yacht's performance must be verified upon launch. This includes the way the vessel and its machinery operates, but also requires minor fine-tuning throughout. When a boat switches from being on the hard to a floating existence, it relaxes and changes shape somewhat, requiring many adjustments.
Working with the yard, we prepare detailed lists of tests to be performed at the dock and during sea trials. We can participate in and supervise the sea trials.
Testing at the dock
Once the vessel is afloat, mechanics, electricians and other technical staff conduct a series of tests to ensure all systems are functioning properly. Tests include:
Testing at sea
When the crew has completed dock trials and made any needed corrections, formal sea trials are next. These are essential to check speed, maneuverability, fuel consumption, and noise and vibration issues. We write a report on the results, with recommended corrections as required.
Our detailed sea trial procedures include:
Part of our complete package of services includes after launch-communications. We have already made sure that all manuals governing your yacht's operation are available on DVD as a fully searchable data base. You can also call on us for troubleshooting or further advice.
Working with the yard, we prepare detailed lists of tests to be performed at the dock and during sea trials. We can participate in and supervise the sea trials.
Testing at the dock
Once the vessel is afloat, mechanics, electricians and other technical staff conduct a series of tests to ensure all systems are functioning properly. Tests include:
- Engines and the entire fuel system
- Electrical systems, from generators to battery banks to ensure all lights, appliances and electrical equipment are functional
- Air handling systems
- Purging and pressurizing of water and sewage systems
- Fuel and other pumps
- Integrity of all pipes, hoses and their fittings
- Deck equipment, including anchors, davits and remote helm stations
- Water tightness of all doors, hatches and portholes
- Safety gear, including fire fighting equipment
- On board accesses, including stern platforms, ladders and Passerelles
- Detection of noise and vibration
- Adjustments of doors, hatches and windows.
Testing at sea
When the crew has completed dock trials and made any needed corrections, formal sea trials are next. These are essential to check speed, maneuverability, fuel consumption, and noise and vibration issues. We write a report on the results, with recommended corrections as required.
Our detailed sea trial procedures include:
- Testing of engines and all other parts of the propulsion system
- Testing of each engine individually
- Testing of generators and other auxiliary equipment
- Calibration of the compass
- Evaluation of acceleration and speed
- Evaluation of fuel consumption at various speeds
- Testing of steering and emergency steering equipment
- Testing of maneuverability during acceleration, zigzag movements, turning circles and emergency stops with full ahead and full astern action
- Testing the stabilizers
- Testing the anchoring system
- Listening for noise and rattles
- Listening for vibration
Part of our complete package of services includes after launch-communications. We have already made sure that all manuals governing your yacht's operation are available on DVD as a fully searchable data base. You can also call on us for troubleshooting or further advice.