Northland sees plenty of both ends of a Pacific crossing — yachts provisioning and preparing before heading north for the season, and boats arriving back into New Zealand needing a proper once-over after weeks offshore. Either way, the checklist looks pretty similar.
Engine & mechanical systems
- Full service, including filters, impellers and belts — don’t rely on “it sounds fine”
- Spares on board: filters, belts, impellers, and the tools to fit them mid-ocean
- Fuel system checked for contamination and tank condition
- Steering and running gear inspected while she’s out of the water if possible
Electrical & power
- Battery bank condition and charging system tested under load
- Navigation electronics, AIS and communications equipment checked and updated
- Solar, wind or alternator charging verified — you don’t want to discover a fault three days out
The bits people forget
Rig and standing rigging inspection, safety gear and flares in date, liferaft service current, and a proper look at seacocks and through-hull fittings. None of it is exciting, all of it matters a great deal more when you’re a week from the nearest port.
The best time to find a problem is at the dock, not four days offshore.
How we help
We work with both local owners preparing to head north and international yachties who’ve just made landfall and need a refit, refurb or maintenance catch-up before the next leg. If you’d like a proper pre-passage check — or a hand getting a tired boat back to passage-ready after a crossing — get in touch and we’ll put together a plan around your timeline.