How to Protect Your Yacht From Thailand’s Tropical Climate

Today, the topic of preparing your yacht for long-term docking in Thailand’s tropical climate (or an extended voyage in these parts) is under the spotlight.

Thailand’s steamy, tropical climate is a big part of its appeal, but it can play havoc with the finish of a yacht that has not been suitably prepared in advance. Excess moisture, the relentless sun beating down for hours each day, and the occasional violent storm all go toward making Thailand’s marinas a challenging environment for yacht owners. Added to these climate-specific challenges is, of course, the number one challenge that all yacht owners must contend with, which is near-constant exposure to saltwater. In short, if you are planning to leave your vessel docked in Thailand for several months or to sail the local waters for more than a few weeks, careful preparation is essential. Below, we share top tips and expert advice from our in-house specialists to help you prepare. We cover hull preparation, cabin preparation and everything else you need to do to protect your yacht from the tropical climate in great detail.

Understanding Thailand’s Tropical Climate

If you are more likely to be found sailing the Mediterranean or the Aegean than the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand, it’s worth researching the local weather conditions and the challenges they pose. To combat local climate-specific challenges, you first need to understand them. Thailand has a mix of tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon and tropical savannah climates, with the latter being predominant across the vast majority of central, northern and eastern Thailand.

Many of the best sailing spots and yachting marinas in Thailand are found in the south, where a tropical monsoon climate and the proximity of the equator present the following key challenges:

• Intense UV Radiation – If you are sailing around the island of Phuket in the south of Thailand, you’re just over 500 miles from the equator. This means you need to plan for intense UV radiation. The strength of the sun’s rays in this part of the world can cause significant damage to the finish of your yacht above the waterline.
• High Humidity – Consistently high humidity levels are a characteristic feature of tropical monsoon climates and a source of concern to yacht owners when sailing or docking in Thailand for extended periods. Failure to take adequate protective measures against excess moisture levels could lead to a raft of problems ( no pun intended!), including mould, mildew, electrical faults and, in the worst cases, structural damage.

Some of the protective measures we will be discussing are designed specifically to combat the challenges of above-average UV radiation and humidity levels that are presented by a tropical monsoon climate. Others are designed to combat the kind of problems encountered by yacht owners the world over, such as marine growth below the waterline and saltwater corrosion.

Hull and Exterior Protection

The hull and exterior of the superstructure bear the brunt of the attack from the elements, so it is here that our tropical climate preparations start in earnest.

• UV-Resistant Coating Above Waterline – The portion of your hull that is exposed to sunlight while in the water and the exterior of the superstructure should be treated with a UV-resistant coating. Spray-on synthetic polymer and ceramic coatings are both popular and can be very effective.
• Antifouling Coating Below the Waterline – Below the waterline, the main concern is not UV damage but fouling by marine organisms such as barnacles, mussels and algae. Fouling is a problem in all waters and can best be mitigated with the application of antifouling paint.
• Regular Cleaning – As usual, regular cleaning is recommended to avoid the accumulation of salt deposits and grime on the underside of the hull. A good rinsing with fresh water every now and then should keep deposits to acceptable levels.
• Occasional Inspections – Inspect the exterior of your vessel once a month, or more frequently if you prefer, to check for damage. The faster any cracks or chips are dealt with, the less chance they will lead to more significant deterioration in the condition of the hull and superstructure exterior.

These measures should be enough to protect the hull, together with the exterior of the superstructure, from UV and water damage. Next up: protecting the interior of your yacht.

Safeguarding the Interior

The main concerns regarding the interior of your vessel are the prevention of mould and mildew and the reduction of UV damage.

• UV Protection – You can prevent the sun’s rays from fading your upholstery and interior finishes by installing high-quality UV film on the windows. Alternatively, you can install some attractive shades, but you will need to keep them closed during the day for this to be effective.
• Moisture Control – Mould and mildew love warm, damp conditions, which is why Thailand’s hot and muggy weather can be a threat to your yacht’s interior. Install dehumidifiers and consider upgrading your ventilation system to combat excess moisture.

Protecting Electrical and Mechanical Systems

The biggest enemy of electrical and mechanical equipment on marine vessels in tropical climates is saltwater corrosion, with excess moisture coming a very close second. Heat may also become an issue if effective dissipation measures are not taken. You can best deal with these issues in the following ways: 

• Enclose, Coat or Pot – Exposed electrical components can either be enclosed in plastic or metal, sprayed with a conformal coating or potted in an epoxy resin to protect them from saltwater corrosion.
• Upgrade Cooling Components – Upgrade your engine cooling system and cabin air-conditioning to ensure that heat does not become a major issue during your time in Thailand. Effective air conditioning should also reduce cabin humidity levels.
• Dehumidify – Dehumidifiers are useful not just in living spaces but in engine rooms and electrical compartments as well.

Heat shrink can be applied to any sections of exposed wiring that may be a cause of concern. If you are not qualified to work on yacht electrical systems yourself, please consider hiring a local professional to take care of this job.  

Seasonal and Storm Preparation

If you are planning to dock your yacht in Thailand during the monsoon season, which runs from May to October in Phuket, we recommend taking these additional measures to shield your vessel from driving rain and flying debris in strong winds:

• Utilise Secure Docking Techniques – You must ensure that your yacht is securely docked so that strong winds and rough waters cannot tear it loose from its moorings.
• Install Custom-Made Waterproof Covers – You may like to consider adding customised waterproof covers to protect the most vulnerable parts of your yacht from violent storms.

If you are planning to sail during the monsoon season, don’t forget to double-check your first-aid kit and carry emergency provisions.

Long-Term Storage Solutions

If you want to store your yacht in Thailand for more than a few months, there are more practical options to consider than a berth in a local marina:

• Dry Docking – Dry docks are more suitable for extended storage and also make it easy for any necessary maintenance tasks to be performed before you next set sail.
• Climate-Controlled Storage – Store your boat in a covered dry stack for additional protection from the elements, or go the whole hog and pay for a fully climate-controlled space.
• Shrink Wrapping – This option can be employed in dry docks or dry stacks but is probably unnecessary in a climate-controlled facility where temperature and humidity levels are constantly monitored and adjusted if necessary.

If you are not sure which solution to choose, we suggest consulting a local yachting professional like Simpson Marine. The type of vessel you own, together with its condition, may influence the advice you are given. The time of year and length of your visit will also be taken into consideration if you consult a reputable local expert. 

Regular Professional Maintenance and Inspections

Consider engaging the services of an experienced local professional to carry out occasional inspections and perform any necessary maintenance tasks on your yacht whilst it is docked in Thailand. A suitably qualified professional will be able to spot any potential issues before they become major problems, helping you save money and protect your yacht. You may already employ an expert to look over your yacht annually, but we recommend increasing the frequency of inspections when docked in the Tropics.

Key Points to Consider

The main additional challenges presented by a tropical monsoon climate are high humidity levels and intense UV radiation. These can most effectively be dealt with by applying protective coatings and upgrading ventilation/cooling systems.

If you cannot take protective measures yourself, consider contacting Simpson Marine. We provide specialist services to the yachting community in Thailand. We also have offices in China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.