Question 1

How often should a yacht be serviced in South Florida?

Accepted Answer

In South Florida's warm, humid, and salt-heavy marine environment, we recommend a full preventive maintenance inspection every 100 engine hours or at minimum twice per year — before and after peak season. The combination of heat, UV exposure, and saltwater accelerates wear on engines, electrical systems, and hull coatings far faster than in northern climates. Vessels kept in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Palm Beach marinas benefit from quarterly check-ins to catch corrosion, growth, and mechanical wear early.

Question 2

What is included in a standard yacht maintenance program?

Accepted Answer

Our standard maintenance programs cover engine and mechanical servicing, electrical systems inspection, bilge and plumbing checks, through-hull maintenance, zincs replacement, raw water impeller service, belt and hose inspection, and safety equipment review. We build a customized schedule around your vessel's make, model, usage patterns, and manufacturer recommendations — so nothing gets missed between cruises.

Question 3

Do you service yachts at the marina or do they need to come to a yard?

Accepted Answer

We come to your vessel. Our technicians are fully mobile and service yachts dockside at marinas throughout Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach — including Bahia Mar, Pier 66, Las Olas Marina, Lauderdale Marine Center, and Dinner Key Marina. Haul-out work requiring a boatyard is coordinated through our trusted yard partners so you have a single point of contact.

Question 4

Can you handle emergency repairs on short notice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We maintain a team of 50+ technicians across South Florida specifically so we can respond quickly when something goes wrong before a charter, a boat show, or a planned departure. Call us at 954-412-1495 and we will dispatch the right specialist to your vessel as fast as possible.

Question 5

What does full yacht management include?

Accepted Answer

Full yacht management means we handle everything so you can simply enjoy your vessel. That includes coordinating all maintenance and repairs, managing crew hiring and payroll, overseeing insurance and documentation, handling provisioning and logistics, managing vendor relationships, and providing detailed financial reporting. Owners receive regular updates and have complete visibility into their vessel's status without having to manage the day-to-day themselves.

Question 6

Is yacht management worth it for part-time owners?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Part-time owners — especially those who visit Fort Lauderdale or Miami seasonally — benefit most from professional management. Without regular oversight, vessels deteriorate quickly in South Florida's climate. A management program ensures your yacht is maintained, monitored, and ready every time you arrive, while protecting its long-term value. Many owners find the cost of management is offset by catching small issues before they become expensive repairs.

Question 7

Do you manage yachts in Miami and Palm Beach as well as Fort Lauderdale?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While our home base is Fort Lauderdale — the yachting capital of the world — we actively manage vessels and provide services throughout South Florida, including Miami, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Palm Beach, and the surrounding areas. Our team travels to wherever your vessel is berthed.

Question 8

How often should a yacht be detailed in Florida?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a full detail every 3 to 4 months for vessels kept in South Florida. The intense UV radiation, salt spray, and humidity cause oxidation, water spotting, and teak degradation much faster here than in cooler climates. Regular detailing protects gelcoat and paint, preserves teak, and keeps stainless and chrome from pitting. Vessels preparing for Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show or a charter season benefit from a full detail beforehand.

Question 9

What is the difference between a wash-down and a full detail?

Accepted Answer

A wash-down is a surface clean — rinsing salt, removing loose debris, and wiping down exposed surfaces. A full detail goes much deeper: compound and polish to remove oxidation, wax or ceramic coating application, teak cleaning and oiling, stainless polishing, glass treatment, and interior cleaning. For vessels in South Florida's conditions, a wash-down maintains appearance between details, but only a full detail restores and protects the finish.

Question 10

How do you vet crew candidates?

Accepted Answer

Every crew candidate we place goes through background and reference checks, STCW certification verification, and an in-person or video interview with our placement team. We match candidates not just on qualifications but on personality fit for the vessel and owner's style. We have an established network of experienced captains, engineers, deckhands, stewardesses, and chefs across South Florida and the broader yachting community.

Question 11

Can you find crew for a short-term charter or event?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We place crew for both permanent positions and short-term engagements — including day charters, weekend trips, boat show staffing, and special events. If you need a qualified captain or additional crew for a specific occasion in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, contact us and we will match you with available, vetted professionals.

Question 12

What areas of South Florida do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Fort Lauderdale and serve the entire South Florida yachting corridor — from Palm Beach and Boca Raton in the north, through Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, down to Miami, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and the Florida Keys. If your vessel is berthed anywhere along this stretch, we can reach you.

Question 13

How do I get started with General Boat Services?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to call us at 954-412-1495 or fill out the contact form on our website. We will schedule a vessel assessment at your marina, discuss your needs, and recommend the right service program. There is no obligation — we want to understand your vessel and your goals before proposing anything.

Question 14

Do you work with superyachts as well as smaller vessels?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our team has experience across the full range — from 30-foot sportfishers to 200-foot superyachts. We have the crew, equipment, and vendor relationships to handle vessels of any size. Fort Lauderdale is home to some of the world's largest private yachts, and we are proud to serve owners at every level of the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yacht Maintenance & Service

Yacht Management

Detailing & Appearance

Crew Placement

Service Area & Getting Started

Serving South Florida's Yachting Community