Boat gangways: guide to proper maintenance and cleaning

With the arrival of the beautiful season, it’s time to get back on board our yachts to enjoy the breeze in open waters. But along with these pleasures of life, we also need to take care of the maintenance and cleaning of the boat. Among the various tasks for boat owners with large boats and their crews, there’s the maintenance and cleaning of the boat gangways: this is one of the most important parts to keep polished, as they are the first surface our guests set foot on, thus representing the calling card of our yacht.

In this regard, we consulted Fiorella Besenzoni, owner of Besenzoni Spa, a leading Bergamo-based company in the international market for marine components for luxury yachts. In over half a century of history, Besenzoni has specialized in the production of accessories for yachts and superyachts of extraordinary quality and design, among which the yacht gangways stand out. It’s a real must for the company, which offers a wide range of items, from the telescopic hydraulic gangway with external fixing to the more articulated one with a rotating group and crane function, up to the high-end retractable gangways with three-stage telescopic and the latest electric gangways. Therefore, there couldn’t be a better spokesperson to provide some advice on the precautions to follow regarding the maintenance and cleaning of gangways.

Boat gangways: proper cleaning

“Our gangways are made with materials that significantly reduce the need for cleaning or maintenance – Fiorella Besenzoni emphasizes – However, there are some small precautions that promote their good preservation. Firstly, after each navigation, it’s important to thoroughly rinse the gangway with fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth, paying particular attention to the stainless steel parts. This is because if left to air dry, the gangways will inevitably stain irreversibly”.

Besenzoni continues: “When cleaning the gangways, it’s important to avoid using metal scrubbers or other accessories that can damage the surface of the steel, exposing it to rapid oxidation”. The choice of detergent is also key: “The gangway should be periodically cleaned with a neutral and biodegradable detergent, as it is exposed to acidic and greasy deposits from engine exhaust fumes”.

Maintenance and seasonal checks

In addition to the periodic cleaning of the gangways, Besenzoni also suggests some precautions regarding the seasonal maintenance of this important component: “Before winter, it’s crucial to treat the wood of the gangway with a complete protective cycle; while at the beginning of each season, it’s advisable to clean and lubricate the telescopic sector’s sliding guides and hinges with silicone spray”.

Another series of checks concern the components of electric gangways. Besenzoni continues: “It’s important to periodically assess the good condition of the lines of the stanchions, as well as to check that the remote control batteries are in good condition. Often, customers call us because the gangway isn’t working, but it’s actually just the batteries. At least once a year, it’s advisable to treat the grating with the appropriate paint, to prevent water infiltration and swelling of the underlying wood. Finally, remember to check the oil level, and if it’s below the minimum level, top it up with oil such as OIL OSO 46 or equivalent.”

Last but not least: in some cases, DIY is not recommended, and extraordinary maintenance should always be carried out by specialized technical staff.