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T&T - NewsWhat lasts how long?

Fridtjof Gunkel

 · 15.06.2003

T&T - News: What lasts how long?
All about the durability of yachts and equipment

Ships and their accessories are expensive, but should function for many years. The new YACHT (issue 13) provides a comprehensive analysis of the expected durability of the various components that make up a ship.

Gelcoat and teak deck, rigging, sails, sprayhood, hatches, ventilators, fittings, electrics, electronics, furniture, upholstery, gas, water, toilet and life-saving appliances as well as the engine are subject to natural wear and tear - and suffer from poor maintenance or incorrect handling. How values can be preserved and the equipment remains reliable is the central topic of the report.

In addition, new testing methods can be used to check materials for damage in a non-destructive manner. This creates safety, makes buying a boat easier and can help to save high repair costs. The report shows which methods are available and what they can achieve.

YACHT 13 is available at newsagents from 18 June

Fridtjof Gunkel

Fridtjof Gunkel

Deputy Chief Editor YACHT

Fridtjof Gunkel was born on Helgoland in 1962; he started his sailing career there in the Opti and quickly switched to keelboats. North Sea Week, Cowes Week and Kiel Week were early stops, followed by many years in the Admiral's Cup scene on the cuppers “Container” and “Rubin” World Championships and international regattas in the Starboat, with the mini-maxi “SiSiSi” and various tonner yachts as well as participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race were further formative stations, flanked by extensive cruising trips. Fridtjof Gunkel joined YACHT back in 1985 as part of a traineeship, where he later became Head of the Test & Technology department and then Deputy Editor-in-Chief around 25 years ago. He is also responsible for the regatta and sports section. Fridtjof Gunkel privately sails a performance/cruiser moored on the Baltic coast, his favorite areas are the eastern Swedish archipelago and Brittany.

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