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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nKey Takeaways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Annual Maintenance<\/strong>: The Royal Conquest undergoes a yearly haul-out for critical maintenance, ensuring its longevity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hull and Component Care<\/strong>: The hull is sanded, refinished, and treated with anti-fouling paint to reduce marine growth, and essential parts like drive shafts and rudder shafts are serviced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- USCG Inspection<\/strong>: The ship is prepared for the biennial USCG inspection, ensuring it meets all safety and seaworthiness standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- **A Fresh Look: The ship receives a full paint job and artistic detailing, enhancing its pirate-themed appearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ongoing Upgrades<\/strong>: In addition to major maintenance, other upgrades, such as varnishing cap rails and replacing rigging cables, are also carried out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Annual Haul-Out: A Tradition of Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Each year, the Royal Conquest is hauled out of the water for a comprehensive maintenance and upkeep process. This haul-out is not just a routine check; it\u2019s a vital part of preserving the ship\u2019s structural integrity and ensuring that she remains in top condition for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first step in the haul-out process is to remove the vessel from the water and place it securely in dry dock. Once the Royal Conquest is out of the water, we begin the meticulous task of sanding and refinishing the hull below the waterline. This is an important step because the hull is constantly exposed to the harsh marine environment, which can lead to the buildup of barnacles, oysters, coral, and other biological growth. To prevent this, we apply a special anti-fouling paint that slows down marine growth, keeping the hull clean and reducing drag in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to hull maintenance, we also service critical components such as the drive shafts, rudder shafts, and propellers. This includes swapping out the cutlass bearings, which support the shafts, and replacing the shaft seals to prevent water ingress. These tasks are essential to ensuring the smooth operation of the vessel and to extending the lifespan of these vital parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preparing for the USCG Inspection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Every two years, the Royal Conquest undergoes an out-of-the-water inspection by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). This inspection is scheduled well in advance, and it\u2019s a thorough examination of the vessel\u2019s overall seaworthiness. The USCG inspectors come aboard to check various aspects of the ship, including its structural integrity, safety equipment, and operational readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any issues identified during the inspection must be addressed before the Royal Conquest can be cleared to sail again. Thanks to our diligent maintenance practices over the past five years, we do not anticipate any major issues arising during this year\u2019s inspection. Our team has worked hard to keep the ship in excellent condition, and we\u2019re confident that she\u2019ll pass the inspection with flying colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Fresh Look for the Royal Conquest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s haul-out will be particularly exciting, as we\u2019re giving the Royal Conquest a full paint job above the waterline. After years of sun, salt, and sea, she\u2019s due for a serious refresh. The process of painting the ship is as detailed as it is important, and it begins with a thorough wash-down of the entire exterior to scrub away loose dirt and grime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the ship is clean, we\u2019ll set up scaffolding around the boat to provide access to every nook and cranny. The next step is to sand the entire exterior to create a smooth surface for the new paint. After sanding, we\u2019ll wipe down the exterior with acetone to remove any remaining oils, wax, and contaminants that could interfere with the paint adhesion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the preparation complete, we\u2019ll apply a primer base coat to ensure a strong bond between the surface and the paint. Then comes the base color, which will restore the Royal Conquest\u2019s vibrant, eye-catching appearance. But we\u2019re not stopping there\u2014after the base color is applied, we\u2019ll bring in an artist to add detailed artwork and a wood grain effect, giving the ship its distinctive, pirate-inspired look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, some of this work has already begun. Just a few months ago, artist Patti Suzette climbed aboard the Royal Conquest to give some TLC to the bow sprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Hull and Component Care<\/strong>: The hull is sanded, refinished, and treated with anti-fouling paint to reduce marine growth, and essential parts like drive shafts and rudder shafts are serviced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n