How to Preserve and Maintain a Yacht Sauna During Long Periods of Inactivity
When a yacht remains docked for weeks or months, the sauna is one of the areas most prone to deterioration. Marine humidity, salt, condensation, and small hull movements can damage wood, stones, sensors, and electrical components.
This FAQ provides recommended practices to keep your sauna in perfect condition, even during extended periods of inactivity.
1. Keep the Sauna Door Slightly Open
The sauna door on board a yacht should NOT remain fully closed for weeks. Leaving it slightly open helps to:
- prevent condensation
- avoid mold
- keep the wood ventilated
- prevent stale odors
It is recommended to leave the sauna door open by 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 inches) throughout the entire inactivity period.
2. Turn On the Sauna for 10–15 Minutes Once a Month
Periodic operation is important, even if the sauna is not used regularly. This simple action helps maintain both the wood and electronic components, as turning it on:
- dries residual moisture
- prevents oxidation of electrical contacts
- maintains wood elasticity
- preserves sensors and the display
The recommended procedure is as follows:
- leave the door open for the first 5 minutes
- close the door and heat the sauna to 40–50°C (104–122°F)
- turn it off and allow it to cool
3. Remove Objects, Towels, or Accessories from the Sauna
To prevent mold growth within a few weeks and maintain a healthy sauna environment, it is essential not to leave objects or fabrics inside after use. In particular, never leave the following items in the sauna:
- damp towels
- cushions
- bathrobes
- SPA products
- water-soaked wood elements
4. Check Sauna Stones Before Restarting
Before turning the sauna on after a long period of inactivity, it is essential to inspect the stones, as they may absorb moisture, crack due to condensation, or emit a burnt smell when reheated. Below is the correct procedure for checking sauna stones:
- remove all stones
- dry them in the sun or replace them
- discard any broken stones
- reassemble the stones, ensuring proper air channels
5. Check the Temperature Sensor
The sauna temperature sensor should also be checked before restarting, as inactivity may compromise its performance. Make sure that the sensor is not oxidized, does not touch the wooden slats, and is installed at 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) on the side opposite the heater.
6. Verify Sauna Cabin Ventilation
Sauna ventilation must be checked before restarting, as blockages may form during inactivity. This may occur when:
- air vents are closed
- benches or panels block the vents
- condensation accumulates
The solution is to check both the lower air intake and the upper air outlet, ensuring proper airflow within the cabin.
7. Protect the Display and Control Unit from Humidity
To prevent electronic malfunctions, it is important to protect the display and control unit from moisture, especially after long periods of inactivity. We recommend the following useful precautions:
- keep the cabin dry
- ventilate the technical room
- check the display fuse after periods of inactivity
- ensure there is no internal condensation
8. Complete Cleaning Before Reuse
After a long period of inactivity, a thorough cleaning of all sauna interiors on board is required. This process includes:
- using a sauna-specific detergent
- wiping surfaces with a damp cloth
- complete drying
- optional application of paraffin oil to nourish the wood
Centro Italia Yachting recommends using the dedicated Sauna Cleaning and Periodic Maintenance Kit specifically designed for yacht saunas.
9. Common Issues After Extended Inactivity
After long inactivity, several issues related to moisture and inactive components may occur, such as:
- unpleasant odors
- mold on benches
- malfunctioning temperature sensor (incorrect readings)
- stones producing smoke
- slow heater warm-up
- display not turning on due to oxidized fuse
- darkened wood
These issues are common if the sauna has remained unused for an extended period.
If you notice failure to turn on, incorrect temperature readings, stones smoking, burnt odors, sensor malfunctions, or difficulty reaching 50–60°C (122–140°F), it is advisable to stop using the sauna and rely on a qualified technician. For professional assistance and spare parts dedicated to saunas and steam rooms installed on board yachts, please contact Centro Italia Yachting at the Italy Toll-Free Number 800 931 931.
