The care and maintenance of your boat are like taking care of cars. Maintaining your boat’s condition isn’t difficult but it is a matter of commitment and consistency. Similar to cars boats will require certain types of maintenance at certain points in time and at the end of each use.
Check out this article for a boat maintenance checklist, easy guidelines for maintenance of your boat, and tips on scheduling a servicing.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
If you are buying a boat you must think about having an action plan for maintaining it. Take inventory of your current knowledge and abilities. What sort of services do you know how to perform, and what are the services you should seek advice from a professional for?
To maintain your boat It is recommended to:
- Test your electronics
- Make sure the battery is charged
- Test your lights
- Check the levels of fluids such as power steering and coolant
- Change the oil Inspect the propellor
- Inspect the gas tank or fuel lines as well as engines to check for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
- Check that the railings are secure
- Ensure you’ve got all the necessary safety gear
- Check belts and engine components
- Get your boat detailed
Simple ways to maintain a boat
Wash and wax
One of the best methods to ensure the longevity of the boat you own is to ensure that the fiberglass hull is clear and well-lubricated. The coating of gel on fiberglass will become chalky if waxed regularly. It can also be helpful to dewax the previous coating prior to applying a fresh layer of wax. As with cars, boats don’t have a clear coat, therefore proper waxing is essential to the longevity of your watercraft.
Without a wax sealant, to ensure the safety of your boat, it can become oxidized and cost more to repair than get it waxed properly up on the front. Cleansing your boat both inside and out will prevent mold build-up. Mold can be very sneaky, and it’s better to clean your boat often than try to control the spread of mold. Beware of cleaning with harsh chemicals in your boat as they can reduce the gel coating. Cleaning your boat at least once or twice per year is not just a way to ensure that your boat looks great however, it can also guarantee it’s functioning properly.
Wipe Off Your Boat
After a wonderful day in the sea take a towel to dry your boat clean. Insistent moisture can lead to mold growth, mildew growth, staining, corrosion, and many other problems. Drying off any excess water will allow your boat to last longer. Lifejackets, ropes, towels water toys, and other objects that are susceptible to water or moisture retention must be removed from the boat, dried, and put in dry storage containers after use.
Check Metal Parts for Corrosion
Any exposed metal piece of your boat is able to corrosion and rust. Be sure to inspect the metal connections regularly for signs of corrosion, and dry them as soon as you can. The engine of your boat should be checked for corrosion. To prevent corrosion and other issues with your engine it is recommended to clean your engine.
Regular Oil Changes
Check the manual for the frequency you should check your oil. In general, you should change the oil about every 100 running hours. Quickly-lube shops for boats and watercraft don’t exist therefore, you need to take your boat to an authorized specialist or a dealership with an authorized service center.
Check Your Propeller
Do not neglect to thoroughly inspect your propeller. Many issues could arise with your propeller, so you should regularly remove it from the boating season. You should also inspect it. It’s fine to have scratches or damaged paint, however, the most severe dents or indications of impact need to be addressed with a professional. If not, it could result in a loss of efficiency and additional fuel consumption. It is also an excellent opportunity to verify that your water intake is free from any debris.
An issue that is common is that the fishing line could end up wrapped around your propeller. If this occurs then you need to ask your dealer to look over your gearcase and make sure there aren’t any leaks. For this reason, you should always have boat replacement parts with you, so in case something goes wrong you can easily replace it.
The servicing of your gearcase should be carried out by a qualified professional. After you have inspected your propeller, you need to apply waterproof grease and reinstall it the same as you took it out.
Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season
Batteries aren’t guaranteed to last for long, but you can prolong the lifespan of your battery if you remove it during off-seasons when your boat is stored. Make sure it is clean, and charged, and store it in a place where it isn’t altered by temperature changes or the elements.
Taking A Boat in for Maintenance
You must bring your boat in for service before the beginning of the boating season and also for maintenance when circumstances arise like an unfinished prop, corrosion in the engine or even changing the oil. If you take your boat into the shop for winterization, spring maintenance, or spring cleaning make sure you call prior to the time and make plans to arrive early.