How To Take Care Of Your Boat

Taking care of the boat is like caring for a car. Maintaining your boat isn’t difficult, but it requires consistency and dedication. Similar to cars the boat needs certain types of maintenance at certain intervals, and also after use.

Follow this complete checklist for boat maintenance, easy advice for maintaining your boat, and how to schedule your scheduled maintenance.

Boat Maintenance Checklist

When you purchase a vessel you must think about having plans for maintenance. Be aware of your current experience and skills. What sort of services do you already know how to accomplish, and what services should you seek assistance from a professional?

To maintain your boat For maintenance on your boat, follow the following steps:

  • Check the battery charge
  • Test your electronics
  • Test your lights
  • Check for fluid levels including power steering and coolant
  • Change the oil
  • Inspect the propellor
  • Inspect the gas tank, fuel lines, and engines for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
  • Check that railing is safe
  • Make sure that you’ve got all the safety equipment you need.
  • Check belts and engine components
  • Get your boat detailed

Easy methods to maintain a boat

Wash and wax

One of the easiest methods to ensure longevity for your vessel is to keep the fiberglass hull free of dirt and well-lubricated. The coating of gel on fiberglass can become chalky if it is not waxed regularly. It is also beneficial to dewax the previous coating before applying a new coat of wax. Unlike cars, boats lack a clear coat so proper waxing is crucial to the long-term durability of your watercraft.

Without a wax sealant in place to ensure the safety of your boat, it can rapidly deteriorate and cost more to fix than it would get it properly waxed up front. Cleaning your boat from inside to out will stop the build-up of mold. The effects of mold can be pervasive and it’s better to clean your boat on a regular basis than to try to stop the spread of mold. Be careful about using harsh chemicals to clean your boat since they can cause damage to your gel coat. A once- or twice-a-year cleaning once or twice a year is not just a way to keep your boat looking great and clean, but also to make sure it’s functioning properly.

Wipe Off All The Water

After a day of fun at sea, take a towel and wipe the boat clean. The lingering moisture could cause mold growth, mildew growth, corrosion, stains, and other issues. Drying off any excess moisture can help your boat last longer. Lifejackets rope water toys, stainless steel drawer slides, and other items that are likely to be affected by moisture or retention should be removed from the boat, dried, and put into dry storage containers after use.

Check Metal Parts for Corrosion

Any metal component that is exposed to your boat may cause corrosion and rust. Make sure to check the metal parts regularly for signs of corrosion and dry them as soon as you can. Your boat’s engine must be inspected for signs of corrosion. To avoid corrosion and many other engine issues it is recommended to flush your engine.

Regular Oil Changes

See the manual for the details on the frequency you should switch your oil. Generally, you should change the oil about every 100 running hours. Quickly-lube shops for boats and watercraft do not exist therefore, you need to visit an authorized specialist or a dealership with a service center.

Check Your Propeller

Make sure you thoroughly check your propeller. There is a myriad of problems that could arise with your propeller. You should remove it regularly throughout the boating season and examine it. It’s fine to have scratches or missing paint, but any large dents or indications of impact must be dealt with by a professional. In the absence of professional help, it can result in loss of performance as well as increased fuel consumption. This is also a great occasion to ensure that your water supply is free of debris. A common problem is that the fishing line can end up getting wrapped around the propeller.

If this happens then you must ask your dealer to look over the gearcase of your vehicle and make sure no leaks have been caused. Service to your gearcase must be handled by a skilled professional. After inspecting the propeller, you need to apply water-proof grease and install your propeller in the same order you removed it.

Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season

Batteries don’t last forever, but you may prolong the life of your battery by removing it during the off-season, while your boat is stored. Make sure it is clean, and charged, and store it in a location in a place that won’t be affected by changes in temperature and the elements.

Taking A Boat in for Maintenance

Make sure to take your boat to be serviced prior to the time the boating season begins and for maintenance when certain scenarios arise such as a dented prop, corrosion in the engine, or changing the oil. When you take your boat to be serviced for maintenance, spring servicing, or winterization, you should call beforehand and plan to get in early.