Caring for a boat is very similar to taking care of an automobile. Maintaining your boat shouldn’t be difficult however, it does require commitment and consistency. Just like a car boats will require certain kinds of maintenance at certain milestones and after use.
Check out this article for a checklist for maintenance on your boat, easy guidelines for maintenance of your boat, and how to schedule your scheduled maintenance.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
If you decide to purchase a boat, you should consider having an action plan for maintaining it. Check your current skills and knowledge. What kind of service are you already proficient to complete, and which services should you seek assistance from a professional for?
If you want to keep your boat in good condition, you should:
- Test your electronics
- Test your lights
- Check the levels of fluids like power steering or coolant
- Change the oil
- Inspect the propellor
- Check the battery’s charge
- Inspect the gas tank, fuel lines, and engines for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
- Check that the railings are safe
- Make sure that you’ve got all your safety gear
- Check belts, and other engine components
- Check all your boat doors, if they can’t close, or have dents in them, it’s a good time to replace them
- Get your boat detailed
How to keep a boat in good shape
Wash and wax
One of the most efficient methods to ensure longevity for your vessel is to keep the fiberglass hull in good condition and well-lubricated. The gel coating that covers fiberglass will become chalky if waxed on a regular basis. It is also helpful to wash off the previous layer prior to applying a new layer of wax. Like cars, boats do not have a clear coat so proper waxing is vital to the longevity of your watercraft.
Without a wax sealant to protect the boat, it will rapidly deteriorate and cost more to repair than to be properly waxed up from the beginning. Cleansing your boat both in and out can prevent mold build-up. Mold can be very sneaky, and it’s best to wash your boat regularly rather than try to stop the spread of mold. Be careful about using harsh chemicals to clean your boat, as they may affect the coating of the gel. Cleaning your boat at least once or twice per year will not only keep your boat looking gorgeous but, can also guarantee it’s operating properly.
Wipe Off Your Boat
After a day of fun enjoying the ocean, take some towels and scrub your boat off. Lingering moisture can contribute to the growth of mold, mildew corrosion, staining, and other issues. Drying off any moisture will help your boat last longer. Lifejackets rope water toys, and other things that are vulnerable to water or moisture retention should be removed from the boat, dried, and stored in an air-tight storage container following use.
Check Metal Parts for Corrosion
Any exposed metal piece of your boat is able to cause 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 examined for corrosion. To avoid corrosion and many other issues with your engine you must regularly clean your engine.
Regular Oil Changes
See the manual for the details on the frequency you should replace your engine. It is generally recommended that you change your oil every hundred running hours. Quickly-lube shops for boats and watercraft don’t exist which is why you must go to an authorized specialist or a dealership with a service center.
Check Your Propeller
Never skip thoroughly checking your propeller. A whole mess of issues could arise with your propeller. You need to remove it often throughout the season of boating and check it. It’s normal to get scratches or damaged paint, however, significant dents or signs of impact need to be addressed by a professional. In the absence of professional help, it can result in loss of performance and extra fuel consumption.
This is also a great opportunity to determine if your water intake is clean of any debris. An issue that is common is that the fishing line can end up in the propeller. If this happens, you should ask your dealer to look over the gearcase to ensure there is no evidence of leaks. Servicing your gearcase is best performed by a professional with experience. After examining your propeller you need to apply waterproof grease and reinstall the propeller in the exact way you removed it.
Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season
Batteries will not last for long, but you can prolong the lifespan of your battery by taking it off it during the off-season while your boat is stored away. Take it apart, recharge it and store it in a location in a place that won’t be affected by temperature fluctuations and the elements.
Taking A Boat in for Maintenance
Make sure to take your boat in for service before the start of the season for boating as well as for maintenance when situations occur, like an unfinished prop, corrosion in the engine, or even an oil exchange. If you take your boat into the shop for winterization, or spring service make sure you call before time and arrange to get in early.
