Maintaining the boat is like caring for cars. Maintaining your boat isn’t difficult but it will require patience and perseverance. Similar to cars it will require certain kinds of maintenance at certain intervals, and also after use.
Keep reading for a checklist for maintenance on your boat, easy tips for boat maintenance, and tips on scheduling a servicing.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
If you are buying a boat you must think about having a maintenance plan. Review your current knowledge and abilities. What kinds of services are you already able to handle, and which services do you need assistance from a professional for?
In order to maintain your boat For maintenance on your boat, follow the following steps:
- Test your electronics
- Examine the battery’s charge
- Test your lights
- Check for fluid levels like power steering and coolant
- Change the oil
- Check the propeller
- Inspect the gas tank as well as the fuel lines and engines for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
- Check that railing is secured
- Make sure that you’ve got all your safety gear
- Check belts, and other engine components
- Get your boat detailed
Easy ways to maintain a boat
Wash and wax
One of the best ways to improve the performance of your boat is to ensure that the fiberglass hull is in good condition and well-lubricated. The gel coating that covers fiberglass can become chalky if it is not waxed regularly. It is also beneficial to wash off the previous layer before applying a new coat of wax. As with cars, boats don’t have clear coats so correct waxing is critical to the long-term durability of your watercraft. Without a wax sealant, to safeguard your boat, it will get oxidized quickly and cost more to repair than to get it waxed properly up upfront.
Cleaning your boat both inside and outside will avoid the accumulation of mold. The effects of mold can be pervasive and it’s better to clean your boat regularly rather than try to limit the spread of mold. Be cautious when cleaning with harsh chemicals in your boat since they could reduce the coating of gel. The occasional cleaning or detailing year is not just a way to ensure that your boat looks great it will also ensure that everything is working properly.
Wipe Off Your Boat
After a successful day out on the lake, grab an old towel and clean your boat off. Lingering moisture can contribute to the growth of mold, mildew staining, corrosion, and other issues. Drying off any excess water will allow your boat to last longer. Lifejackets, ropes water toys, as well as other items likely to be affected by moisture or retention, should be removed from the boat, dried off, and placed in dry boat storage boxes, after use.
Check Metal Parts for Corrosion
Every metal part that is exposed on your boat could be corroded and then rust. Make sure to check the metal parts regularly for signs of corrosion, and dry them as often as you can. The engine of your boat needs to be inspected for signs of corrosion. To avoid corrosion and many other engine issues, you should regularly clean your engine.
Regular Oil Changes
See the manual for the details on how often you have to check your oil. The rule of thumb is to change the oil about once every 100 hours. Fast-lube shops for boats as well as watercraft don’t really exist therefore, you need to bring your boat to an authorized specialist or a dealership with a service center.
Check Your Propeller
Don’t skip checking thoroughly your propeller. A whole mess of issues could occur with the propeller, and you need to remove it often throughout the boating season. You should also inspect it. It’s normal to get scratches or damaged paint, however significant dents, or signs of impact must be dealt with by an expert. In the absence of professional help, it can result in a decrease in performance as well as increased fuel consumption.
It’s also a good opportunity to verify that your water intake is clean of any obstructions. An issue that is common is that the fishing line could end up getting wrapped around the propeller. If this happens then you need to ask your dealer to look over your gearcase to make sure no leaks have been caused. Service to your gearcase must be carried out by a qualified professional. After you have inspected your propeller, you must add water-proof grease and install the propeller in exactly the same manner you removed it.
Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season
Batteries do not last for a long time, but you can extend the life of your battery if you remove it during the off-season, while your boat is stored away. It is cleaned, charged, and then store in an area a place that won’t be affected by temperature changes and the elements.
Taking A Boat in for Maintenance
Make sure to take your boat in for maintenance prior to the time the boating season begins and also for maintenance when scenarios arise such as damage to the prop corrosion in the engine, or even changing the oil. When you take your boat to be serviced for maintenance, spring servicing, or winterization make sure you call ahead of time and plan to arrive early.