The care and maintenance of a boat are very similar to taking care of cars. Maintaining your boat isn’t difficult but it takes commitment and consistency. Similar to a car, a boat will need certain types of maintenance at certain times and after usage.
Read on for a boat maintenance checklist, easy advice for maintaining your boat, and the best way to schedule your scheduled maintenance.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
When you purchase a boat and you are considering buying one, you must have a maintenance plan. Check your current expertise and capabilities. What kind of service do you know how to handle, and which services you should seek help from a professional for?
To maintain your boat, follow the following steps:
- Check the battery charge
- Test your electronics
- Test your lights
- Check the levels of fluids such as power steering and coolant
- Change the oil
- Inspect the propeller
- Examine the gas tank as well as the fuel lines and engines to check for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
- Check that the railings are secured
- Ensure that you are wearing all the necessary safety gear
- Check the belts and other engine components
- Get your boat detailed
Easy ways to maintain a boat
Wash and wax
One of the easiest methods to ensure longevity on your yacht is to keep the fiberglass hull in good condition and well-lubricated. The coating of gel on fiberglass is chalky when it’s not regularly waxed. 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 regular waxing is vital to the life expectancy of your boat. Without a sealant made of wax to protect your boat, it could be prone to oxidation and will cost more to repair than have it properly waxed up from the beginning.
Cleansing your boat both inside and out will prevent any build-up of mold. The effects of mold can be pervasive and it’s best to wash your boat frequently than attempt to stop the spread of mold. Be cautious when using harsh chemicals to clean your boat since they can reduce your gel coat. Regularly cleaning your boat once or twice each year will not only keep your boat looking gorgeous it will also ensure that it’s working correctly.
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Wipe Off Your Boat
After a wonderful day in the sea take a towel to dry your boat clean. Insistent moisture can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, staining, corrosion, and other issues. Drying off any water can make your boat last longer. Lifejackets, ropes, towels water toys, Boston whaler parts, and other objects that are susceptible to water or moisture retention should be removed from the boat, dried off, and put in a dry storage container after use.
Check Metal Parts for Corrosion
Anything that has metal parts exposed in your boat can corrode and rust. Examine the metal components regularly for signs of corrosion and dry them as often as you can. The engine of your boat should be checked for corrosion. To prevent corrosion as well as other engine issues It is important to regularly clean your engine.
Regular Oil Changes
Read the instruction manual to find out the time frame you must alter your oil. The rule of thumb is to change the oil about every 100 hours of running. Fast-lube shops for boats as well as watercraft aren’t actually available and you must go to a certified expert or a dealership with a service center.
Check Your Propeller
Do not neglect to thoroughly inspect your propeller. There are a lot of issues that can arise from the propeller, and you should remove it regularly throughout the boating season and examine it. It’s fine to have scratches or missing paint, but large dents or signs of impact should be addressed by an experienced professional. In the absence of professional help, it can cause a loss of performance and higher consumption of fuel. This is also a great opportunity to determine if your water intake is clear from any debris.
A common issue is fishing line may end up wrapping around the propeller. If this happens then you need to ask the dealer to check the gearcase to ensure there are no leaks that have occurred. Servicing your gearcase is best performed by a trained professional. After inspecting your propeller, you should add waterproof grease. Then, you can reinstall the propeller in the exact order you removed it.
Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season
Batteries do not last for long, but you can extend the life of your battery by dismantling it during the winter months when your boat is stored away. Make sure it is clean, and charged, and store it in a location in a place that won’t be affected by temperature changes and the elements.
Taking A Boat in for Maintenance
The boat should be brought in for maintenance prior to the beginning of the boating season as well as for maintenance when situations occur, like an unfinished prop or engine corrosion or even changing the oil. When you take your boat to be serviced for maintenance, winterization, or spring cleaning, you should call before time and arrange to be in by early.