Cleaning up after the boat is similar to caring for the car. Maintaining your boat isn’t difficult but it is a matter of consistency and dedication. Just like a car boats will require specific types of maintenance at certain points in time and at the end of each use.
Check out this article for a checklist for maintaining your boat, quick tips for boat maintenance, and the best way to schedule your scheduled maintenance.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
When you purchase a vessel you must think about having a maintenance plan. Review your current capabilities and knowledge. What type of work do you already know how to perform, and what services should you seek assistance from a professional for?
If you want to keep your boat in good condition For maintenance on your boat, follow the following steps:
- Test your electronics
- Test your lights
- Check the battery’s charge
- Check fluid levels such as power steering, and coolant
- Change the oil
- Inspect the propellor
- Inspect the tank for leaks as well as the fuel lines and engines for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
- Make sure the railing is safe
- Check your king starboard for any cracks, and replace it if needed
- Make sure that you’ve got all your 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 most efficient ways to prolong the performance of your yacht is to keep the fiberglass hull clean and well-lubricated. The coating of fiberglass can become chalky if it is not waxed regularly. It is also beneficial to dewax the previous coat prior to applying a new layer of wax.
Contrary to cars, boats do not have a clear coat so the proper application of wax is essential to ensure the long-term durability of your watercraft. Without a sealant made of wax to ensure the safety of your boat, it can be prone to oxidation and will cost more to fix than it would get it waxed properly up from the beginning.
Cleaning your boat both inside and outside will avoid the growth of mold. Mold can be insidious and it’s better to clean your boat often than try to control the spread of mold. Be careful about cleaning with harsh chemicals in your boat, as they may affect your gel coat. The occasional cleaning or detailing year will not only keep your boat looking gorgeous it will also ensure that it’s running properly.
Wipe Off Your Boat
After a fun day at sea, take a towel to dry your boat off. Moisture that is left on the boat can cause the development of mildew, mold, corrosion, stains, and other issues. Drying off any water will allow your boat to last longer. Lifejackets and ropes, towels water toys, and other items that are susceptible to moisture or retention must be removed from the vessel, dried off, and put into a dry storage container after use.
Check Metal Parts for Corrosion
Any metal component that is exposed to the boat can corrode and rust. Be sure to inspect the metal connections regularly to look for signs of rust and dry them when you can. Your boat’s engine must be checked for corrosion. To prevent corrosion as well as other engine problems you must regularly clean your engine.
Regular Oil Changes
See the manual for the details on the time frame you must check your oil. In general, you should replace the oil approximately every 100 hours of running. Quickly-lube stores for boats and watercraft aren’t available and therefore you must visit an expert who is certified or a dealer with a service center.
Check Your Propeller
Make sure you thoroughly check your propeller. Many problems can come up with the propeller, and you should regularly remove it from the boating season and examine it. It’s ok to have scratched or damaged paint, however, large dents or signs of damage should be taken care of by an expert. If not, it could result in loss of performance as well as increased fuel consumption. This is also a great opportunity to verify that your water intake is free from any debris.
A frequent problem is that fishing line that gets in the propeller. If this happens, you should ask your dealer to look over the gearcase of your vehicle and make sure there haven’t been any leaks. The servicing of your gearcase should be handled by a skilled professional. After you have inspected your propeller, you must add waterproof grease. Then, you can reinstall it, in the same manner, you removed it.
Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season
Batteries don’t last for a long time, but you can prolong the lifespan of your battery by removing it during off-seasons when your boat is stored away. Clean it, charge it, and store it somewhere where it isn’t affected by temperature changes and the elements.
Taking A Boat in for Maintenance
The boat should be brought in for service before the time the boating season begins as well as for maintenance when situations arise such as the prop being damaged or engine that is corroding, or even an oil exchange. When you take your boat to be serviced for maintenance, winterization, or spring cleaning, you should make a call before time and arrange to get in early.