Cleaning up after the boat is like taking care of the car. Maintaining your boat shouldn’t be difficult, but it requires consistency and dedication. Like a car the boat needs certain types of maintenance at certain milestones and after use.
Read on for a boat maintenance checklist, easy tips for boat maintenance, and how to schedule a servicing.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
When you purchase a boat You should think about having a plan of maintenance. Check your current knowledge and abilities. What types of services do you know how to handle, and which are the services you should seek advice from a professional?
If you want to keep your boat in good condition, follow the following steps:
- Test your electronics
- Test your lights
- The battery’s charge should be checked
- Check 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
- Verify that the railing is secure
- Make sure you’ve got all the safety equipment you need.
- Check the belts and other engine components
- Get your boat detailed
Simple ways to maintain a boat
Wash it and wax it
One of the best ways to prolong the performance that your boat can provide is to ensure that the fiberglass hull is clean and well-lubricated. The coating of fiberglass gets chalky if not regularly waxed. It is also helpful to dewax the previous coat before applying a fresh coat of wax. Like cars, boats do not have a clear coat so proper waxing is essential to the durability of your boat. Without a wax sealant in place to ensure the safety of your boat, it can get oxidized quickly and cost more to fix than it would have it properly waxed up at the beginning.
Cleansing your boat both outside and inside will help prevent the growth of mold. The effects of mold can be pervasive and it’s better to clean your boat often than try to stop the spread of mold. Avoid cleaning with harsh chemicals in your boat since they could ruin that gel layer. Cleaning your boat at least once or twice per year is not just a way to keep your boat looking amazing however, it can also guarantee it’s operating properly.
Wipe Your Boat
After a successful day out on the lake, grab an old towel and clean the boat clean. Insistent moisture can lead to mold growth, mildew, corrosion, stains, and other issues. Drying off any excess moisture can help your boat last longer. Lifejackets, rope, water toys, Boston whaler parts that you potentially bought recently to replace the old ones, and other objects that are susceptible to moisture or retention should be removed from the boat, dried, and put in an air-tight storage container following use.
Check Metal Parts for Corrosion
Any piece of metal that is exposed from the boat can corrosion and rust. Make sure to check the metal parts regularly to look for signs of rust and dry them as soon as you can. Your boat’s engine must be checked for corrosion. To prevent corrosion and other engine issues, you should regularly clean your engine.
Regular Oil Changes
See the manual for the details on the frequency you should change your oil. In general, you should change the oil about every 100 hours of running. Fast-lube shops for boats as well as watercraft do not exist therefore, you need to make sure you take your boat to an authorized specialist or a dealership with a service center.
Check Your Propeller
Never skip thoroughly checking your propeller. There are a lot of issues that could arise with your propeller. You should regularly remove it from the boating season and examine it. It’s okay to have scratches or damaged paint, however, any large dents or indications of impact must be dealt with by an experienced professional. In the absence of professional help, it can lead to loss of performance and increased fuel consumption.
It is also an excellent opportunity to check if your water intake is free of any obstructions. A common issue is fishing line may end up wrapped around your propeller. If this occurs, you should ask your dealer to examine your gearcase and make sure there are no leaks that have occurred. Maintenance of the gearcase should be done by a knowledgeable professional. After inspecting your propeller, you must add water-proof grease and install the propeller in exactly the same way you removed it.
Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season
Batteries do not last for eternity, but you can extend the lifespan of your battery by dismantling it during off-seasons when your boat is stored. Cleaning it up, charging it, and storing it somewhere in 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 to the service center prior to the time the boating season begins and for any maintenance needed when situations occur, like damage to the prop or engine corrosion or the need for an oil replacement. When you bring your boat into the shop for winterization or spring service You should make a call ahead of time and plan to be in by early.
