Taking care of boats is quite similar to taking care of an automobile. Maintaining your boat’s condition isn’t difficult but it is a matter of commitment and consistency. Just like a car boat, boats require certain types of maintenance on certain points and after use.
Read on for a boat maintenance checklist, easy ways to maintain your boat, and how to schedule an appointment for service.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
If you are buying a boat, you should consider having an action plan for maintaining it. Be aware of your current capabilities and knowledge. What types of services are you already able to perform, and what services should you seek assistance from a professional for?
In order to maintain your boat, it is important to:
- Test your electronics
- Check the battery’s charge
- Test your lights
- Check for fluid levels like power steering or coolant
- Change the oil
- Examine the propeller
- Check the gas tank along with the fuel lines, engines, and fuel tanks to check for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
- Ensure that the railing is secure
- Ensure you’ve got all the necessary 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 the boat you own is to keep the fiberglass hull fresh and well-lubricated. The coating of fiberglass can become chalky if it is not waxed regularly. It may also be beneficial to remove the previous coating prior to applying a fresh layer of wax.
Like cars, boats do not have clear coats, so regular waxing is critical to the long-term durability of your watercraft. Without a wax sealant, to protect your boat, it could become oxidized and cost more to repair than to have it properly waxed in at the beginning.
Keeping your boat clean outside and inside will help prevent the build-up of mold. The effects of mold can be pervasive and it’s best to wash your boat regularly than try to control the spread of mold. Be cautious about using harsh chemicals to clean your boat as they can cause damage to the coating of the gel. A once- or twice-a-year cleaning once or twice a year is not just a way to keep your boat looking amazing, but will also ensure that it’s working correctly.
Wipe Off Your Boat
After a great day enjoying the ocean, grab an old towel and clean the boat clean. Insistent moisture can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, corrosion, staining, and other issues. Drying off any excess water will allow your boat to last longer. If you leave water on any sliding doors on your boat, they will most likely crack over time. Make sure you always wipe down your drawer slides, but if you can’t always stay on top of that, it might be a good idea to buy stainless steel drawer slides because they are high quality and they won’t crack so easily.
Lifejackets and ropes, towels, water toys, and other objects that are vulnerable to water or moisture retention must be removed from the boat, dried off, and stored in a dry storage container after use.
Check Metal Parts for Corrosion
Anything that has metal parts exposed in your boat could cause corrosion and rust. Be sure to inspect the metal connections regularly to look for signs of rust and dry them as often as you can. Your boat engine should also be examined for corrosion. To prevent corrosion as well as other engine issues you must regularly clean your engine.
Regular Oil Changes
Read the instruction manual to find out how often you have to alter your oil. In general, you should replace the oil approximately every hundred running hours. Quicky-lube shops for boats and watercraft don’t exist, so you should take your boat to an approved specialist or dealer with an authorized service center.
Check Your Propeller
Make sure you thoroughly check your propeller. There is a myriad of problems that can come up with your propeller, which is why you need to remove it often throughout the boating season. You should also inspect it. It’s acceptable to have scratched or missing paint, but the most severe 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 as well as increased fuel consumption.
This is also a great chance to make sure that your water supply is free of any obstructions. The most frequent issue is that the fishing line could end up getting wrapped around the propeller. If this occurs then you must ask your dealership to inspect the gearcase of your vehicle and make sure there are no leaks that have occurred. Maintenance of the gearcase should be carried out by a qualified professional. After inspecting your propeller, you should add waterproof grease and reinstall it in the same way you removed it.
Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season
Batteries will not last for a long time, but you can extend the life of your battery by removing it in the off-season when your boat is being stored away. Make sure it is clean, charged, and then store it in a location that isn’t easily affected by changes in temperature and the elements.
Taking A Boat in for Maintenance
You must bring your boat to the service center prior to the beginning of the boating season and for maintenance when certain scenarios arise such as unfinished prop corrosion in the engine or even an oil exchange. When you bring your boat to the shop for winterization, spring maintenance, or spring cleaning It is best to make an appointment prior to the time and make plans to arrive before the scheduled time.