How To Take Care Of Your Boat Like A Professional

The care and maintenance of an aquatic vessel are very like caring for cars. Maintaining your boat shouldn’t be difficult but it is a matter of perseverance and commitment. Just like a car, it will require certain types of maintenance at certain points in time and at the end of each use.

Boat Maintenance Checklist

If you are buying a boat it is important to have plans for maintenance. Make a list of your existing experience and skills. What kinds of services do you know how to accomplish, and what are the services you should seek advice from a professional for?

In order to maintain your boat It is recommended to:

  • Check the battery charge
  • Test your electronics
  • Test your lights Make sure you check the levels of fluids like power steering or coolant
  • Change the oil Examine the propeller Examine the gas tank as well as the fuel lines and engines to check for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
  • Check that railing is safe
  • Ensure that you are wearing all your safety gear
  • Check belts and other engine components
  • Check your rod holders, and replace them if needed
  • Get your boat detailed

Easy methods for maintaining a boat

Wash and wax

One of the most effective methods to increase the efficiency of the boat you own is to keep the fiberglass hull free of dirt and well-lubricated. The coating on fiberglass becomes chalky if regularly waxed. It may also be beneficial to dewax the previous coat before applying a fresh coat of wax. As with cars, boats don’t have a clear coat, therefore proper waxing is critical to the durability of your watercraft. Without a wax sealant to protect your boat, it could be prone to oxidation and will cost more to fix than get it waxed properly upfront.

Keeping your boat clean in and out can prevent mold build-up. It is possible for mold to be sneaky and it’s better to clean your boat frequently than attempt to control the spread of mold. Be cautious about cleaning with harsh chemicals in your boat because they could wear down the coating of gel. The occasional cleaning or detailing year will not only keep your boat looking great, however, but it can also guarantee that it’s working correctly.

Wipe Off Your Boat

After a fun day out on the lake, grab a towel and wipe your boat clean. Moisture that is left on the boat can cause the growth of mold, mildew, corrosion, stains, and many other problems. Drying off any excess moisture will help your boat last longer. Lifejackets, ropes, towels water toys as well as other items susceptible to water or moisture retention must be removed from the boat, dried off, and placed in a dry storage container after use.

Check Metal Parts for Corrosion

Any piece of metal that is exposed from your boat can cause corrosion and rust. Inspect the metal accessories regularly to look for signs of rust and dry them as quickly as you can. The engine on your boat must also be examined for corrosion. To prevent corrosion and other engine problems it is recommended to flush your engine.

Regular Oil Changes

See the manual for the details on when you’ll need to change your oil. In general, it is recommended to change your oil every 100 hours of running. Quickly-lube shops for boats and watercraft do not exist therefore, you need to make sure you take your boat to an expert who is certified or a dealer with a service center.

Check Your Propeller

Be sure to check thoroughly your propeller. There are a lot of issues that could occur with your propeller. You should take it off regularly during the boating season, and then inspect it. It’s normal to get scratches or damaged paint, however significant dents, or signs of impact should be addressed by an experienced professional. In the absence of professional help, it can result in loss of performance and increased fuel consumption. It is also an excellent opportunity to determine if your water intake is clean from any debris.

A frequent problem is that the fishing line may end up wrapping around the propeller. If this happens then you need to ask the dealer to check your gearcase to make sure there are no leaks that have occurred. Maintenance of the gearcase should be carried out by a qualified professional. After inspecting the propeller, you should add water-proof grease and install the propeller in exactly the same order you removed it.

Removing Your Battery in the Off-Season

Batteries will not last forever, but you may extend the lifespan of your battery by dismantling it during off-seasons when the boat is stored. Cleaning it up, charging it, and then storing it somewhere where it won’t be easily affected by changes in temperature and the elements.

Taking A Boat in for Maintenance

It is recommended to bring your boat to be serviced prior to the opening of the boating season and for any maintenance needed when scenarios arise such as damaged props corrosion in the engine or the need for an oil replacement. When you take your boat in for spring servicing, or winterization it is recommended to call ahead of time and plan to arrive before the scheduled time.