Maintaining boats is quite similar to taking care of a car. It’s not difficult to maintain your boat, but it requires patience and perseverance. Like a car boat, boats require certain kinds of maintenance at certain points and after use.
Read on for a boat maintenance checklist, easy tips for boat maintenance, and the best way to schedule your scheduled maintenance.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
When you purchase a boat it is important to have a plan for maintenance. Review your current knowledge and abilities. What type of work can you currently know how to do, and which tasks should you get help from a professional for?
For boat maintenance It is recommended to:
- Check the battery charge
- Check if you have all necessary boat replacement parts in your boat storage
- Test your electronics
- Test your lights
- Check for fluid levels such as power steering, and coolant
- Change the oil
- Check the propeller
- Examine the gas tank or fuel lines as well as engines for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
- Ensure that the railing is secure
- Ensure you have all the safety equipment you need.
- Check belts and engine components
- Get your boat detailed
How to keep a boat in good shape
Wash and wax
One of the best ways to improve the performance of your vessel is to keep the fiberglass hull clean and well-lubricated. The gel coating on fiberglass can become chalky if it is not regularly waxed. It can also be helpful to strip off the previous wax prior to applying a fresh layer of wax. Contrary to cars, boats do not have a clear coat so proper waxing is vital to the longevity of your watercraft. Without a wax sealant, to ensure the safety of your boat, it can rapidly deteriorate and cost more to repair than to have it properly waxed in front.
Cleaning your boat in and out can prevent any build-up of mold. Mold can be a scourge and it’s best to wash your boat often than try to control the spread of mold. Beware of using harsh chemicals to clean your boat since they could affect the layer of gel. Detailing 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 successful day out on the lake, grab a towel to dry the boat clean. Moisture that is left on the boat can cause mold growth, mildew, corrosion, stains, and many other problems. Drying off any water can make your boat last longer. Lifejackets, rope, water toys, and other items that are prone to moisture or water retention should be removed from the boat, dried, and placed in an air-tight storage container following use.
Check Metal Parts for Corrosion
Any metal component that is exposed to your boat can be corroded and then rust. Make sure to check the metal parts regularly for signs of corrosion and dry them when you can. The engine of your boat should be inspected for signs of corrosion. To prevent corrosion and other issues with your engine, you should regularly clean your engine.
Regular Oil Changes
Read the instruction manual to find out how often you have to alter your oil. The rule of thumb is to change your oil every 100 hours. Fast-lube shops for boats as well as watercraft do not exist therefore, you need to make sure you take your boat to a certified expert or a dealership with an authorized service center.
Check Your Propeller
Don’t skip checking thoroughly your propeller. There is a myriad of problems that could occur with your propeller, so you should regularly remove it from the boating season and inspect it. It’s fine to have scratches or missing paint, but large dents or signs of damage should be taken care of by an experienced professional. Otherwise, it could result in loss of performance and increased fuel consumption. It’s also a good opportunity to verify that your water intake is clean from any debris.
The most frequent issue is that fishing line that gets wrapping around the propeller. If this happens then you need to ask your dealership to inspect the gearcase to ensure there are no leaks that have occurred. Gearcase servicing should always be done by a knowledgeable professional. After inspecting your propeller, you should add waterproof grease and then install the propeller in exactly the same way you removed it.
Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season
Batteries don’t last for long, but you can prolong the life of your battery by dismantling it during off-seasons when the boat is stored. Clean it, charge it, and then store it in an area where it won’t be easily affected by changes in temperature and the elements.
Taking A Boat in for Maintenance
The boat should be brought in for maintenance prior to the starting of the boating season and also for repairs when certain circumstances arise, such as a dented prop or engine corrosion, or even changing the oil. If you take your boat in for spring servicing, or winterization make sure you call in advance and make an appointment to be in by early.