Cleaning up after an aquatic vessel is very similar to caring for a car. Maintaining your boat shouldn’t be difficult but it is a matter of consistency and dedication. Similar to cars, a boat will need certain types of maintenance at certain times and after usage.
Keep reading for a checklist for maintenance on your boat, easy guidelines for maintenance of your boat, and how to schedule an appointment for service.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
When you purchase a vessel, you should consider having plans for maintenance. Review your current expertise and capabilities. What kinds of services do you already know how to accomplish, and what services should you seek assistance from a professional?
For boat maintenance, you should:
- Check the battery charge
- Check all boat latches
- Test your electronics
- Test your lights
- Check the levels of fluids such as power steering and coolant
- Change the oil
- Inspect the propeller
- Examine the gas tank or fuel lines as well as engines to check for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
- Check that the railings are secured
- Ensure that you are wearing all the safety equipment you need.
- Check belts, and other engine components
- Get your boat detailed
Simple ways to maintain a boat
Wash and wax
One of the simplest methods to increase the efficiency of your boat is to keep the fiberglass hull clean and well-lubricated. The gel coating on fiberglass can become chalky if it is not waxed on a regular basis. It is also helpful to remove the previous coating before applying a fresh coat of wax. Contrary to cars, boats do not have a clear coat so proper waxing is critical to the durability of your watercraft. Without a sealant made of wax to protect the boat, it will get oxidized quickly and cost more to fix than have it properly waxed upfront. Cleansing your boat both from inside to out will stop the accumulation of mold.
Mold can be very sneaky, and it’s best to wash your boat on a regular basis than try to control the spreading of mold. Be cautious about using harsh chemicals to clean your boat since they could wear down your gel coat. Cleaning your boat at least once or twice per year is not just a way to keep your boat looking gorgeous it will also ensure that it’s working correctly.
Wipe Off Your Boat
After a successful day out on the lake, take the towel and dry your boat clean. Leaks of moisture can contribute to the growth of mold, mildew, corrosion, stains, and many other problems. Drying off any water will make your boat last longer. Lifejackets, ropes, towels water toys as well as other items vulnerable to water or moisture retention must be removed from the boat, dried off, and stored in an air-tight storage container following use.
Check Metal Parts for Corrosion
Every metal part that is exposed to your boat could cause corrosion and rust. Inspect the metal accessories regularly to look for signs of rust and dry them when you can. The engine of your boat needs to be checked for corrosion. To prevent corrosion as well as other issues with your engine, you should regularly flush your engine.
Regular Oil Changes
The manual will tell you how often you have to switch your oil. The rule of thumb is to change the oil at least every 100 running hour. Quickly-lube facilities for boats and watercraft don’t really exist, so you should bring your boat to a certified expert or a dealership with an authorized service center.
Check Your Propeller
Do not neglect to thoroughly inspect your propeller. A whole mess of issues could arise with your propeller, which is why you must remove it frequently throughout the season of boating and check it. It’s okay to have scratches or missing paint, but significant dents or signs of impact must be dealt with by an expert. In the absence of professional help, it can result in a decrease in performance and extra fuel consumption.
It’s also a good opportunity to verify that the water you drink is clear of debris. A frequent problem is that the fishing line could end up wrapped around your propeller. If this occurs then you need to ask your dealership to inspect your gearcase to make sure there haven’t been any leaks. Gearcase servicing should always be done by a knowledgeable professional. After examining your propeller you should apply waterproof grease, and then reinstall your propeller in the same as you took it out.
Remove Your Battery in the Off-Season
Batteries aren’t guaranteed to last forever, but you may extend the life of your battery by dismantling it during off-seasons when your boat is stored. Take it apart, recharge it and store it in a spot that isn’t altered by temperature changes or the elements.
Taking A Boat in for Maintenance
You should take your boat into the shop for servicing prior to the time the boating season begins and also for repairs when certain circumstances arise, such as damage to the prop or engine corrosion, or even an oil exchange. When you bring your boat in for maintenance, winterization, or spring cleaning, you should make a call prior to the time and make plans to arrive early.