This guide will walk you through what you need to know about proper boat maintenance so your vessel stays in top shape for years to come. We’ll cover topics like cleaning, inspections, prevention, and other important procedures that keep your investment safe from damage or devaluation.
1. Clean your boat
When you own a boat, it’s crucial to keep up with the maintenance of your vessel. This includes keeping everything clean and making sure that you extend the life of your boat and its accessories.
Cleaning your boat is vital to ensure that it doesn’t get too dirty and start deteriorating. You should clean the exterior with a marine cleaner, using diluted soap for scrubbing tough stains on the paintwork or hull; rinse well after soapy washing.
Gelcoat is a protective coating that can protect your boat from dings and scratches. Gelcoats are strong, but the wrong cleaners will ruin them by staining or dissolving this protective layer, so make sure to pick up an assortment of boat-safe soaps when you go shopping for your new supplies. Protecting this gelcoat right away is important because if this coating becomes weak, then stains won’t come off which means more work down the line.
2. Check engine before every outing
One of the most important things that you can do for your boat before you head out is to make a visual inspection of your engine. Check hoses and bilge for signs of leaks or damage, make sure you have plenty of fuel, and check the water coolant level. Verify that your wiring doesn’t look frayed or damaged. Make sure you have enough oil in the reservoir and watch your gauges for oil pressure and voltmeters to make sure everything is operational while out on the water.
3. Check the engine oil and transmission fluid levels
Keeping an eye on the engine oil and transmission fluid levels in your boat is important to ensure that it stays running smoothly while out on the open water, and to extend its life.
Keeping track of what’s going on with things like engine oil or transmission fluids is a necessity for boat owners. These components are essential if you want to have good performance, so we recommend checking these often as part of routine maintenance. Make sure to keep a log of when you change and maintain these fluids as well for resale purposes.
4. Inspect all of the hoses for leaks or cracks, as well as any clamps that might be loose
One thing to check for during a boat maintenance inspection is any leaks in the hoses or cracks. This could result from old equipment being exposed to the elements and will need prompt attention if found because it might lead to more serious issues with your watercraft.
One way you can find these problems quickly is by inspecting all of the clamps on that vessel before heading out onto the water; this includes checking them for looseness so they don’t fall off.
5. Inspect your propeller for damage and replace if necessary
When it comes to boat maintenance, your propeller is key. Inspect the prop for damage and replace if necessary because a damaged or old propeller can cause serious consequences that could put you in danger on the open water!
Prop inspection will help keep you safe out there on those choppy waters by ensuring your boat is moving efficiently. If any problems arise then replacement parts should be ordered as soon as possible. If you are going to replace a prop, make sure to select the correct prop for your boat.
When a boat propeller is not in top working condition, the engine will be strained and overworked. This can result in more serious damage or getting stranded out on open water.
6. Carefully Manage Your Fuel System and Use Fuel Stabilizers All Year Long
Knowing which type of fuel is best for your boat is only part of the equation. You have to make sure that your boat fuel level is high to prevent moisture from getting into the tank, and knowing which additives are needed for your fuel during the winter months. This can help to keep your boat and fuel systems in top condition for the next season.
It’s important to maintain your boat in order to ensure that you are able to enjoy safe rides and protect the investment of both time and money. To keep your boat in proper shape, you should have it serviced at least once a year and inspected every two years by factory-trained and certified technicians. Have any questions about how to maintain your vessel? Give us a call today at (609) 296-9400