Any day spent on the water is a good day. And who wouldn’t want more fun, sun and getting nothin’ done? Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or you rely on the pros, you can help your boat run well, stay safe and last a long time. The key is investing some time in regular boat maintenance.
Doesn’t matter if you’re out for family, fun or fishing, take good care of your boat and it’ll return the favor. Here’s a quick maintenance checklist for keeping your boat ship-shape.
- Keep Things Clean: Boating can be a messy business, but a clean, well-kept vessel should last longer than its slimy, shabby counterpart. Regularly remove scale and algae scum from the hull and watch out for buildup. Maintain upholstery with proper marine cleaners and protectants to avoid replacing it down the road.
- Stay charged up: Marine batteries can last years if properly cared for. Make sure the battery is secured and firmly mounted to the boat before every trip. Recharge it fully after each use to decrease the chance of sulfate deposit buildup. And make sure its water is always at the right level.
- Eye the engine: Most boats are run hard on the weekends and left idle the rest of the week. This irregular use is hard on any watercraft. That’s why it’s so important to check all engine components and fluids every time you hit the water. If you find a leak, get it fixed right away to prevent more damage and keep toxins out of the water.
- Check the prop: Your propeller needs to be inspected regularly. Any dents, nicks, or dings can slow things down, drive up fuel costs, and create internal damage. A few times each season, remove the entire propeller and get rid of any built-up gunk or debris around your prop shaft, and relubricate.
- Don’t Stop Now: Don’t stop now: The end of boating season doesn’t mean the end of boat maintenance. Boats aren’t built to be cold. Have yours professionally winterized to prevent freezing damage to the engine and hull, and make sure it’s properly covered for winter storage.
For information only. Not applicable to all situations.
