Buying a boat is an expensive investment and although the experience it brings to your life is rewarding, it can become a plain pain in the neck sometimes. Luckily, you only have to ensure that it is regularly maintained to ensure that it’s safe and comfortable for your next sea adventure. Keeping boats in excellent condition is the key to preventing substantial repair costs and will keep you from being stranded on the water. Perform these four maintenance tips regularly to protect your expensive investment and pleasurable hobby.

Tip #1

Firstly, regular cleaning is essential to safeguarding a boat. A boat should always be washed with fresh water after a trip to remove residue that may cause erosion. Many people believe that they only need to wash boats after a salt water voyage but that is not the case because even fresh water can pick up certain scum that remains on the sides of the boat and causes damage. It is helpful to use a brush, spray wand, and soap designed specifically for boat cleaning. All of these items can be purchased at a local marine supply store and they make the process of washing a boat quick and easy. A clean boat eliminates potential damage and even saves up to 30% on fuel because a dirty hull uses more gas than a clean one.

Tip #2

Secondly, the propeller is one of the most important parts of a boat and it needs to be regularly maintained. The propeller should be examined after every trip to ensure that nothing is caught in it. Fishing line can seriously damage a propeller and should never be ignored. In addition, any dents or scrapes can lead to decreased performance of the boat and should be fixed before they get worse. To keep the propeller functioning at its best, it is helpful to add waterproof grease and tighten all the associated nuts and bolts on a regular basis. The condition of the propeller is directly related to the overall health of the boat.

Tips #3-4

The third and fourth tips both revolve around the proper maintenance of the engine. The third tip is to change the oil on a regular basis. Boats need a special type of marine oil that can be found at local marine supply stores. Many people opt to change the oil on their own because it is a fairly straightforward process but oil can also be changed for a small fee by local dealers. Either way, it is necessary to change the oil after every one hundred hours of operation. The fourth and final tip is to flush out the engine after every single trip. Many people only flush out the boat’s engine after a salt water trip but this is a big mistake. Even fresh water needs to be regularly drained to keep the boat at peak condition.

Conclusion

Regular usage, cleaning, checking the propeller, and maintaining the engine through fluid changes/flushes are four ways to keep your boat in top condition. These simple maintenance checks along with additional upkeep and proper boating supplies as needed allow for more time on the water. It is also important to store your boat during the off-season in a safe place ideally with security cameras and out of the water. A boat in great condition means a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.

About the Author

Thomas Jay is a writer and avid boater who enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. If you want to learn more about boating, he urges you to visit Chapman School of Seamanship; a reputable boating school located in Stuart, Florida.