The U.S. recreational boat industry is worth $170 billion.
Like cars, boats require proper care and maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures that all parts of the boat are in excellent condition and that the boat’s lifespan is extended.
If you have not been looking after your boat well, you should start doing so to avoid future issues. Similarly, you should learn how to take care of a boat if you would like to buy a new boat.
This guide will discuss the fundamental boat maintenance checklist that every boat owner like you should know. Read on to learn more.
The Exterior Parts
Cleaning is the most straightforward method of maintaining the exterior features of your boat. The boat attracts a lot of dirt in water and its storage unit too. For instance, it comes across multiple plants, rocks, and other things in the water, which affects its natural look.
The dirt can be visible or invisible. The invisible dirt is more dangerous because it includes salt particles that may corrode your boat’s exterior parts and damage it when un-cleaned.
Cleaning removes both the visible and invisible forms of dirt and maintains the aesthetic appeal of your boat. Better yet, regular cleaning keeps the fundamental parts of your ship intact, meaning that you can get resale at a higher value.
Wondering how to clean it? Well, the cleaning is not always easy. The boat manufacturers provide cleaning instructions depending on the type of boat. Most boats are made of glass, fiber, wood, or upholstery.
Make sure the supplier gives you the cleaning instructions. But for the safety of your boat, do not use salty water in cleaning. Freshwater will ensure that your boat is free of hazardous minerals which could damage the critical boat parts.
Besides cleaning, boat parts engineers from Vaughn Marine advise boat owners to inspect and replace the hull’s missing parts. Many legit boat parts sellers can help you get the right replacements for your boat. Find them to keep your boat safe and neat.
The Engine
An engine is the most crucial part of the boat. It is also the most vulnerable part of the damages. While the engine damages require a mechanic’s help, you can observe a few preventive measures to keep your boat’s engine in excellent condition.
Here are some of those engine care tips:
- Keep your engine 90% full of fuel when you are not using the boat
- Ensure that the engine vents are open when the boat is not in use
- Inspect the engines clamps for any rust or corrosion
- Inspect the fuel hoses and replace the damaged ones
- Don’t use an extremely noisy engine
The engine inspection job is not easy for an inexperienced person. If you are afraid of doing the work, call a boat expert to confirm your boat’s engine condition. Do not hesitate to replace the engine if it’s old or shows visible signs of wear and tear.
The Propeller
A propeller facilitates the motion of the boat. It continues to wear out and to become loose every time you use it. A loose propeller cannot facilitate the boat’s movements, and that’s why you shouldn’t forget it during your regular boat detailing maintenance.
During your inspection, you should check if the propeller has any dents. The small damages and dents may be easy to ignore, but they can burn much fuel and cause other inconveniences.
You should tighten the loose propellers and check the condition of the paints. Lastly, you should remove the propellers from the boat when you are not using the boat.
The Electrical Lines
The electrical systems of a boat should be well kept throughout for your safety. The battery, for instance, should be clean to prevent corrosion.
The switches and the bulbs should be functional as well to avoid lighting issues. Do not ride your boat if you have not checked the electrical systems of your boat. From the wiring to the lights to breakers and fuses, everything should be working.
Plus, you should have spare electrical parts if you stay in the water for an extended period. Better yet, you should have the ready contacts of a marine electrician whom you can contact anytime in case anything happens to your electrical parts of the boat.
Safety Gear
Life in the waters can be risky at times. Your boat should always have safety gear, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned boat rider.
Vital safety gear for your boat can include safety jackets, fire extinguishers, and other lifesaving equipment. Everyone on board should know how to use the boat safety gear.
Always confirm that your boat has all the safety tools and equipment before you use it. Educate the other people too on how to use them.
Storage
After confirming your boat’s parts’ condition, the last thing on your checklist should be the storage.
Where do you store your boat when not in use? Do you keep it indoors or outdoors? Both options are great, provided that they meet the minimum boat storage requirements.
The best boat storage unit should have excellent ventilation. Ventilation prevent excessive moisture, which could facilitate the formation of mold and mildew in your boat.
Also, the storage should be free from excess weather impacts. If you live in cold areas, you should store your boat in a conducive place where snow or ice can’t form on the boat.
Indoor storage is the best for boats. But if you choose to store your boat outdoors, ensure that the place is dry. Cover the boats with wood to prevent wind and other external weather impacts.
Clean the boat well, lubricate it, and service it well if you intend to store it for an extended period. Check it often to confirm that it’s in excellent condition even when you are not using it.
Adhere to the Boat Maintenance Checklist
The above boat maintenance checklist should guide you to maintain the condition of your boat. Adherence to the tips can help you enjoy the time you spend there, and most importantly, use the boat for a longer time.
Call a marine professional anytime you hear an unusual sound coming from the boat. Found the article informative? We inspire and educate our readers through well-written articles. Our main niches are auto and motor, health, technology, fashion, and beauty, etc. Feel free to contact us anytime for questions and ideas.
