Cleaning your boat is very like cleaning and taking care of your car. Maintaining your boat’s condition isn’t difficult but it takes perseverance and commitment. Like a car boat, boats require certain types of maintenance at certain times and after usage.

Follow this article for a complete checklist for maintenance on your boat, easy advice for maintaining your boat, and the best way to schedule servicing.

Boat Maintenance Checklist

When you buy a boat you must think about having plans for maintenance. Be aware of your current capabilities and knowledge. What kind of service can you currently know how to do, and which are the services you should seek advice from a professional?

In order to maintain your boat You should follow these steps:

Test your electronics
Test your lights
Examine the battery’s charge
Check for fluid levels including power steering and coolant
Change the oil
Examine the propeller
Check the gas tank or fuel lines as well as engines for corrosion, leaks, or cracks
Verify that the railing is safe
Ensure you have all the necessary safety gear
Check if your starboard has any cracks. Replace it with a new one if needed
Check the belts and other engine components
Get your boat detailed

Easy methods for maintaining a boat

Wash and wax

One of the simplest ways to improve the performance of your vessel is to ensure that the fiberglass hull is fresh and well-lubricated. The gel coating that covers fiberglass will become chalky if regularly waxed. It can also be helpful to remove the previous coating before applying a new layer of wax. In contrast to cars, boats don’t have an opaque coating, which is why proper waxing is essential to the durability of your boat.

Without a wax sealant in place to ensure the safety of your boat, it can get oxidized quickly and cost more to fix than have it properly waxed in on the front. Keeping your boat clean inside and out will prevent mold build-up. Mold can be very sneaky, and it’s best to wash your boat frequently than attempt to control the spreading of mold. Be cautious about cleaning with harsh chemicals your boat since they could wear down that gel layer. Cleaning your boat at least once or twice per year will not only keep your boat looking great but will also ensure that everything is working properly.

Wipe Off Your Boat

After a day of fun out on the lake, take a towel to dry your boat clean. Lingering moisture can contribute to the growth of mold, mildew, corrosion, staining, and many other problems. Drying off any moisture can help your boat last longer. Lifejackets and ropes, towels water toys, and other things that are susceptible to moisture or retention should be removed from the boat, dried, and stored in a dry storage container after use.

Check Metal Parts for Corrosion

Any metal component that is exposed to your boat is able to get corroded and become rusty. Check the metal attachments often to look for signs of rust and dry them as often as you can. The engine of your boat should be inspected for signs of corrosion. To avoid corrosion and many other engine problems it is recommended to clean your engine.

Regular Oil Changes

See the manual for the details on the time frame you must check your oil. Generally, you should replace the oil approximately every 100 running hours. Quickly-lube stores for boats and watercraft aren’t actually available and you must bring your boat to a certified specialist or dealership with a service center.

Check Your Propeller

Don’t skip checking thoroughly your propeller. There are a lot of issues that can arise from your propeller, so you should take it off regularly during the boating season and inspect it. It’s okay to have scratches or missing paint, but significant dents or signs of impact should be addressed with an experienced professional. If not, it could result in a loss of performance and higher consumption of fuel. This is also a great chance to make sure that your water intake is clear of any debris.

An issue that is common is that fishing lines can get wrapped around your propeller. If this occurs it is recommended that you ask the dealer to check your gearcase to make sure there aren’t any leaks. Servicing your gearcase is best performed by a professional with experience. After inspecting your propeller you should add waterproof grease, and then reinstall the propeller in exactly the same manner you removed it.

Removing Your Battery in the Off-Season

Batteries won’t last forever, but you can prolong the life of your battery if you remove it during the off-season, while the boat is stored. Clean it, charge it, and store it in a location that isn’t easily altered by temperature changes or the elements.

Taking A Boat in for Maintenance

It is recommended to bring your boat to be serviced prior to the start of the season for boating and also for maintenance when scenarios arise such as unfinished prop corrosion in the engine, or even changing the oil. If you take your boat into the shop for winterization, spring maintenance, or spring cleaning it is recommended to call before time and arrange to arrive early.