DIY Boat Maintenance Guide
When you make a major investment such as a boat, you want to protect it at all costs. There’s a lot you can do to extend your craft’s lifespan and ensure that it runs smoothly for years to come. One of the most important responsibilities you have as a boat owner is to keep up with routine maintenance. This might not be the most exciting activity, especially when you compare it to the incredible feeling of cruising on the water. However, if you want to keep having memorable boating experiences, you’ll need to take care of your vessel.
New Jersey Outboards has created this DIY guide to help you get started with boat maintenance. If you encounter any issues that require professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are your premier boat dealer in Bayville, NJ, where we proudly serve all those in Philadelphia, PA.
Benefits
Before we get to some helpful maintenance tips, let’s recap why regular boat maintenance is so important. While this might seem obvious, the main benefit is to keep your boat functioning and performing with maximum speed, power, and efficiency. You won’t get very far in these areas with a poorly maintained vessel. More importantly, a boat that’s properly maintained is safer for you and your passengers. You’ll even experience better fuel economy and improved performance when you stay on top of regular maintenance. No matter what type of craft you own, it’s a good idea to set aside a part of your boating budget for maintenance-related expenses.
Clean Your Boat
You might be surprised to learn that washing your boat affects the overall condition of the craft. Over time, the saltwater buildup can be harmful. It can corrode the metal as well as dull the gel coat and paint finish if left untreated. You can use a special marine wash that’s designed for use on your boat. Make sure you scrub with a soft-bristle brush so you don’t end up scratching it. Clean it in small sections to prevent the soap from drying too quickly before you get a chance to wash it off.
You can simplify the cleaning process by rinsing your boat after each saltwater trip. Your goal should be to wash off any detritus and oil residue. When you do this, you'll wash away loose debris before it has a chance to crust onto your boat and permanently damage the finish. This is a quick and easy process. You’ll have to do it after each voyage, but it’s going to save you a lot more effort in terms of repairs that might be needed if you allow grime to build up. Not to mention the fact that you won’t have to work so hard when it’s time to scrub!
Engine Care
Your vessel isn’t going to get very far if you don’t take care of the engine. Whether it’s an outboard, inboard, or sterndrive motor, you’ll need to tend to it on a routine basis. As you may know, oil is the most critical component in this case. There should be plenty of oil and it should be of the right consistency. It should be clear and free of metal shavings, as well. If you notice any debris floating about, this could indicate a larger problem and you’ll need to take it in to the professionals for service.
Start getting in the habit of checking your oil before each boating trip. Confirm that the level is within the suggested guidelines for your particular craft and top off if necessary. If you notice the oil appears cloudy or sludgy, it’s time for an oil change. This is recommended for every 100 hours of operation.
Routine oil changes are the key to proper boat maintenance as they keep your motor running smoothly. This can save you expensive repair fees in the long run. When you check your oil regularly, you’ll be able to catch problems before they become major issues. Fortunately, this step doesn’t require too much of your time or effort, so you should try to follow the standard maintenance schedule.
Propeller Inspection
Another key aspect to consider when addressing your maintenance routine is propeller inspection. If you’re the proud owner of an outboard and sterndrive boat, you’ll want to do this regularly. You’ll find that the easiest way is to use a deep well socket to remove the propeller. This allows you to examine it more closely so you can check for loose fishing lines that may have become tangled around the shaft.
If it’s severe, you may need to seek professional assistance. Inspect your propeller for dents or chunks in the blades, which will need to be replaced. Keep in mind that if you go boating with a damaged propeller, you may end up causing even more damage. Always address propeller issues as soon as you discover them.
We hope that this DIY guide to boat maintenance has been helpful. If you have questions or you’re still shopping for the perfect vessel, visit New Jersey Outboards. We offer a wide variety of boats for sale in Bayville, NJ, so it will be easy for you to find exactly what you need. We welcome all those coming from New York and Connecticut, so stop by today!