Spending time aboard a boat is fun. You can take it out and have fun with your buddies or you can go out fishing with others. Like all the machines, boats also need proper maintenance. There are a million things that can go wrong with a boat. The big problem with something breaking down in the middle of the water is that you just cannot run to the shop and get the required part.
This is especially true when you are aboard a large cruiser as the systems are big and much more complex. Therefore, it is important that you keep the boat in the excellent condition to ensure that you can enjoy boating without any issues.
The lack of technical training does not mean that you cannot maintain the boat on your own. The internet is full of handy boat servicing tips that you can use to ensure that your boat remains in working condition at all times. Here are a few boat servicing tips to help you enjoy your boating experience.
The most important thing when it comes to boat servicing is keeping it clean. If you have taken it out into salty water, it is important that you wash off all the salt. Salt can not only damage metal and other parts of the boat, it can also damage the protective covering if left there for a long time. So, it is important that you wash off all the salt with freshwater after each outing.
You can use special soap made for boat washing or you can also use car wash for cleaning your boat. As far as cleaning the inside of the boat is concerned, it is recommended to start clearing at the top and move down.
One important thing you need to keep in mind is that if sun is shining strongly, the cleaning needs to be done quickly. You will have to do much more work if soap and water combination dries on the boat. Therefore, if you are going to clean your boat on such days, it is better to wash it either very early or late in the evening.
To start cleaning, you should start off by hosing down the surface before you start using the brush and boat wash. It is important to rinse off the boat wash and mop the surface if you want to avoid water spots. You also need some cleaning accessories. For instance, you need to have a brush with handle to finish the cleaning quickly.
There are a number of different models available in the market and some of those models come with telescopic handle. This handle can be made shorter or longer depending on your needs.
Other than the surface, the most important part of your boat is its engine. Like all the automotives, the boat engine also needs to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it keeps running and does not give you trouble. All types of engine such as a four stroke outboard, inboards as well as stern drive boards require oil change on a regular basis.
The frequency of oil change depends on the model but most of the engines require oil change every 100 hours of operation or at least once each year.
However, you cannot take boat out to the shop every time you need to change the oil. Therefore, most of the times you will need to change the oil yourself. Thankfully, changing oil is not that difficult and can be done quickly with the help of right tools.
You will require an oil extraction pump. These pumps are cheap. It can remove the oil from the engine with the help of a dipstick tube. You will also need a number of bags as well as an oil wrench to prevent drips from reaching the surface. Some experts also recommend having an absorbing pad under the engine for added protection. As far as exact instructions for changing oil are concerned, it depends on the model and you will be able to find the exact instructions online.
In addition to changing oil, you also need to check the propeller. A deep well socket should be used to remove the propeller. Propeller should be checked several times during the season to ensure that there is no damage. Sometimes, fishing lines become wrapped around the shaft of the propeller and do a lot of damage.
If you find a wraparound fishing line on the propeller shaft, it is important that you get the gear case checked as it can lead to leakage in gear case. This checking should be done by your dealer as you cannot do it on your own.
You also need to check the propeller for dents and any other kind of damage. Keep in mind that even a small dent in the propeller can lead to loss in performance. Also, a bent propeller vibrates and puts too much stress on seals and bearings which may cause additional damage.
You also need to check the battery. Make sure that battery is properly charged and has the correct fluid levels. The battery should be kept clean as a dirt as well as dampness can drain the battery. You also need to check the bilge pump on a regular basis.
Corroded electrical systems have been the major cause of many boating failures and therefore, it is important that electrical components are regularly checked as part of the overall servicing. There are a number of products available in the market to protect electrical fittings from water.
These are some of the boat servicing tips that can help you in running your boat just like new even after many years.