If you’re looking for some useful tips and advice on how to maintain, repair, and service your boat – then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re going to share a range of boat servicing tips that’ll be sure to get you on the right track – so regardless of whether you’re hiring someone else to maintain your boat or doing all of the work yourself, you’ll have some idea of what to expect.
In fact, by the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll certainly be far better informed on the key aspects of successful boat maintenance, so let’s get started.
Tip 1 – Use quality tarping
When you’re going to be leaving your boat out of action for a while, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your boat. Of course, this not only includes protecting the motor, electrics, and overall integrity of the boat – but it also means looking after the small things as well – such as the paintwork.
With this in mind, it’s wise to invest in some quality tarping and use this to cover your entire boat whenever you’re not using it. This will go a long way towards protecting the paintwork and keeping the boat in good working order. What’s more, it’s vital to check your tarping all over before you leave your boat unattended – because any holes or tears can spell disaster.
It’s often a good idea to invest in the best quality tarping you can afford, because it will ultimately pay you back in the long run – and it will also give you great peace of mind when it comes to reliability. In general, there’s nothing worse than tearing your tarp because you purchased a cheaper brand.
Tip 2 – Wash your boat
One of the first steps you’ll need to take when servicing your boat is giving it a thorough wash – especially on the external surfaces of the boat. If you’re using your boat in saltwater, then this becomes even more important – because you need to remove all of the salt residue that may be resting on your boat. As you would expect, salt water can cause metal to corrode, and it can also damage your fasteners and other essential hardware on your boat.
Washing the boat shouldn’t cause you too much trouble, and even a simple car wash soap will do the job. You’ll also need to use a soft-bristle brush to ensure you don’t cause any damage to the paintwork.
Tip 3 – Check your oil
The next boat servicing tip is to check your oil levels and replace your oil if necessary. If your boat is powered by a four-stroke outboard motor, then you’ll need to perform regular oil changes to keep the engine in good shape. Of course, the frequency of this task will vary based on the motor – but it’s a good idea to perform this task at least once a year, regardless of how often you’ve used the boat.
Fortunately, this task is relatively straightforward, and you should be able to do this yourself simply by following the manual associated with your motor.
Tip 4 – Check your propeller
A boat with a damaged propeller can be a real liability, so checking the propeller is an essential step during your service. In most cases, you’ll be checking the propeller as part of your pre launch routine. So what kind of damage should you be looking for? In general, it’s wise to focus in on any dents or nicks in the blade, as well as any other kind of damage.
Keep in mind that even the smallest amount of damage to the propeller can have a significant effect on the handling of your boat – and if the propeller is vibrating, it will quickly add extra strain on the seals and bearings, which ultimately leads to further damage. Because of this, itís important to maintain your propeller to a very high standard at all times.
Once you’ve finished checking over the propeller, it’s wise to use some waterproof grease to protect the shaft from corrosion, then tighten up the propeller carefully, ensuring all of the fixtures are tight and secure.
Tip 5 – Perform regular maintenance
While you may be planning to follow these boat servicing tips on a yearly basis, it’s important to perform regular service maintenance throughout the year, too.
In most cases, you’ll need to regularly check over the fuel line, as well as the fuel primer. Any cracks or damage found here needs to be repaired straightaway, because you certainly don’t want to be facing the hazard of fuel line damage when you’re out on the open water.
You’ll also need to check regularly for rust or corrosion on any aspect of the boat, because the faster you can replace or repair these components, the less likely you are to develop a bigger problem with your boat – which will ultimately cost you more time and money to fix.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s safe to say that owning a boat or a yacht is one of the true pleasures of life, and the time you spend out on the water can be some of the most exciting, fun, peaceful, and generally enjoyable times of your life.
However, it’s very important to keep your boat in top shape if you’re going to be safe while you’re out there in the water. If you keep these boat servicing tips in mind, you’ll be sure to keep your boat in good condition and enjoy the real pleasures boat ownership has to offer.