Some people want a boat of their own. And with this dream comes added proper maintenance responsibilities.
Whether an experienced sailor or a first-time boat owner, one needs to learn to care for the vessel over the years to keep the boat generating maximum performance while maintaining safety.
Spring: Readying for Boating Season
Once spring approaches, you should begin preparing your boat for the water. Here are the procedures that should be carried out:
Hull Inspection
Look carefully for cracks, blisters, or damage that occurred during winter. Have them repaired immediately so that no water can enter.
Bottom Paint
If your boat has been out of the water for a long time, you can also paint it again with a fresh coat of antifouling paint to prevent marine growth.
Engine Check
Another thing would be to check the engine, oil, and filter changes, ensuring that all fluid levels are sufficient. If you are uncomfortable doing these, you can consider getting professional servicing.
Battery Care
Charge and test your batteries to ensure they are in good health to help see you through the season.
Safety Equipment
Review all your flares, fire extinguishers, and first aid supplies, and ensure your life jackets are in good condition and easily accessible.
Electronics Testing
Test all onboard electronics, such as navigation systems, radios, and lights, to ensure that they work properly.
Summer: Regular Maintenance During Peak Season
Summer is the busiest time for your boat. The following are things that are commonly associated with regular maintenance to make sure that it continues running smoothly:
Clean After Every Use
Saltwater is corrosive. Be sure to clean your boat thoroughly with fresh water each time after use, with particular attention given to any metalwork electronics.
Wax
Apply a coat of marine wax to protect the gel coat from UV damage and keep your boat shiny.
Maintenance of the Engine
Check oil levels for signs of leak or over-wearing. Maintains coolant levels and checks the tension of belts.
Bilge Cleaning
Regular bilge cleaning prevents a foul smell and possible pump blockage. Use an environmentally friendly bilge cleaner for even more effective results.
Check the Propeller
Check for any dings, pits, etc., that could affect performance. If you find a problem, have a professional fix or replace it.
Trim Tabs Maintenance
If your boat comes equipped with trim tabs, check to make sure they’re working right. Be sure to lube them as needed.
For boat enthusiasts, it is good news that you can find a reliable marine bow thruster service in Vancouver, Canada. Your bow thruster should be regularly serviced to ensure proper maneuverability in those smaller marina spaces.
Fall: Preparing for Intermittent Use or Storage
As your boating season nears its close, now would be the ideal time to start making some preparations for the winter ahead:
Deep Cleaning
Clean your boat thoroughly, inside and out, both ways. All surfaces should be clean, and surfaces must be empty. Furthermore, all perishable items should not stay in your boat.
Winterizing of the Engine
If you plan to store your boat over winter, you must begin winterizing the engine. This involves flushing the cooling, filling it with antifreeze, and preventing corrosion.
Fuel System Maintenance
Add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline to prevent it from breaking down over winter. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the system.
Remove Electronics
When possible, remove portable electronics such as radios, electric stereos, and lights and store them in a warm, dry environment to avoid corrosion from cold and moisture.
Freshwater Drain Systems
Prepare in advance by draining all the freshwater from the plumbing systems, freshwater tanks, water heaters, and holding tanks if they freeze.
Check and Grease Up
Inspect all the hinges, latches, and zippers and apply sufficient lubricant to avoid corrosion and to make it easy to use again when the spring is back.
Winter: Storage and Periodic Checks
Your boat will be in storage, but this does not mean that you should forget it:
Cover Correctly
If you plan to keep your boat outside, you need to invest in a good, breathable, quality boat cover to protect it from snow, rainfall, or falling debris. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mildew or mold from affecting your boat.
Periodical Checks
Keep checking your boat every once in a while in case some animal intrusion has occurred during storage. Other issues may have come about because of storage.
Battery Maintenance
If batteries are on board, use a trickle charger so the batteries will not freeze.
Moisture Control
Place moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers inside the boat to control humidity buildup that might lead to mold formation.
Hull Support
To prevent hull distortion during winter months, your boat should be adequately supported at the bottom of its trailer or on a cradle.
Security Measures
If you are holding at a marina or outdoor facility, make sure your boat is securely locked and take all your valuables home.
Year-Round Attention to Detail
Some maintenance should always be done regardless of the season:
Corrosion Protection
Inspect for signs of corrosion, especially on metal hardware, electrical connections, and engine components. Addressing concerns early before they get out of hand will pay off.
Teak Care
If your boat has teak decking and trim, clean and oil it to preserve it. This will maintain the boat’s beauty and increase the teak’s durability and survival time.
Canvas and Upholstery
You should clean your canvas and upholsteries to prevent UV damage and mildew. Once you have detected any tears and weak places, you should replace those, too.
Inspection of the electrical system
All wiring should be visually inspected for wear or signs of corrosion. All connections shall be tightened and turned securely against the Rain Exposure One Year Elec connections, which are designed to withstand rain and the elements.
Steering System Maintenance
It should be checked periodically and lubricated to maintain smooth, responsive handling.
Documentation
Boating documentation, including registration, insurance, and safety certificates, is always current.
Maintain Your Boat with a Professional Today
Proper boat care means looking out for the vessel throughout the year, and the information that follows provides a comprehensive source of information for keeping your boat in great shape and ready for safe and enjoyable outings whenever you’re on or around the water.
The owner can perform most maintenance issues, but if you do encounter a problem, it’s never wrong to consult a professional like Ignition Marine about an issue or aspect of boat care that may not be entirely understood.
The time and effort spent in maintenance prolongs your boat’s life and the pleasure associated with boating.
Whether up the coast on a cruise, fishing in your favorite spot, or spending the day on the water with family and friends, a well-maintained boat gives you access to get in and out without worry and hours of endearing memories. Happy boating!
