In Tip Top Working Order: 5 Boat Maintenance Tips to Bear in Mind

Whether you’re an avid boater with years of experience or just starting out with your first PWC, boat maintenance is one of the most important things you can learn about. Proper maintenance of your boat will not only make it a safer craft, but it will also mean that you will get to enjoy your boat for longer. Whether big or small, new or used, boat maintenance is a requirement. 

Here are five boat maintenance tips to bear in mind:

Regularly wash your boat

Washing your boat isn’t just about keeping it looking spic and span. Regularly washing your boat after you take it out prevents the salt from corroding metal, fasteners, and stripping your gelcoat. Marine boat wash is the best for this since it’s formulated for gelcoat. If you don’t have that handy, you can use freshwater or car soap. 

Change your oil

Like your car, your boat needs to have its oil regularly changed to function at its best, and just like your car, every boat will be different for when it needs the oil changed. However, a good rule of thumb is to change the oil once for every 100-hours you spend on the water, or once every year. 

Unfortunately, there aren’t any drive-in, drive-out shops for boat oil changes. Luckily, changing the oil yourself isn’t a huge task. A basic understanding of mechanics, some Youtube videos, and checking the owner manual for the exact procedures and you’ll be good to go. 

Get the bottom deep-cleaned

The hull of your boat can get really gummed up with barnacles, algae, oil, and other detritus from hours spent on the water. Before putting your boat away for the season, take the time to get it properly cleaned by a company specializing in boat bottom cleaning. This is one messy, time-consuming task you’ll be happy to shop out to the pros, and it will help your boat’s hull, paint, and gelcoat stay intact longer.

Check your propeller

You’re not going anywhere without a properly functioning prop. If you have an outboard or stern motor, check the propeller each time before you launch. Make sure it hasn’t become entangled in fishing line or shows signs of an impact. Damaged props can vibrate, which puts serious strain on the motor. Also, check your prop nut and cotter pin are properly secured to the manufacturer’s recommendations, or you may end up having to go swimming after your prop!

Finally, you’ll also want to liberally apply waterproof grease to the propeller shaft to prevent “freezing”. 

Flush your engine after each outing

Your engine is one of the most important parts of your boat to look after, which is why flushing the engine with fresh water should be done after every outing. Flushing will prevent salt crystals and deposits from damaging your engine and get rid of muck or sand clinging to the engine. 

Modern outboard motors have built-in flushing systems that are pretty simple to use, just check with your operator’s manual to make sure you know the proper procedure.

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