Not unlike our automobiles, boats require routine maintenance to ensure that they run as safely and smoothly as possible. More importantly, giving your watercraft the proper upkeep and care that it needs will help improve its longevity and keep you from spending a small fortune on potentially costly repairs as a result. And in this article, we will discuss some simple but nonetheless essential maintenance tips that should keep your boat running as it should.
1. Keep the exterior of your boat clean
Keeping the exterior of your boat clean is vital for reasons beyond keeping it aesthetically pleasing. For starters, it keeps the watercraft free of any marine life. Secondly, it also helps keep it intact by protecting its finish. After all, sea salt can take a toll on a boat. And over time, it can cause scratches and abrasions that can be potentially costly to repair.
So make sure that you clean your boat regularly. You can also give it a nice coat of Durabak marine paint to give it an extra layer of protection from rust and other types of damage. Tedious as it might appear to be, doing so can go a long way in keeping your boat in tip-top shape.
2. Make sure that your boat is properly stored
Storage is a lot more critical in boat maintenance than some give it credit for. After all, the weather can take a toll on boats, especially in the winter season. And with proper storage, you’ll be able to avoid damage brought about by the elements. So no matter what storage option you choose – be it outdoor, indoor, or on the water – make sure that your watercraft is stored correctly. It will save you both time and money on repairs.
3. Look after the engine of the boat
While there’s no denying the fact that it’s vital to let a trained mechanic perform routine maintenance on the motor of your boat, there are a few preventative measures that you can do to ensure that the engine runs well. Checking that there’s enough fuel in the tank, keeping its water intake free of any debris, ensuring that the propeller doesn’t have any oil buildup, and keeping the screw clamps of the engine mount secure may not seem like much. However, you’ll be surprised at how effective it can be at keeping your engine in good condition.
4. Stick to the scheduled maintenance
Keeping your boat in excellent condition is all about making sure that it is serviced and maintained regularly. And by sticking to its scheduled maintenance, not only will you ensure that it gets the attention that it needs. But it’s unlikely that you’ll overlook any important tasks.
Improving the longevity of a boat and making sure that it performs the way that it’s designed to hinges on our ability to look after it. And by following these essential maintenance tips, you’ll be able to keep your watercraft in excellent shape and enjoy it for years to come.