Just like land vehicles, boats need regular maintenance to run smoothly and safely. With proper boat care and upkeep, you can expect your vessel to last a long time and provide many memories, whether you go boating on lakes, rivers or seas.
Essential boat maintenance goes beyond a visual inspection of your boat every time you head out. You’ll also want to care for your boat after every outing, as well as follow a regular maintenance schedule. Fortunately, many upkeep-related tasks are manageable for most boat owners and do not require a mechanic. However, if you do find you need assistance or a major repair, we recommend turning to the pros so you can enjoy your boat safely. In the meantime, let us help you make the most of your boat.
Generally speaking, boat maintenance involves keeping your boat clean and lubricated. Just as you wouldn’t drive your car without engine oil, you wouldn’t want to take your boat out for a ride without proper fluid levels. Likewise, you probably know weather and debris can damage your car’s exterior over time. The same principle applies to boats. For example, a fibreglass boat with a dirty exterior will turn chalky if you don’t wash and wax it regularly. Aluminum boats generally require less maintenance than fibreglass ones, but should still be taken care of properly to ensure ideal performance.
It’s critical to keeping your boat’s exterior clean for several reasons, besides showcasing its beauty. For one, keeping your boat clean helps prevent the spread of invasive species. You never know what plant or animal hitched a ride on your boat, so it’s essential to clean your boat every time to protect our waterways.
Secondly, keeping your boat clean protects the structure of the boat by keeping the finish intact. Over time, the salt from the sea will begin to erode, causing abrasions and scratches that could be costly to remove. Lastly, a clean boat simply performs better. A dirty hull can increase fuel costs by as much as 30%.
Aim to clean your boat on land to prevent polluting the water if possible. If you need to clean your boat in the water, use safe products, and avoid toxic substances. No matter where you clean your boat, you will need to rinse it with fresh, clean water to remove the salt.
Improper maintenance of boat motors can cost thousands of dollars in repairs, and may even require replacing the notor entirely. By taking preventive measures, you can keep your engine running for a long time, and you can preserve the value of your boat. Before you perform engine maintenance, it’s a good idea to check your manufacturer’s recommendations first. With that said, here are a few general tips for caring for an outboard motor before every trip:
- Check that you have fuel and that the fuel tank vent is open.
- Make sure the engine mount screw clamps are tight and secure.
- Ensure the water intake is free of debris.
- Check your propeller for caught fishing line and excessive oil buildup.
In addition, here are more boat maintenance tips to apply regularly:
- Replace spark plugs as needed.
- Regularly check for water in the fuel.
- Keep an eye on the engine’s oil level.
- Check the fuel lines for cracks and wear.
- Check the propeller and engine belts for wear, and replace them as needed.
- Replace damaged fuel hoses.
- Check the fuel primer bulb for cracks.
- Inspect clamps for rust.
- Make sure the tank vent is clear, with no blockages.
Owning your own boat is a rewarding experience and provides countless opportunities for activities such as water-skiing, fishing, exploring and sightseeing. Cathers Marine offers a wide range of high-quality boats that cater to all budgets, meaning owning your own boat might be much easier than you think. Call us at 250-740-1844 or email us at info@cathers.ca to find out how you can take the next step towards owning your very own new boat!