If you're in the market for a new boat, you're thinking about how many hours you’ll be spending behind your steering wheel or your fishing gear. You may be thinking about how fast your new boat needs to go or how much you want to max out the motor's horsepower.
But, what you should think about is how well to take care of your boat. That's right! You can spend thousands of dollars on that new engine. But, the key to the stability of your boating experience lies within the details of day-to-day maintenance. In this article, we’ll discuss various ways you can take care of your boat. Read on!
Clean The Boat’s Exterior
The first thing you do after buying a boat is to take care of the exterior. Any time you're new to boating, it's best to clean things up right away. Boat parts, such as the hull, deck, windshield, and propeller may be covered in salty water if you've been on the water. Saltwater can damage metal, so it's best to clean it as soon as possible.
Clean your boat of any visible rust, dirt, or mildew, especially if you're planning to keep it for a long time or are planning to sell it at some point. You can use wire brushes and steel wool.
But, the best method is to use a product like Marine Cleaner. This product is designed for marine cleaning and works well on boat exteriors. It cleans all types of surfaces quickly and effectively, leaving them sparkling clean.
Also, you should invest in an exterior wax. Exterior wax protects the paint from the elements, yet it still gives some sheen that makes it look great.
Engine Maintenance
A boat engine is an expensive investment and so, don’t neglect basic maintenance — especially if you'll be spending a lot of time on the water. Here are some quick steps to take to keep your engine working well.
Cleaning and Oiling
Before you get on the water, ensure your engine isn't dirty from being stored in a garage or shed. If you have a cover, remove it, and wash it inside with a pressure washer. Then dry it and put it back on top of the engine.
After each use, check the engine for any debris or dirt that may have fallen onto the propeller shaft or gear train. If there is any, clean it off with a shop vac and oil the moving parts where they meet the casing. Use high-quality motor oil designed for marine engines.
Fuel filters
Change your fuel filters every two years. Dirty fuel filters can cause damage to diesel and gasoline engines. To do this, follow these steps:
- Remove the lid from your fuel tank (or drain it) by removing two 10mm bolts located behind the filler cap (on each side).
- Siphon out all the fuel from the tank by opening one end valve (usually found on both sides).
Store Your Boat Well
No matter how big or small your boat is, always store it well. Keeping your boat dry and safe is essential to maintaining it in good shape. Here are some tips on how to store your boat well:
- Store the boat somewhere, at least ten feet above the high watermark of the water it was moored in before. If you're not sure where that is, consult with your marina for guidance.
- Cover any fibreglass construction with a tarp or other waterproof material. It keeps the fibreglass protected from the elements. Also, you can cover the deck with plywood or plastic sheets. You can even wrap aluminium boats in plastic tarps or garbage bags.
- Store any equipment you have onboard securely away from the hull. This way, it won't be damaged if exposed to the sun, wind, saltwater, or other elements.
Have A Happy Ride On Your New Boat!
Boat maintenance is a usually overlooked aspect of boat ownership. Once you have your boat in the water, many owners are too busy to think about its upkeep. But it's crucial to prevent problems before they start, and the sooner you take care of your boat, the less likely you are to end up with a major repair bill. Happy boating!
