5 Tips for Boat Care
Owning a boat is a lot of fun, but it is a lot of responsibility. No matter the size of the boat, it will require care and maintenance. A boat can be a financial investment on par with purchasing a car or a home. It is essential to protect the investment by taking the proper care of it. Here is a list of five tips for boat care.
1. Keeping the exterior of the boat clean is essential to maintaining the integrity of the boat as well as keeping it looking good. At the end of the boating season, give the hull of the boat a good scrubbing and remove any salt build up or any ocean related debris such as barnacles, seaweed or grass. Most boats can be washed with soap and water, but the boat builder may recommend other cleaning elements. The boat should be washed after it has been removed from the water for the season. If the boat is washed while the boat is still docked, wash it down with clean water. Most marinas have a garden hose hook up for just such an occasion.
2. Maintaining the boat engine is just as important as maintaining your vehicle engine. Check the oil regularly and change the oil and filter on a regular basis. Remove the old oil before filling it with new oil. When removing the old oil, collect it in a container for proper disposal. Be sure to use the appropriate size oil filter.
Check the inline water filter to make sure it is free from mud, grass or other debris. The water intake line circulates water to keep the boat engine cool.
Check the transmission fluid at least once a season or after about 250 hours of use. Before checking the level of the fluid, run the engine until it is warm. If the level is less than the predetermined level, add the transmission recommended by the boat manufacturer. When it is time to change the transmission fluid, collect it into a container for proper disposal.
3. Check the impellers regularly to make sure they are in place and move easily. There is an impeller on the water pump and each ballast pump. If any of the impellers have been damaged, they will need to be replaced. Improperly working impellers could result in engine damage from improper water flow. Impellers on most boats are easily accessible and either snap in and out or is fastened with screws that can be removed with a standard screw driver.
4. Keep the walking surfaces clean and free from debris and spills. That will minimize and hopefully even eliminate falls and potential injuries. Anything sticky spilled on the walking surfaces will cause a shoe or a bare foot to stick and cause a person to lose their footing or misstep. Swab the decks regularly with soap and water or an approved cleaner. Do not allow litter to be left on the boat for any reason.
5. Ropes and cables will keep your boat secured to the dock when not in use. Check the ropes on a regular basis and look for areas that are knotted or frayed. If metal cables are used they will most likely be comprised of multiple strands braided into a metal rope. Check the metal cable for signs of rust or broken strands within the cable. Compromised ropes and cables should be replaced as soon as possible. It would be wise to keep ropes and cables on hand to be sure they get replaced in a timely manner.
Always check the ropes and cables when putting the boat away for the winter in a boat storage unit and again when getting the boat ready for the next boating seasons.
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