Boat Maintenance Tips
Your boat was a huge investment, so it makes sense that you want to keep her functioning for years to come. This means you’ll need to invest some time in maintaining your boat and all her working parts, from the engine to the propeller. Avoiding maintenance issues will only mean facing expensive boat repairs down the road, so set aside time every so often to change the oil, wash your boat and check its working parts. Your local boat dealership, Water World Boat & Powersport, is in Medford, Oregon, and we’ve created this list of our favorite boat maintenance tips to get you started on the path to a well-functioning boat.
Tend To The Motor
No matter whether your boat has an inboard, outboard or a sterndrive motor, you will need to give that motor some attention on a regular basis to keep its internal combustion functional and efficient. The most important component is clean and plentiful oil to prevent the parts of your engine from grinding against each other.
Check the oil before each trip, ensuring that the level is within the guidelines specified for your particular make and model. Top off the oil as necessary. If the appearance or consistency of your boat’s oil is cloudy or viscous, this means it is time to get your boat’s oil changed, which is recommended after every 100 hours of operation.
Regular oil changes keep your boat’s motor running well, saving you expensive mechanic fees down the road. Checking the oil regularly can also let you catch problems before they get too serious. One good example of this is if you find metal shavings in your oil, which means that parts of your boat’s motor are grinding against each other. This is a problem you want to address as soon as possible!
Wash Your Boat
Washing your boat removes harmful saltwater build-up as well as oil residues, moss growth and mud. A clean boat will operate better and move more smoothly through the water. The saltwater is particularly important to remove since it can corrode metal and dull gel coats and paint finishes over time. Use a special marine boat wash that is specifically intended for use on your boat’s unique construction. Scrub using a soft-bristle brush -- you don’t want to scratch your boat using abrasive sponges or powders. Clean your boat in small sections to prevent the soap from drying on your boat and marring the finish before you can rinse it off.
The washing process can be simplified by rinsing your boat frequently, preferably after every trip in saltwater conditions. Loose debris will be washed away before it can crust onto your boat and ruin the finish. This step takes only a few minutes after each sojourn, but it will save you a great deal of time when it comes to thoroughly washing your boat as you won’t have as much to scrub off.
Inspect The Propeller
Owners of outboard and sterndrive boats should check their boat’s propeller on a regular basis. Use a deep well socket to remove the propeller and check it for loose fishing line wrapped around the shaft, which could necessitate professional attention. Look over your propeller for chunks or dents in its blades. These will require replacement because riding with a damaged propeller will cause further damage down the road, like loose bearings or weakened seals. Address any propeller issues as soon as you can to prevent damage to your boat.
Hopefully this guide was helpful to you in determining how best to upkeep your boat. If you’re in search of a great new or used boat, visit our showroom to see our wide selection of boats available for sale. Our service department can help you with any major issues that your current boat might have, too. Water World Boat & Powersport is located in Medford, serving Grants Pass and Ashland, Oregon.
