We are sure you listened to our advice and went to Zeboats to buy a boat. So, the boat has been bought and it’s time to talk about what to do more. Owning a boat requires an owner to take regular care of it to keep it running smoothly and safely. It is crucial to have a regular maintenance routine. The owner can mostly do boat repairing. But for major servicing, it is advisable to turn it into the experts.
Taking good care of a boat will ensure that it stays in good condition and last for longer. You can enjoy a more extended boating experience by giving your attention to its maintenance.
Here are a few essential tips to help you keep your boat in good condition:
- After a day out, wash your boat
• Removing the grime and grease from the boat is very important.
• If you use your boat in saltwater, you have to wash it after every ride. Salt can be corrosive and damages the boat.
• Use a regular garden hose to wash off any loose dirt.
• Take a non-abrasive cleaner and brush the boat with a stiff bristle brush to remove dirt.
• Buff the boat surface with a soft cloth. Do not put too much pressure because harsh rubbing can damage the coating, especially in fiberglass.
• Hose the detergent off and allow it to dry.
• If you want to wax your boat, you can do so after the washing.
Use a soft cloth and do not wax hardly. Gelcoats can come off with harsh rubbing. Keeping the gelcoat coated with wax helps maintain its shine and offers a protective layer between the coat and water. After waxing, you can buff down the boat for an extra shine.
- Dry Storage
It is hard to stay dry on a boating trip. Yet, it is essential to have a dedicated space for dry storage. Every boat should have a space to store towels, perishables, and stuff prone to mildew and molds.
- Upholstery and carpets
Dirt, sand, bits of food, clutter, and mildew can accumulate quickly in the boat. Clean and scrub of unwanted dirt on upholstery with a marine vinyl cleaner. If it is ripped or the upholstery shows any loose seams, sew it up to prevent further ripping.
For the carpets, shake it off, vacuum the dirt, wash it properly, and hang it up to dry.
- Engine care
After every outing on your boat, it is advisable to check the boat’s engine and correct it if anything is out of order. Also, check the propeller after it has taken a hit to repair bends and damages. For basic engine maintenance, read the owner’s manual. Keeping a check on the boat is manageable and should be done by every boat owner to retain its value.
Before every outing, inspect the propeller and lubricate it. Giving a moment to check the propeller will ensure that the prop does not corrode onto the shaft. Check the fuel level and be aware of any fuel leaks. Secure and tighten the engine mount screw clamps. Further, ensure that there is no corrosion on the engine.
After every outing, flush the engine to remove salt, minerals, and dirt.
It will help if you make time to do annual servicing at least twice every year. Or you can do it yourself if you can handle engines. If you maintain a proper routine to keep your boat, it will help prevent repair costs.
- Boat storage
Proper storage of boats is vital to prevent weather-related damage to your boat. Prolonged exposure to rain and snow can damage vessels. There are two storage options for boat owners
Outdoor storage
It is more inexpensive to store boats in an outside storage area. It is also popular because boat owners do not need to bring down the boat’s mast. You have to wrap your boat correctly to protect it from the weather elements. Shrinkwrapping is a common method of boat covering. An important point to keep in mind is to ensure that the boat gets enough ventilation. Leave some space for air to circulate. It will prevent mildew from forming on the boat. Cover your boat adequately and store it for winterization. It is a common storage option in areas with long winters.
You can also put up a tarpaulin to cover the boat.
Indoor storage
The indoor storage method protects your boat from both the weather and the sun. You can store them at home if there is enough space, or you can also rent a storage unit and hold the boat there for the winter.
Water storage
For larger vessels that do not trailer able, many harbors offer winter storage facilities in the water.
- Winterizing
It is advisable to prepare a boat before a long period of storage. It will ensure an easier startup when you come back to use it. Proper storage of boats also prevents the oxidation of engines and boat parts. It will also keep the interiors from mildews and rots.
• Flush and drain the engine.
• Fill the tank with fresh fuel so that the fuel tank does not rust. Add a fuel stabilizer in the fuel to prevent the build-up of gum and varnish. It will aid in an easy startup and also helps to prolong engine life.
• Use a fogging air spray to provide a protective layer to the engine parts. It will prevent corrosion of parts while in storage. Use a lubricant to protect engines from forming rust.
• Clean the boat up and wax to prevent mildew and formation of mold on the boat.
• Cover your boat with a durable cover.
