The Basics of Boat Maintenance
One of the most crucial parts of responsible boat ownership is ensuring that your boat is well-maintained. A boat that is neglected is likely to fall into disrepair or cause an accident on the water. While it may seem like all boat maintenance needs to take place in a repair shop, that’s not actually true. You can do a lot of easy boat maintenance tasks at home with the right tools and a little knowledge.
Collins Marine in Tonawanda is your western New York boat dealer and we’ve served the shores of Lake Erie for over 30 years. Here are some of the easiest maintenance tasks to perform at home so you can keep your boat in good working order.
1. Rinse & Clean Your Boat
After every marine adventure, it’s a good idea to give your boat a nice rinse with a garden hose. Regardless of whether you boat in saltwater or freshwater, your boat can gather residue, algae, sand and other debris which can do damage to the gel coat over time or cause corrosion. Try to give your boat a thorough wash with a marine soap and scrub brush at least twice per year, also. Waxing your boat after washing it will help to protect the hull and keep your boat cleaner, too.
2. Check Oil & Fuel
Your boat’s engine needs to have clean oil that has no water in it. Check the oil regularly to make sure that it’s runny and clear with no water or metal shavings in it. Change sludgy oil promptly.
Avoid leaving stale fuel in your tank and do not use fuel that has more than 10% ethanol content because marine engines aren’t designed to run on ethanol fuels, which are designed for car engines.
3. Examine Your Propeller
If your boat has a propeller, you need to make sure that it’s in good condition. Examine it every so often to look for dents or cracks that need to be repaired. A damaged prop won’t spin well and it can make your boat shake. Sometimes, your propeller may even have fishing wire or something caught in it which can also make it spin incorrectly. The worst thing that can happen with a damaged propeller is that it may also damage the drive train on your engine, so keep an eye on it!
4. Clean Up Mold & Mildew
Due to the moisture that boats are constantly exposed to, mold and mildew can easily set in on your seats in particular, but also on fabrics or in nooks and crannies. Mold and mildew spores in the air present a health hazard and can damage your vinyl, so scrub these substances away with a spray cleaner and sponge or soft brush. Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals, as these can degrade vinyl over time.
5. Inspect Your Boat Cover
Keeping your boat covered when it’s not in use is a great way to protect it. A good sturdy boat cover deters theft and vandalism while also preventing pest infestation and weather damage. Make sure that you repair any rips or holes in your boat cover and replace it if it becomes too worn, as it won’t effectively protect your boat any longer if this is the case.
If you ever need some professional service on your boat, you can always get in touch with the service team here at Collins Marine. We can schedule you an appointment with our team of professional mechanics to address any issues you’re having and get you back on the water as soon as possible.
Looking to purchase a new boat instead? Browse our website to view our wide stock of new and used boats for sale at our dealership in Tonawanda, NY. Collins Marine proudly serves the greater Buffalo, NY, metropolitan region.