How To Maintain a Boat

How To Maintain a Boat

Regular and periodic maintenance and servicing will keep your boat in tiptop shape and earn you the envy and admiration of your friends, neighbors and others. Regular maintenance also ensures that you don't have to deal with major breakdowns or expensive repairs in the long run. Some helpful tips and suggestions are listed here, which will help you maintain your boat in a good condition.

Regular washing and cleaning. It is important to wash and clean your boat regularly, especially if you sail in saline environments such as the sea. Make sure to wash the boat thoroughly with fresh water, if you've been for a sail on the briny, to remove all the salt. For cleaning, use cleaning products recommended for boats specifically. Using generic cleaning products may mar the finish of the boat.

Engine and motor maintenance. This is absolutely critical for the prolonged wellbeing and performance of your boat. The checks listed below should be followed after every trip:

Flush the engine after every trip this is done by simply switching on the engine and allowing the water pump to do its work as below. The gear should be in neutral and the area around the propeller is free of any obstructions. Once the flushing is complete, disconnect the fuel line and run the engine till all the residual fuel in the carburetor is fully used up. Once done, shut off the engine as well as the battery switch (if separate)

Check that the water pump is working correctly water flowing through the pump should be warm and not hot. In case of the latter, or if the stream is intermittent, shut down the engine immediately. Check for any collected debris which may be blocking the smooth flow of water by running a small piece of wire through the flow tube. If this also does not help, you may need to replace the water pump.

Remove the cowling around the engine and ensure there are no fuel or water leaks.

Wipe away moisture and dirt from all surfaces and spray with a goodquality anticorrosive. Clean and lubricate all valves, cables and other moving parts.