Summer will be here in a few months, and boat owners should start thinking about sprucing up their boats so they can enjoy going out in the water as soon as hot weather hits.
It is better to prep and cleans the boat earlier so that you can check if there are minor repairs that need immediate attention. You should likewise pay attention to the boat’s deck as this is where foot traffic is the highest. Finally, ensure that it is not slippery by applying a fresh coat of durable boat deck paint.
If you are a novice, here are some details on how to get your boat in shape for the sailing season.
Critical items to check
The boat has many parts, and you must inspect, change, replace, and fix/repair everything because you do not want anything disastrous to happen while you are out in the water and far from the shore.
Change engine oil and filter
Car owners should change the engine oil and oil filter every six months. The same rule and the frequency also apply to boats. You must change the oil and the filters every six months or after 375 boating hours, whichever comes first.
Change the fuel filter
Changing the boat’s fuel filters every 100 hours of boating or every 12 months is necessary.
Water pump service
If your boat has an outboard engine, the pump draws the water in to cool the motor. Thus, there should be nothing that will restrict water flow to prevent the engine from overheating. Find a reputable service company to check and clean the water pump.
Change the transmission oil
Do not forget to change the transmission oil every 24 months. But if you complete the 2,000 operational hours earlier than 24 months, you must not wait until you reach the 24-month benchmark before changing the transmission oil.
Replace the drive belt
The drive belt may develop cracks and tears or become loose, preventing you from starting your engine. It is not that expensive, so make it a point to replace the drive belt after completing 1,000 hours of boating time or every 12 months, depending on which benchmark you reach first.
Flush the boat’s cooling system
Flushing the cooling system removes the remnants or build-up of salt or brackish water from the system, as these elements can cause corrosion. Clean the cooling system after 6,000 boating hours or every 72 months.
Clean the air filter
For bigger boats with air conditioners, it is vital to check the air filters and clean them or replace them when necessary. As a rule, you can either clean the air filter after 1,000 hours of boating or every 6 months.
Apply grease to the steering cable
Most boat manufacturers recommend that you apply grease on the boat’s steering cable at the start of the boating season or once every 12 months.
Charge the battery
If you do not use your boat frequently, its battery’s charge can drop drastically. So before you use your boat, ensure that your battery is fully charged. You can charge it every 12 months or as soon as the battery indicators show a low charge.
A thorough checkup is a must before you take the boat out. Pay special attention to the vessel’s fuel and electrical systems and the various components, like belts and cables, fluid levels, propellers and hulls, and safety gears.
