If you are a boat owner, you likely feel a lot of pride every time you get to set sail out into the local river or ocean. But if you want to continue having that great feeling for years to come, you need to take steps to properly care for your vessel. Here are three maintenance tips you should follow before or after every outing.
Inspect Your Propeller Before Every Launch
A boat without a working propeller is pretty much useless. You should inspect your propeller in detail every time you are about to set sail. If you park your boat at a marina when it's not in use, it's possible something could have bumped up against it while you were away. Be careful to remove any debris that is stuck on it and inspect carefully for signs of dents or other physical damage. Even the smallest dent in a propeller can cause your overall performance to take a nose dive. Never set sail with a damaged propeller. Instead, cover the boat back up and contact a boat repair specialist.
Wash It Every Time
If your boat is regularly in saltwater, you should get into the habit of giving it a full cleaning after every time at sea. If you get lazy, the salt residue will build up and begin to cause corrosion and rust issues throughout the boat's exterior. That said, don't just use any soap and brush, make sure you use specially crafted marine boatwash and a proper soft brush that is specifically designed for boats. Do this after every time at sea and your boat will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
Your Boat Needs Oil Changes Too
Your car isn't the only vehicle you own that requires regular oil changes. Exactly how often you'll have to do this depends on the boat and how often you use it, but in general, you should change the oil at least once a year or more often if the boat sees heavy use. Be sure you are using marine grade oil and don't try and get cute and use auto oil instead. Boat engines operate differently than auto engines and need marine grade oil to get the best performance.
If you want to keep your boat looking and running great for years to come, you should go through a maintenance checklist before and after every trip. Be sure to wash the boat after every encounter with saltwater and always inspect the propeller for debris or nicks and dents before and after every trip. If you encounter an issue, contact a boat repair specialist for assistance.
