3 Simple Ways to Maintain Your Boat

Copyright (c) 2015 Stowaway marine

Every boat needs proper maintenance in order to operate efficiently for a longer period of time. Routine maintenance and small repairs may seem like a waste of money but in the long run, they pay off. We are going to look at 3 simple ways a boat owner can maintain this important investment.

Regular washing

This is probably the simplest way to maintain your boat. Regular washing is important as it helps to remove any salt residue that could cause damage on your boat's exterior. You need to rinse the boat thoroughly with clean and fresh water whenever you come out of the waters. This cleaning can be done as regularly as possible because salt can easily cause corrosion especially on the metal components of the boat. If you notice corrosion on the fasteners and other hardware it could be a sign that the boat is not thoroughly washed after use. You can clean the boat using a soft boat brush together with soap. There's certain soap that is designed for cleaning boats without damaging its gel coat. You may even try using the car wash soap but make sure it doesn't cause any damage to the gel coat.

Regular oil changes

Regular oil changes are important because they help to maintain the boat in top notch condition. The number of times you have to change the oil will depend on the type of boat you have. You can do the oil changes on your own or hire a professional to do them. The good thing with getting a professional to do the oil change is that they'll do it quickly, efficiently and using the right tools. You also need to choose the right type of oil for your boat. Experts recommend marine grade oil which is good for your boat engine. Automotive oils are not designed to protect marine engines.

Check the propeller

The last important thing you need to do is to check the propeller on a regular basis to ensure it's in perfect state. You need to remove the propeller and make sure it doesn't have discarded fishing lines attached to it. These items can interfere with the gear case and even cause boat leaks. The propeller is also at risk of dents and other forms of wear and tear. In many cases, the paint on the propeller will come out fast and this is normal. But dents must be fixed because if they are ignored, they can undermine the performance of a boat and make it burn excess fuel.

Boat repairs and maintenance should only be done by a professional. If you suspect that something is wrong with your boat or any of its components, it's important to ask a contractor to come in and check it out immediately. There are certain issues that may seem small but can quickly escalate and undermine the performance of your boat. Consider routine checkups to take note of any issues that come along the way. Remember that a well maintained boat will serve you for longer.


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Stow Away Marine is a Panacea, Crawfordville, and Tallahassee marine company that provides service in the following areas, solar well repair and installation and well hand pump repair and installation, Transmission and more. http://stowawaycenter.com/marine