7 Boat Maintenance Tips To Keep You On The Water At All Times

Posted by Sarah Jones on May 17th, 2021

Some people think that having your annual servicing and cleaning procedures will be enough for the boat to keep it in good shape. Well, that may be true during the initial months or years of the boost, but soon after, you need to do proper maintenance and cleaning to keep the boat in good condition. To help you with this problem, RS Marine has come up with some boating accessories in USA that can help you increase the life of your boat.

Your boat must get regular maintenance from time to time. Another major factor that directly affects your boat's life is how regularly you take your boat onto the sea. This frequently matters a lot because if you take your boat for regular trips, you must take extra precautions to ensure your boat is in optimum condition.

This article will focus on the maintenance tips that will help you ensure that your boat remains in good condition throughout. The following will help you:

1. Frequently check your engine

Many boat owners don't pay close attention to the engine, and the boats end up being towed back to the marina due to engine failure. To ensure your boat's engine is in good condition, you must do some checks. These checks include checking the oil levels, checking for any leaks, ensuring there is enough lubrication on all the parts, all the lines and hoses must be inspected for any wear or tear and lastly check whether the clamps and fuel lines have been corroded. If you face any problems, contact the manufacturer and nearby boat repair shops.

2. The hull must be in good shape

The hull is the body that helps you float on water. If the hull is not in proper condition, then you might face bigger dangers in the future. Most people tend to polish their hulls twice every year. Once during the spring and once before storing it away. If your hull is clean and tidy, you can be sure that it too will perform well in water. Most boats have a fiberglass hull, which can be cleaned by applying polish and wax. When you use materials for cleaning, try to use non-toxic materials.

3. Take good care of electrical and plumbing

Electrical appliances must be regularly checked as they help in running the boat. Similarly, the battery must be charged and in good condition because it is the battery that powers the engine. The battery must have enough charge. If not, and if your battery dies, it would be very problematic for you in the middle of the ocean. Plumbing is also an important aspect that must not be neglected. A regular inspection will ensure that the bathrooms are not clogged. The bilge pumps must be checked twice a year for clogging.

4. The deck must be maintained properly

The deck must be clean and tidy at all times. It also attracts the eyes and must be in good condition. It is advised to wash and rinse the deck area and the foredeck area after every use. Be sure to give the deck a good scrub and rub at least once a month for a good appearance. Also, try to keep your boat covered when docked or at the marina. This will prevent any dust settlements, and you will have to spend less time cleaning.

5.Have a dry storage area on your boat

We know it isn't easy to have a dry storage area on a boat. But it is crucial. You could store all your life jackets, clothing, electronics, and other gears for dry storage. You can keep items that are more prone to molds or mildew. It might feel like a worthless effort but trust us. It is worth it. Before you store items in the dry storage, shake off the excess water and store them.

6. The following and the upholstery must be cleaned

Most of the flooring in the boats is self-draining, which helps you in cleaning the floor. But if you have a marine-grade carpet, then you must look forward to changing it. Clean the carpet and dry them before using it because food and water can find their way underneath the carpet. Debris and sand on the upholstery will be difficult to clean if they stay for a longer time.

7. Have your checklist for maintenance

Once you clean your boat, you will have a rough idea about the cleaning and maintenance process. You may also find out something by yourself that needs attention. Such experiences will help you create your checklist, which can be referred to during the next maintenance. Most importantly, the checklist will give you the satisfaction you have done the cleaning and motivate you to do more in the future.

Wrapping up

You need to check out boating accessories in USAfrom RS Marine that can help you clean and maintain your boat properly for the long run.