5 Boat Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

If you have your own boat, you’ve probably heard a few less than enthusiastic sayings about ownership, like, “A boat is a hole in the water you throw money into” and, “The two happiest days in a sailor’s life are the day he buys a boat and the day he sells it”.

While these negative stereotypes aren’t always true of boat ownership, they absolutely can be if you neglect your investment. That’s why regular boat maintenance is absolutely key!

Keep reading for a few top tips on keeping yours in ship shape—and just in time for summer.

      1. Wash and Clean

A big part of maintaining a boat is simply cleaning it after each use. If you’re exploring saltwater environments, this can help reduce corrosion, rust, and salt damage. And, even if you only take the boat out in freshwater, it can absolutely extend your vessel’s life.

This will also give you a chance to perform a visual inspection and apply marine epoxy resin to any areas in need of repair.

     2. Change Your Oil and Filters

When it comes to taking care of a boat, this is one tip that you can’t overlook. In fact, it’s just as essential to your boat as it is to your car, back on land!

Check your service manual to find out how often this upkeep should be performed – and when in doubt, always change fluids and filters before storing your boat for the winter.

     3. Protect Your Battery

Make this tip a part of your boat maintenance checklist for an easy start to the next season without the worry of whether or not your engine will start.

Batteries can drain if allowed to remain connected for months or left to sit in a cold environment. Extend the life of your battery by charging and storing it in a separate, temperate location. You’ll also want to clean the battery and its terminals before and after storage to reduce the risk of corrosion.

     4. Fuel Additives and Stabilizers

In addition to regular fill-ups, you’ll likely need to add an additional stabilizer to your boat’s fuel from time to time, and especially before off-season storage.

This is one of our boat maintenance tips that varies greatly by model, determined by whether your motor is built-in or outboard and two-stroke or four-stroke.

     5. Check Your Prop

Skipping this step could send your boat maintenance cost through the roof, with costly prop fouls or even a seized motor.

Any time you’re launching or hauling out, check that your propeller is in working order, free of debris, and easy to turn by hand. It’s also vital to take special care while cleaning your prop so as not to damage its moving parts.

Get Onboard With Boat Maintenance

Now that you know a bit more about boat maintenance, it’s time to give yours a thorough once over. And, if you start working these tips into your regular routine, you’ll never have to worry again—caring for your investment will just feel like second nature!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, don’t miss out on the rest of our hot content. Our homepage is packed with updated blog posts, news, and tips for travel, lifestyle, and more.