The Beginner’s Guide to Boat Care: Boat Maintenance 101

Taking care of a boat can seem like an overwhelming ordeal at a glance, but if you’re familiar with car maintenance, you’d be happy to know that there are actually some overlaps between boat care and automobile care.

For one, engines, a main body, and wiring are some anatomical similarities shared between a boat and a car, and the cleaning process for them is also fairly similar.

And just like cars, some boat parts, including the boat autopilot, would need periodic upkeep from their owners, whereas other components would be better off in the hands of a professional boat mechanic.

Read this beginner’s guide to boat care to help you better understand how to maintain a boat as a beginner.

1) Wash The Exterior

Constant exposure to saltwater and the elements can erode your boat’s paint job over time. It can also cause a build-up of bacteria, scratches, and abrasions, worsening your boat’s beauty and performance. Straightline windscreen wipers are essential for your boat if you want to keep the windows clean at all time and to prevent any additional damage that may be caused by abrasion.

To combat this, make it a habit to clean the exterior of your boat at least once a month. The cleaning methods necessary for your boat depend entirely on its construction and type.

For instance, fibreglass boats—which are commonly found in Grays boat auctions and most modern boating stores—are best wiped down with a gel coat polish and some cloth twice a season.

In contrast, woodwork boats, which are boats commonly found in warmer climates like the Philippines, are best suited to a mild cleaner and brush with soft bristles.

No matter your boat type, it’s always good practice to wash down your boat with clean water and some soap after each outing, preferably when docked. This will prolong the durability of your boat and lead to a longer lifespan.

2) Clean The Interior

While the exterior takes the brunt of the wear and tear, the interior is also susceptible to this same set of problems. The canvas and upholstery of your boat tend to accumulate mould and mildew over time, which can be detrimental to the health of both the boat and the passengers aboard.

As such, aim to clean the interior of your boat once a month, or more if you plan to use it daily. The best way to do this is to start by vacuuming up any dirt and debris that have made its way onto the boat’s deck.

After that, use a mild detergent diluted with some water and some cloth to wipe down all the surfaces. Once you’ve scrubbed down each area, dry the boat thoroughly with a clean cloth and you’re good to go!

If, however, you feel that your boat needs a deeper clean, or you simply haven’t the time to do it yourself, why not get in contact with a company offering boat grooming Auckland or a similar company operating elsewhere? These professionals will not only clean the exterior of your boat but also shampoo your carpets and couches, remove any marks from the deck, and even clean, brighten, and reseal your teak. 

3) Store Your Boat Properly

While the convenience of having your boat ready on the water is nice, strive to keep it securely stored away when not in use.

This prevents it from being damaged by the elements and harsh weather conditions, such as winter snow and storms. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from entering the boat and wrecking the interior.

The best way to store a boat is indoors, preferably in a spacious garage or shed. If you don’t have one, consider renting a space in a storage facility for your boat. Putting a tarp on it would be a good idea too, as this will help keep your boat protected from accumulating dust.

If indoor storage isn’t an option, you can keep your boat safe outdoors by removing it from the water, shrink-wrapping it, and covering it with a tarp.

It’s also a good idea to perform most maintenance checks when the boat is out of the water so that you can get a better look at its drain plugs and underside.

4) Take Care of Your Boat’s Engine

The engine is the heart of the vessel. Just as how humans should regularly keep their hearts healthy, your boat’s engine needs proper care as well. The moment you notice there’s something wrong with the engine, call boat repair fort myers, or one in your area to prevent potential accidents at sea.

That said, there are many things to take into account when caring for your boat engine. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

• Check your fuel hoses
• Look for water in the fuel
• Check if your propeller is free from debris
• Look at the engine’s oil levels
• Look at signs of rusting
• Inspect the tank vent
• Look at the spark plugs

If there are any problems in the above areas, talk with a mechanic to have them properly diagnose and mend the condition. If engine damage is minimal, you can wipe down your engine with an anti-corrosive agent and limit external exposure to rain and sun by putting a plastic cover on top when in use.

5) Care For Other Boat Parts

The boat runs on a complex system of parts, each of which requires its own level of maintenance and care.

As a newly-indoctrinated boat owner, you should familiarise yourself with the different parts of your boat as well as their respective maintenance requirements.

Here are some common boat parts and tips on how to take care of them:

• Bilge Pump: Ensure that the pump and its hose are clean and free from debris
• Battery: Brush the battery connectors and replace the battery once a year.
• Oil and filter: Replace the oil on schedule and get the filter cleaned
• Other fluids: Ensure that the coolant and other fluids are changed periodically
• Lights and smoke alarms: Keep your boat safe by testing lights, smoke alarms, and the horn regularly and replace their battery as needed.

Keeping a boat can be a fun experience, enabling you to partake in water travel and a variety of exciting new hobbies. 

However, like any other machine, it demands proper maintenance for it to be serviceable for your needs. So don’t skip out on routine boat care!