Tips On Taking Care of Your Boat

It is one thing to own a boat, and another to take good care of it. Many boat owners tend to find its usefulness only during the summer when the weather is warm and outdoor-friendly. Conversely, they leave their boats docked on the shores throughout the winter. As a result, the performance and overall lifespan of the boat are affected due to the lack of maintenance. Proper boat maintenance is highly recommended, even if the boat is not in use. But why should you worry about taking good care of your boat? Benefits of boat maintenance To some people, it might sound like a burden when you invest your time and money in delivering maintenance services to your boat. Conversely, it will benefit you in several ways, including the following;

• It enhances the performance and fuel economy of the boat.
• Extends the lifespan of the boat.
• Enhances the safety of the boat by pointing out the faults.
• It prevents costly damages in the future.

Taking good care of your boat ensures that your boat is stable throughout the winter, and be ready enough for summer. Tips on taking care of your boat Yes, you should offer proper maintenance for your boat, but how do you go about it? What are the measures you need to take so as to ensure the boat is in a perfect shape? Here are a few tips to help you.

1. Change the oil regularly

Too many boat owners have a tendency of overlooking the oil when delivering maintenance practices. You must ensure that the oil is changed at regular intervals so as to keep the boat running smoothly and preserve the condition of your engine. The frequency of the oil change will depend on a couple of things, change the oil every six months, or after every 50 hours of cruising. Changing the oil in your boat is an easy task that you can simply do by yourself. However, you will need to contact a professional if you find it difficult. How to change the oil

• Get the right tools. First off, you will need to be equipped with the right set of tools that will help you change the oil efficiently. Such tools like an oil extractor pump, and an oil filter wrench, are vital at this point.
• Start the engine. Starting the engine will warm it up and give you an easy job when changing the oil. This should only be done only if the boat is in the water, or on an out drive flush devise.
• Turn off the engine after 5 minutes and remove the dipstick.
• Put the oil extractor suction tube on the dipstick tube, by the way some tubes do not extend to the bottom of the pan, ensure that you push it to the end, then start pumping the oil out.
• When the oil extractor sucks out all the oil, you will then need to place an oil absorbing pad under the oil filter and use an oil wrench to remove it. After that, replace the filter once you have rubbed oil on the rubber gasket.
• Check the dipstick and fill the engine to the full mark with the proper weight, and manufacturers recommended oil. Restart your engine, and top off to the full mark.

The design of the engine will vary from one manufacturer to another. Some come with a drain tube that has been placed in the oil pan. With such a design, it can be easy to change the oil without spilling it.

2. Tune up

A properly tuned engine will save you, time and money, in the long run. We have come a long way from the days of points and condensers. Today’s engines are more powerful, and fuel efficient than their predecessors. And the technological advantages that they offer require the utmost of consideration. Check your spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor, every six months, or 50 hours of operation. And change as necessary.

3. Fuel injection systems

Many of today engines come equipped with fuel injection systems that require an on board Electronic Control Module to control all parameters of engine operation. These systems cannot be overlooked. As they are more efficient than a carbureted engine, they require far more attention to detail. It is advised to have your E.C.M. scanned regularly with your manufacturers dealer, or repair shop.

4. Keep the boat clean

Another maintenance tip is to wash your boat as frequently as possible, especially If you are cruising in saltwater. You’ll have to wash your boat, and bilge, with fresh water after you are done with your cruise and flush the engine with fresh water. The salt residue will corrode your engine, and dull the gel coat, if you leave it for an extended period of time. Ensure that you use a soft boat brush and marine boat-wash or the regular car wash soap. It is vital to the longevity of your gel coat, and to prevent discoloring from oxidation, to apply a Marine Sealer Wax as the last step.

5. Clean the filter

Most of the boats today have an in line sea strainer that is easy to locate and clean. If your boat does not have one, you defiantly need to install one. The inline sea strainer will separate the sea weed, and other debris, from your inlet water, and is located straight off of your thru hull fitting. You should ensure that you clean it regularly to enhance a swift flow of water that cools the engine.

6. Inspect the propeller

Your propeller determines how efficiently your engine will perform under load. An un balanced, dinged, or otherwise damaged prop, will adversely affect the output of the engine, and the handling characteristics of your boat. A damaged prop does not necessarily mean you need a new one. You can remove it very easily and send it out to have it trued up if not too far gone. Also you need to regularly check for fishing line that can get wrapped around your prop shaft and destroy the shaft seal.

7. Check/Change the gear lube

The outdrive fluid is just as vital as the engine oil. Many boat owners ignore this fluid, which could ruin the outdrive if not changed regularly. The same criteria as the engine applies. You want to change your gear lube every 6 months, or 50 hours of operation.

8. Replacing the impeller

Your impeller is essentially the most important part of an annual service. The function of the impeller is to provide water to the engine for cooling. The replacement of the impeller is recommended every 6 months, or 50 hours of operation. This process is by far the most difficult to do, but can learned easily enough. I recommend getting the repair manual for your particular outdrive. Or have your local marine repair shop handle the job.

9. Check your bellows

Your drive bellows are probably the most underrated maintenance item on the boat. This is one part that requires particular attention to condition, and if overlooked could sink your boat. To check your bellows, start with blocking the trailer wheels, drive in the up position, wheel turned to the right. Reach under and feel the largest, upper bellows, as close to the forward edge as possible. If you can push your fingers in, and feels soft, you will need to replace all of the bellows. RnR Marine is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of excellence for our customers and their boating experience. Staying ahead of the curve is essential in today’s world. And by applying these 9 simple steps will ensure it.