When the winter weather clears away and we’re greeted by blue skies and balmy weather, a lot of us marine-minded folks start planning our days out on the water. If your boat has been unused for a while, you’ll need to tend to it for a bit before you take it out. Boat maintenance is crucial both for your safety and for the longevity of the boat.
At RVs and Boats For Less, we want your boat to provide you safe trips without breaking down in the open waters. That’s why we’ve created this guide to getting your vessel ready for the summer. When you’re ready to check out boats for sale in Chubbuck, ID, contact our sales department for further help. We’re proud to be the preferred boat dealer for our friends from Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
Hull & Topside
Start by carefully inspecting your boat to see if there are any cracks or blisters that need patching. Use a mild detergent to clean the hull properly and then apply a good coat of marine wax. If you’ll be buffering, be light about it and keep moving it to avoid getting swirl marks on your boat. Use a light rubbing compound and a towel on problem areas, and never wax the non-skid parts of your boat. Ensure that whatever products you’re using are correct for your boat materials.
Mechanical Parts
Next, you’ll have to inspect the boat’s wiring to see if anything is worn or corroded. Sometimes rats can chew through wires while your boat’s in storage. Replace or tighten any problem areas and spray a marine-grade corrosion inhibitor for future safety. You also have to inspect the throttle, shift, seacocks and rudder cables. Use a manufacturer recommended grease or marine grade Teflon to ensure smooth movement. Open any seacocks that are needed for launch (like the freshwater intake one) and shut the rest.
If you have an outboard motor, winter could have let in some rot or condensation over time. Open the outboard cowlings and check for any signs of either. On a stern-drive, check the outdrive bellows for any cracks or signs of wear and tear. Check the heat exchangers to see they’re free from debris or any other obstruction, and clean it thoroughly if necessary. Check the battery; clean the connectors before charging it and topping it off with distilled water.
Engine
Engine oil should be changed if you didn’t do that before storage. Check the drive belts, fuel lines, hoses and clamps to see they’re functioning well. Remove the distributor cap and inspect the cap and rotor for any rust, carbon buildup or moisture. Check the condition of the plug wires as well. Make sure all fluids are topped up before your boat trip.
When you check your spark plugs, if you decide to replace them, first start the engine and let the fogging solution burn off from the cylinders. As a preventive measure, change the cooling water impellers. Ensure that the bilge pump and blower are working correctly. Zincs prevent corrosion from the electrical charge in seawater so if they’re rusted, you should change them. To check for fuel or starting issues, connect fresh water to the engine and start it.
Miscellaneous
If you use a boat trailer, make sure all tires, electrical connections, lights, signals and wheel bearings are fine. Make sure all your safety gear (such as life jackets and floatables) is up to code. Make sure everything in your first-aid kit is within the expiry period and safe to use. Also check safety equipment like flares, fire extinguishers, etc. to make sure they’ll be ready for use when you need them.
We hope these tips help you perform some simple boat maintenance steps! Sometimes though, you’ll want professional boat service for your craft. Get in touch with our service department at RVs and Boats For Less in Chubbuck, ID to get the best care for your vessel. If you’re looking for boats for sale in Idaho Falls or Pocatello, contact our sales department at your convenience.
