Did you know that an estimated 100 million Americans go boating each year?
There’s no better feeling than taking your boat out to the open sea. But for your boat to go out to the open sea, you need to keep on maintaining it every day. If you don’t, you’ll find it won’t start when you need it to.
Summer is the best time for regular maintenance since the water is much warmer than during winter. Boat maintenance is easier to perform when the water is warmer, so they recommend that you perform maintenance over the summer.
Keep on reading for some boat maintenance tips that you can use to ensure your boat is as functional as ever.
Store Your Boat
There are factors to consider in choosing boat storage facilities. You should store your boat in a location that is safe from severe weather. Choose a location where it will not get damaged by other boats or objects.
Keep Your Boat Clean
Keeping your boat clean is another boat care tip that you need to keep in mind. This means cleaning the exterior of the hull and deck, as well as the interior of the boat.
It’s also important to clean the engine and bilge area. Doing all of this will help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, and will also keep your boat looking its best.
Check Your Boat’s Fluids
Before taking your boat out on the water this summer, be sure to check all of its fluids. This includes oil, coolant, and fuel.
You should also check the Bravo drive oil if your boat has one. Checking these fluids will help ensure that your boat runs smoothly and efficiently all summer long.
To check the oil, simply remove the dipstick and wipe it off. Then insert it back into the boat and pull it out again. Check the level and quality of the oil and add more if necessary.
To check the coolant, remove the coolant reservoir cap and check the level. The coolant should be at the full line. If it is not, add more until it reaches that level.
Checking your boat’s fluids is a simple and important part of summer boat maintenance.
Inspect Your Boat’s Electrical Systems
One of the most important summer boat maintenance tips is to inspect your boat’s electrical systems. This is especially important if your boat is kept in salt water, as salt can cause corrosion.
Check all of the wiring, connections, and batteries for signs of corrosion. If you find any, clean it off and lubricate the connections.
Keep These Boat Maintenance Tips in Mind
After a long winter, your boat requires some much-needed TLC before you can take it out on the open water. You need to follow these simple boat maintenance tips to ensure that your vessel is ready for safe, worry-free boating all season long.
Want more tips and tricks to help you stay better informed? Check back with our blog frequently for even more information.
