How to Keep Your Boat in Good Shape
If you’re a proud boat owner, you probably know how important it is to keep your boat in good shape. Just like cars and other vehicles, boats need regular maintenance to stay fully functional.
After spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on your boat, it’s no wonder that you want to keep it looking good and operating efficiently. Whether you use your boat to go fishing in the best spots or you’re a keen boater who likes to take weekly trips out to sea, you will want to keep it in optimal condition.
Although maintaining and repairing your boat can cost you time, money, and energy in the short term, it’s worth the investment. Proper maintenance is vital to your boat’s longevity. Performing regular checks and getting any damaged parts replaced with Malibu boat parts should be your top priorities.
Here are some top tips to help you after your boat and keep it in tiptop shape.
Keep it Clean
As simple as it sounds, regular cleaning is one of the most easily forgotten steps when it comes to keeping your boat in a lot more condition. This means cleaning every area of the boat, including the engine.
When you take your boat out into the ocean, the salty water can cause a build-up of mineral deposits on the motor and hull of the boat.
By using some boat soap and warm water, you can rinse off any build-up and keep your boat’s engine functioning properly. Regular cleaning will also maintain the appearance of your boats, so it contains to look as good as new.
Once you have cleaned your boat with soap and water, don’t forget to wax it. Adding wax to the exterior of your boat helps to protect the outer materials from UV damage.
Check the Engine
One of the most common reasons why boats break down in the middle of the sea is engine failure. If you fail to maintain your engine properly, it can temporarily stop working for me to come permanently damaged.
Apart from being very expensive to replace, a damaged engine is also a safety hazard when you are riding your boat out at sea.
Check the oil levels, make sure the filters are not blocked and make sure no area of the engine has corroded. You should also take a look at the engine pumps, belts, and spark plugs to ensure they are in optimal condition and won’t become a safety hazard.
Charge the Battery
If your boat has a battery-powered motor, make sure to keep the battery charged. As simple as this sounds, it’s easily forgotten when you head out to see.
Alongside keeping the battery well charged, you will also need to perform regular checks to ensure no area of the battery has eroded or has become damaged.
If you spot any signs of damage, it’s important to get the battery replaced so that you aren’t putting yourself or your passengers at risk. Battery acid can be harmful to your skin and eyes, and may cause burns.
