Boat Maintenance

Boat Maintenance is a must, see what it takes to keep your Boat running and looking great...

This is a proud moment when you first take ownership of your new Boat. It took a lot of hard work to get to this point an it's worth it but the fun has just begun. Boat Maintenance is essential to keep happy days on the Water.

Yachting-n-Boating.com will provide you tips and preventive maintenance required to keep your Boat is top working order and looking good. Let's get started:

Cleaning & Care:
This is a must to keep your Boat or Yacht looking it's best and keep the shine of the gel-coat. The simplest thing you can do after you arrive at the dock is to wash it down with clean fresh Water. A wash down removes dirt, sand, salt and other debris that

Marine Mechanic:
As we mentioned previously when buying a Boat on your own you should build a rapport with a local Marine Mechanic for them to assist you in selecting a good used Boat. Well don't stop there, because after you have cut the check and made the commitment, keep that relationship with the mechanic cause we're sure that at some point down the 'river' we'll need his expertise. Also if your looking at add accessories or electronics to the Boat or Yacht this Marine Mechanic will be a good source for information or for installation.

Bottom Paint:
This is one of the most popular preventive maintenance techniques in the marine industry. Applying anti-fouling paint to the bottom of your Boat will prevent the growth of barnacles, algae, and other such organisms on the hull that can drastically reduce the performance of your Boat or Yacht. If you Boat or Yacht is stored in the Water every year or two your vessel should be dry docked, cleaning the bottom of the vessel and applying a new coat of anti-fouling paint. For Boats that are not stored in the Water bottom paint is not necessary but is still a good protector. Applying a new coat of anti-fouling paint should only be as needed since you see the bottom every you return to the dock.

Got cosmetic or structural fiberglass damage? This is a serious performance issue that needs immediate repair. diy-fiberglass-boat-repair.com can help; they cover everything from fiberglass basics and tools to putting a blindingly glossy finish on your work. From mixing bowls to gel-coat, cosmetic blemishes to transom repairs, you will learn everything you need to know get your boat back on the water looking GREAT at diy-fiberglass-boat-repair.com!

Motor(s):
Unless you have a sailboat, a Boat without a motor is a big floating buoy, so protect your motor(s). The single most important preventive maintenance task is flushing the engine(s). Flushing the motors only applies to those Boats that are trailerable or placed in dry rack storage.

At your marine supply store purchase a set of the 'rabbit ears' that have a regular garden hose attachment. Upon returning from your fantastic Boating excursion while the Boat is out of the Water hook up the 'rabbit ears' to the lower-unit of the motor, turn the Water on and start the engine. Let it run for about 5 minutes allowing the clean fresh water to circulate through the engine removing dirt, sand, salt, plant debris and other materials harmful to your engine(s).

Other Motor Tips:

• Routinely inspect your motor(s) for the smell of gas or oil. If you see or smell evidence of either contact your marine mechanic.


• Purchase outboard engine covers, this will prevent moisture from setting in.


• Tune your engine(s) at least every 100 hours used.


• Blowers are needed in the engine compartment of Inboard/Outboard motor(s) to prevent gas fumes from igniting.


• At least every 50 to 100 hours with a grease gun fill those areas on the out-drive or shaft that have fittings.


• Check your propeller once you return to the dock. Bring the engine out-drive or shaft out of the Water and look for damage or anything caught around the propeller.

Bilge Pumps:
This is an extremely important component to the Boat that needs regular check-ups to ensure it's running properly. In the event that your Boat or Yacht takes on Water you need this Bilge Pump to kick on and discharge Water from bottom of the Boat as quickly as possible to prevent sinking and give enough time to get help. Most Boats today have a automatic turn on switch so when the Water level in the bilge increases to a certain level the Bilge Pump will kick on. Be sure the Bilge Pump is free and clear of

Gel-Coat:
Gel-coat is a combination of resin and pigment that creates a barrier of protection on your fiberglass hull to create that new Boat look.

Electrical Components:
The 'nervous system' of the Boat needs special attention. Failures occur as a result of corroded electrical systems so keeping electrical components dry should be a regular part of your boat maintenance routine. Electrical fittings can be protected with a water-repellent such as WD-40 or non-conductive grease.

Batteries:
We heard of the 'nervous system' now we are talking the source of power that feeds that system. Don't be stuck at the dock with a dead Battery. Protect your Batteries with a Battery Box that can keep it clean and damp-free so battery power is not drained. Check to ensure its properly charged. Purchase a spray bottle of Marine Battery Terminal Protector to prevent corrosion at the terminals and keeps the connection strong. Having a back up Battery can avoid being stuck at the dock!

Boat Cover:
If you can't storage you boat undercover then purchase a Boat Cover. Avoid surprises when you ready to head back out on the Water, you don't know what could be lingering. The Boat Cover prevents UV rays from fading your upholstery and carpeting, bird dropping that sit to long could stain, leaves that pile up create mildew, dust and dirt accumulates and your occasion rodent may set up shop! The Boat Cover is a wise investment.

Winterizing:
I know this is a tough day and you have been putting it off way to long because now you have to clean the snow off the top of the Boat Cover! Don't wait that long because fluids in the Boat need to be drained and cleaned and the gas tank filled store it for the winter. The best to store a Boat for the winter is in a enclosed climate-controlled environment but if this is not available, try shrink wrapping it and if this is not available use your Boat cover and a tarp and be sure to cover it from the elements as best as you can. Read up on your owner manual for specific details that the Boat and the Motor Manufacturers recommend you do to ensure that come spring your Boat will be nearly ready to go! Trying to save a buck in the winter could cost you in the spring, do it right!

Yacht Management:
Enough with the small talk, I mean the small Boats. Let's discuss the ultimate program that can save any owner time and money. Now that you have read about Boat Maintenance your probably asking yourself, when do I have time for this? I have a huge Boat and when I return to the dock after a fantastic day on the Water the last thing I want to do it wash down the Yacht. Then Yacht Management is right for you. These management companies do the maintenance work for you. Your Yacht will be ready and waiting for you at anytime. Management companies offer a variety of services such as cleaning and upkeep; routine engine(s) maintenance; security; fueling; crews and captains for hire and much more. Spend more time on the Water then at the dock!

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Yachts and Sailboats practical help and advice and technical help. All you need to know is here by best selling boating book author and marine electrician John C Payne..