A Beginner’s Guide to Boat Maintenance
When it comes to protecting your boat, there is a lot that you can do to keep it in pristine condition. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll want to perform routine maintenance to keep your vessel functioning properly. Fortunately, with a bit of time and effort, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy craft.
If you’re not sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. The experts at Portland Marine & Electronics have created this handy guide to boat maintenance. If you’re still shopping around for the perfect model, visit our dealership to check out our selection of boats for sale in Clackamas, Oregon.
Wash & Wax Your Boat
To make your boat look brand-new even years after you bought it, clean it thoroughly on a regular basis. You should wipe down the floors and furnishings and let them dry before covering or storing your craft so that moisture doesn’t accumulate and cause mildew growth. Use mild soap and water to wipe down your aluminum panels. After washing off saltwater and debris, let your boat dry in the warm sun and then apply a good wax coating to the entire hull. Look for the right cleaning wax for your boat and wax it at least once every season.
Storing the Battery
When it's time to put your boat away for the winter, you will want to do a few tasks. First, clean the battery to help prevent gunk and corrosion that has built up to cause damage in the weeks over storage. Also, make sure that the battery is fully charged before you place it into storage. Finally, make sure that your battery is not left hooked up to the motor during storage. If you forget one or more of these steps, you could return in the spring to a damaged or even dead battery.
Engine Care
Your vessel isn’t going to get very far if you don’t take care of the engine. Whether it’s an outboard, inboard, or sterndrive motor, you’ll need to tend to it on a routine basis to make sure that it is functioning correctly and efficiently.
Start by getting in the habit of checking the engine oil before each boating trip. Confirm that the level is within the suggested guidelines for your particular craft and top off if necessary. If you notice that the oil appears cloudy or sludgy, it’s time for an oil change. This is recommended for every 100 hours of operation.
Routine oil changes are the key to proper boat maintenance as they keep your motor running well. This can save you expensive mechanic fees in the long run. When you check your oil regularly, you’ll be able to catch problems before they become major issues. The oil should be clean and free of metal shavings as well. If you notice any debris floating about, this could indicate a larger problem. You can always contact the service department here at Portland Marine & Electronics if you think that your boat’s engine needs a professional touch.
Proactive Inspection
Regular inspections will help you determine what on your boat needs to be cleaned, repaired, or replaced over time. Walk around the exterior and examine the hull for any signs of damage or build-up of algae or other debris. If you find scratches or dents, you’ll need to get these repaired as soon as possible.
Next, walk around the inside of your boat next to make sure that there are no signs of pest infestation, mold, or mildew. All of these problems need to be addressed promptly as well. With enough care, your boat will stay in great shape and serve you and your family well for many years to come!
We hope that you found our boat maintenance guide useful. If you have any questions or need any help, head over to Portland Marine & Electronics in Clackamas, OR. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer your questions and get your boat running like new in no time. We also offer a wide range of boats for sale if you are looking to buy. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA.