Expert Boat Maintenance Tips
Just like your car, your boat needs regular maintenance to run safely and smoothly. With proper upkeep and care, your vessel will last long, whether you do your boating on seas, lakes or rivers. Rockingham Boat presents you with six tips for proper boat maintenance. For more information, visit our dealership in Hampstead, New Hampshire, which also serves the residents of Manchester and Nashua.
Inspect Regularly
Proper boat maintenance starts with inspections. With the usual wear and tear, don't expect your vessel to remain in top shape forever. Thus, inspect it thoroughly as often as possible so you know if mold is growing in a dark corner, the wires are frayed, or the pumps have ceased working. Regular boat inspection will put you on top of any potential repair or maintenance issues.
Use the Right Materials for the Gelcoat
Your boat gelcoat needs proper maintenance. Although gelcoats are sturdy, the wrong cleaners can stain or dissolve them, so use the right cleaners and apply them regularly. With a strong gelcoat, you can eliminate most stains by carefully buffing them. However, you may not remove all the stains when the gelcoat wears down. So it is crucial to protect it from the beginning.
Dry the Interior After Every Session
Always keep a few towels around. To prevent the development of mold, use a towel to wipe down the interior of your boat after every session. Doing this will help remove grime, dirt and moisture. It will also lower the probability of rust in your boat.
Understand Your Oil Schedule
Know the particular oil requirements for your vessel which differ based on the type and model of engine. Change the oil as recommended. A simple way is to take your vessel to a certified dealer so they can change the oil. You can also change it yourself using an oil wrench, extractor pump, and some time in your hands, although it takes some time to practice. But don't attempt an oil change if you don't know what you are doing.
Clean the Hull Regularly
Cleaning your boat regularly is the simplest boat maintenance task you can perform. If you use the boat in saltwater, rinse the hull thoroughly using fresh water. Salt can cause the corrosion of your metal fasteners and other hardware, and it can also harm the gelcoat. Thus, wipe away the saltwater completely after use.
Protect and Maintain the Battery Off-Season
If your boat uses batteries, remove them and clean them thoroughly once a year. It's best to do this during the off-season. Ensure you also lubricate the metal bolts and terminals, charge them up, and keep them somewhere safe. Keep the batteries under the right temperatures so they won't be damaged as you store them during the off-season.
Proper maintenance of your boat will ensure it serves you longer and saves you a significant amount of money for repairs. The above maintenance practices are not exhaustive, so if you have questions, consult the Rockingham Boat dealership in Hampstead, New Hampshire. We also serve those in Manchester and Nashua.