Beginner Boat Maintenance Tips

A boat is a major investment that comes with immense responsibilities, especially when it comes to maintenance. Routine maintenance is essential to prolonging the life of your boat and its motors. 

For the beginner or future first-time boat owner, know that a lot more maintenance goes into a boat than a car. Even the smallest of boats needs routine maintenance, as the elements it's exposed to alone can do some serious damage to it. Unless you can afford to hire somebody to take care of your boat, you should know how to do your own basic maintenance. Here are some tips on what you can do to help extend the life of your boat. 

Clean Your Boat

Washing and waxing does a lot more than just keep your boat looking good. To protect your boat from the elements that can damage it, always rinse it off thoroughly with fresh water after every use. 

Saltwater residue in particular could damage just about anything on your boat if left unattended. Wash your boat with a high-quality soap to remove saltwater residue, and any dirt or grime after every offshore outing. And be careful not to use too harsh of a soap, as it can damage your boat's protective coating. 

Use a long-handled soft brush or sponge to avoid damaging gentle surfaces on your boat, and to help maintain its shine. If you have a fiberglass boat, the gelcoat finish can be damaged with the wrong kind of cleaner. Ordinary soap and water won't remove mineral stains on something like a fiberglass gelcoat surface, which is why specially formulated cleaners exists for all types of boats. 

Buy specialty boat cleaning products designed specifically for your boat type, and keep the upholstery and vinyl clean. Also polish the brightwork, which includes trims and wood surfaces, to help keep your boat looking like new. 

Dry Your Boat  

Always keep your boat dry after every use, as moisture buildup could lead to mold and mildew growth when left unattended. Wipe your boat down with towels to prevent moisture buildup and waterline stains. You already know things will get wet, so make sure you always have drying cloths on board for use after every trip. If your boat has mold and mildew stains, there are specialized cleaners available for taking care of the problem.

Inspect Your Boat for Rust

Rust on your boat is not only unsightly, but it's also an indication that much bigger problems are on the horizon. Finding rust stains on your boat is not something you should take lightly, so don't just clean them up and forget about them. Inspect the entire hull and engine for signs of rust, which could mean parts of your boat could be leaking. Regularly inspect all metal parts of your boat and its engine for signs of corrosion, and replace them if they're rusted beyond repair. 

Change the Oil

Boat motors need regular oil changes, especially 4-stroke outboards, inboards and stern drives. How often your boat's engine needs an oil change depends on the model, but if you're not sure, just keep 100 hours of operation in mind as a general rule. 

Unfortunately, there aren't any "quick stop" oil change places for boats (that we know of), soyou should learn to do it yourself and avoid costly trips to the dealership. Oil changes are relatively easy to do. All you need are some basic mechanic skills and tools to get the job done. 

Use marine grade oil, which is specially formulated for boat engines. It's not the same as automotive oil either, so don't take any shortcuts. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to change the oil for its engine, and never attempt to do it yourself if you don't know how. 

Inspect the Propellers

Keeping your boat's propellers in good shape is an essential part of proper boat maintenance. Your pre-launch routine should always include inspecting the propellers for damage and loose hardware. 

Detach each prop periodically, and inspect it for dents or any debris that might've gotten tangled up in it, such as rope or fishing lines. If there are no signs of damage or debris upon inspection, apply some waterproof grease to the propeller shaft, and make sure the prop nut and any other fasteners are tightened and secured when reattaching it. If you find damage or debris, take the prop to a dealership and have it repaired or replaced by a professional. 

Check the Engine and Battery

Your boat's engine requires its own maintenance, especially before every trip. Always make sure the engine has plenty of oil and fuel to get you to and from your destination. 

Check your motor's water coolant levels to prevent overheating, and inspect all engine hoses for leaks. If your boat's engine runs on marine batteries, make sure they have plenty of juice, and that you have jumpers and spare chargers to avoid getting stranded. Always keep battery terminals clean and lubricated, especially during off-season storage. 

There's a lot more to boat maintenance than what was covered here, but these general tips should help you stay on top of the bare minimum requirements to maintain your boat. Keeping up with basic maintenance helps secure many years of service and unforgettable offshore adventures to come from your prized vessel.