People often assume a boat is like a car. They must upgrade their vessel every few years. However, that is not the case. With proper care and maintenance, boat owners may find they enjoy the same vessels throughout their lifetime. What steps should they take to maintain their boats?
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Install a Marine Mat
Marine Mat is a custom decking solution designed to handle harsh marine environments with ease. Boat owners may worry this mat won’t be comfortable and won’t hold up over time, but they can lay these concerns to rest.
The owner chooses from a range of designs, colors, and textures, so the mat blends in with the other elements of the boat effortlessly. This includes brushed and dimpled options, and the owner can customize the mat by choosing a print, logo, or color. Furthermore, they won’t fade with time, as it is made with UV-stable closed-cell EVA foam. This foam resists stains and most molds and mildew.
Boat decks tend to be slippery. The Marine Mat eliminates this problem by providing outstanding traction for all who are on the watercraft. A person can move around the boat with ease regardless of weather conditions. This mat can easily be cleaned with a spray hose, and proper maintenance will ensure it looks new for many years to come.
Many owners find they can install the mat without help, and professional installation is offered for those who want to leave this job to someone else.
Clean the Boat Regularly
A boat spends much of its time in the water. Many owners assume this means they don’t need to clean the watercraft, but nothing is further from the truth. In fact, a boat should be cleaned every time it is used.
Any salt, grime, or dirt in the water will transfer to the boat when it is used. This debris builds up on the hull if it isn’t removed regularly. Over time, the dirt, salt, and grime will eat at the hull, decreasing the lifespan of the boat.
Cleaning the boat also helps to eliminate invasive species that do damage to ecosystems across the globe. These species are of such concern that certain states today have inspection stations in place. If a boat hasn’t been cleaned after its last use, the inspectors won’t let the boat come across state lines.
Owners should also clean their boats after every use to keep them looking their best. A pristine boat on the water commands respect. It lets others on the water know the owner is serious about this activity.
Always use fresh water to clean the boat. At times, fresh water isn’t available. Wait until arriving at a location where it is and conduct a thorough cleaning. Doing so pays off in the long run, as the boat lasts longer and looks better.
Regular Boat Maintenance
As with a car, boats need regular maintenance to provide the best performance. As previously mentioned, clean the boat after every use. However, this is only one of several maintenance tasks that is needed regularly.
Change the oil for every 100 hours the boat is in use. For many people, this means the oil needs to be changed yearly. However, those who use their boat frequently will need to complete this task more often. Those who don’t see 100 hours out on the water each year may still want to change their oil annually. Doing so ensures they don’t forget this task and harm the engine in the process.
Inspect the propeller regularly to ensure nothing has gotten through. Anything that makes its way through the propeller and to the engine can do significant damage. While the propeller is off, look for damage, as a ding or dent can reduce the efficiency of the motor by a significant amount.
Always flush the engine after a trip. Start the engine and allow the water pump to operate. Inspect the pump at this time to ensure it is in proper working order. Once the water pump finishes flushing the water, disconnect the fuel line. This allows any fuel remaining in the carburetor to burn.
Inspect the engine after each use. Look for damage or leaks, so they can be addressed promptly. Check the fuel lines to see if they are cracked and check the fuel primer bulb and fittings during this inspection. In addition, see if there is any rust or corrosion, so it can be dealt with. Finish up by inspecting the tank vent and fuel tank.
Protect the Boat When Not in Use
UV rays harm a boat. While the exterior of the boat has wax layers to protect it, the interior of the boat is also exposed to the sun. In addition to waxing the boat yearly to ensure the exterior remains safe from harm, invest in a cover for the boat. This cover will ensure the interior doesn’t fade or sustain other damage.
When storing the boat, consider all options. Many people choose to leave their boats in the water, but algae, dirt, salt, and more can-do harm to the vessel. Shrink wrapping is another option to consider, but it comes at a cost. The most expensive storage option is an indoor storage facility. Boat owners should use this option whenever possible.
Don’t Delay Repairs
When the ship is in need of repair, don’t delay. Putting off necessary work could lead to additional damage to the and higher repair bills. Set aside money each month for repairs, so they are never a financial hardship. Owners who do so find they get more enjoyment from their vessels because they don’t stress over paying for unexpected expenses.
Follow these steps to extend the lifespan of any watercraft. Owners who do protect their investment and get more enjoyment from their vessels. They know the boats are in good working order, so they can travel without worry and focus on the enjoyment of doing so rather than the condition of their rides. They’ll want to spend more time out on the water because they have so much fun when they do.
