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BOATS NEED MAINTAINED. Find out how with marine-silesia.Just like our cars, our boats require regular maintenance in order to operate smoothly and safe. With the proper care and maintenance, you can count on your boat to last longer and give an abundance of memories. Whether you enjoy boating on lakes, seas or rivers.The most important aspect of boat maintenance is beyond an eye-to-eye inspection of your boat each time you take it out. Additionally, you should care about your boat after every excursion, and ensure that you follow a regular maintenance routine. Many of the maintenance-related tasks are manageable for most owners and don't need a professional mechanic. If, however, you think you'll need help or require major repairs, we recommend you consult professionals to enjoy your boat safely. In the meantime let us assist you ensure you get the most from your boat.In this boat care guide we'll go over the essentials. We'll guide you on how to maintain your boat, discuss cleaning tips for your boat, answer general questions, and more. If you take good and care for your boat, it's possible to have a wonderful day of sky and water whenever you feel the mood.WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR BOATIn general, boat maintenance includes keeping your boat clean and well-lubricated. Similar to the way you wouldn't use your car without oil and engine oil, you shouldn't take your boat out for an excursion with unreliable fluid levels. Likewise, you probably know how debris and weather can harm the exterior of your vehicle. Similar principles apply to boats. For instance, a glass boat with an exterior that has been soiled will turn chalky when you don't wash and wax it on a regular basis.To keep your boat sparkling and in good shape We'll teach you how to wash your boat in the next section. We'll also go over proper storage options for your boat and motor maintenance.1. CLEAN THE EXTERIORIt is essential to keep your yacht's exterior clean for various reasonsother than showcasing its splendor. In the first place, keeping your boat clean helps to prevent the spread of invasive species. You'll never know what species of animal or plant took a ride to your boat that's why it's imperative to wash your boat each occasion to help protect our waters.The second reason is that keeping your boat spotless will help protect the structure of the boat by keeping the surface unaltered. With time, salt that comes from the ocean begins to break down leading to scratches and abrasions which could cost you a fortune to eliminate.<img width="310" src="">In the end, a clean vessel will perform better. A dirty boat can raise fuel expenses by as much as 30%.You should clean your boat off the shore to prevent the pollution of the water as much as possible. If you're planning to wash your boat in the ocean be sure to use safe cleaning products and avoid using toxic substances. Anywhere you clean your boat, you'll need to rinse it out with fresh and clean water to eliminate the salt.Unsure of where to start when it comes to cleaning? Here are some additional cleaning tips for various types of boat materials.Fiberglass A majority of boats made from fiberglass have a glossy gel coat finish that shields fiberglass from sun, salt and other weather elements. It's easy to tell if it requires care when it develops a chalky appearance. To keep your fiberglass boat in good condition, make sure that you wax or polish it using waxes made to preserve the appearance of your gel coating. You should apply a coat of wax twice every season, most preferably in the spring , and prior to when you put your boat away for winter. Alongside waxing your boat at intervals, it is essential to get rid of salt and dirt after every outing. Use a specially-formulated soap for boats and a soft brush or sponge.Canvas:Canvas is the general term used in order to define the fabric used for cockpits boats, boat covers and various elements of the boat. Careful handling will keep the canvas in good condition and enable the material to last longer through keeping its waterproofing features intact. Canvas can be cleaned using light brushes using mild soap, and then rinse it with fresh water. If your canvas has Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) window, do not clean the PVC with ammonia-based products. Ammonia could damage the fabric in time, which is why it's best to clean clear PVC with a specialty cleaner.Upholstery It is likely that you have upholstery made of vinyl in your boat since vinyl is very durable and easy to clean. Be sure to clean regularly the seats in your boat , to prevent grime buildup, mold and mildew. Make a clean sponge using mild, soapy water. wipe down the seats as well as wipe soap residue off by using a clean, damp cloth and dry the seats with a dry, soft cloth. If you can, keep the seat covers covered or put for use between outings.Woodwork Wood is generally not found in newer boats, older ones could have woodwork within handrails, steps, decks or other parts to the boat. Typically, these wooden elements are teak. It is a durable tropical hardwood. Make sure to wash the teak often using the mildest cleaner designed for teak. With a soft bristle sponge to gently scrub the teak all the way across the grain, to help maintain its top condition.2. PROPERLY STORE YOUR BOATStorage that is properly stored is crucial to protecting your boat against weather-related damages, especially in the winter. It's important to keep ice, snow and rain from your boat, while in the same time, allowing airflowto ensure that mildew doesn't grow. It is also important to prepare your boat for the possibility of a long period of idle so that it can function properly when it's time for you to go back out on the water. Here are some storage options to consider.Outdoor Outside storage the most popular method of storage and allows boat owners to store their boats with masts raised. Outdoor storage requires a sturdy cover that protects you boat from the weather. The best way to keep your boat outside is to employ professionals to wrap your boat. The proper shrink-wrapping process ensures that your boat remains covered and ventilated and cooled. You can also cover your boat yourself by fitting one of the tarps over a frame and putting it in front of the boat.Indoor: Storage in the indoor is an excellent choice as it shields your boat from weather and the sun. If you do not have space to store your boat inside your garage, think about hiring a storage space for the winter. You may also consider dry-stack storage. If you decide to store your boat at an open-air storage facility the boat will be kept on a rack in a covered building - just make sure that you choose an area that is secure.On the water: Numerous harbors allow boat storage all year. Bubblers or desicers, which provide warmer water from the base to the surface, can protect your boat against ice. A boat that is stored on water can be a sensible option for those with more space and deep water.Once you've decided on where to place your boat for storage, follow these guidelines to prepare your vessel for storage. It will reduce the amount of effort you'll require when you're ready to sail:Make sure you clean your boat.Repair hoses that have cracked.Lubricate spark plug holes.Replace inline fuel filters.Fill the tank to 90% or more and add anti-bacterial stabilizing agents to the fuel.Connect the battery to the charger and store it in a cool, well-ventilated space.Clean up all food, carpets and electronic devices.Clean the propeller and shaft as well as check for any damage.Apply grease to the shaft.Remove the drain plugs and let the precipitation drain out.The water faucets and valves should be left open.If your boat is equipped with refrigerator, ensure that an open door.Inspect the engine, the water lines and water tanks with fresh water to wash away the salt.The antifreeze should be topped off.3. PRIORITIZE BOAT ENGINE MAINTENANCEYou don't have any experience as a mechanic in order to maintain your boat's motor. If you can take preventive steps, you can keep your engine in good working order for a long time while also preserving the value of your vessel. When performing maintenance on your engine it's important to review the recommendations of your manufacturer prior to doing any work. With that said there are some general guidelines for taking care of an outboard engine prior to each trip:Make sure that you have fuel and verify that the fuel tank vent is open.Verify that the engine fix screw clamps for the mount are tight and secure.Verify that the water intake area is free of debris.Inspect your propeller for caught fishing line and excessive oil buildup.Following every trip, no matter if you're traveling through fresh or saltwater, you'll be required to flush your motor to rid it of sand dirt and other debris. To ensure that you do this correctly ensure that you follow these guidelines:Buy "earmuffs" or a motor flushing attachment.Then, slide the earmuffs over the water intake and attach to a garden hose.Start the engine, and then allow the water pump to perform the work.When you're cleaning your motor, make sure the water pump is working properly by carefully assessing the temperature of the water stream.The water shouldn't be very hot and the output must be steady.If the water pump has stopped working correctly, turn the engine off and put a piece of wire into the water tube to clean out the debris.Restart the engine , and then re-check your flow -- If the output is still low is it time to replace that water pump.Following flushing of the engine then disconnect the fuel lines.Allow the engine to burn the entire fuel stored in the carburetor.Switch off the key and battery switch.Clean everything up and spray using an anti-corrosive solution.Replace the cowling , then clean it clean.Cover the motor with a canvas covering on the motor between the trips.Here are more useful tips for maintaining your boat often:Replace spark plugs if needed.Check frequently for water contamination in the fuel.Always keep an eye on how much oil is in the engine.Check the fuel lines for cracks and wear.Check https://marine-silesia.pl as well as the engine belts for wear and replace them if needed.Replace the damaged fuel hoses.Examine the fuel primer lamp for cracks.Inspect the clamps to see if they are rusty.Check to see that the tank vent is open, and free of obstructions.SALTWATER BOAT MAINTENANCEIt is known that salt accelerates corrosion. Therefore, it's essential to follow an annual maintenance schedule if you have your boat in saltwater. There are two major tasks you should complete after having exposed your boat to saltwater. Do the following as soon as you can after exposure to saltwater (or at minimum, within 24 hours.The best way to clean the boat is Wash your boat with fresh water to remove salt and protect its finish. You'll also need to clean the seats using soap and water in order to eliminate salt and dirt. If salt is left on your boat for too long it's possible to start corroding metal components.Clean to the motor: Get your car flushed with fresh water as quickly as you can. It will help prevent corrosion from the inside of the engine as well as prevent salt from building up in the lower unit.If you have an outboard or outboard motor, it is recommended to flush your motor using the maintenance techniques for engines. If you've got an inboard boat engine, you can easily flush the engine by following these steps , and also using an inboard motor flusher:A hose should be connected towards the motor's wash.The flusher should be placed over the water intake hole.Start the engine.Allow the water to move through the engine while it runs.Keep an eye on the water that is coming out.When the water is flowing clean, you'll know that your engine is clean.Stop the engine and water supply. Take off the hose.BOAT MAINTENANCE CHECKLISTWe've covered many details on how to keep your boat in good condition such as preparing your vessel ready for storage out the engine. To reduce the list further, we've put together this essential checklist for boat maintenance. Take a look at the items listed on this list as often as you can so that you can have peace of mind during the trip.Engine: It is recommended to periodically inspect the engine and check for cracked hoses. you need to replace immediately. Inspect for corrosion, and ensure that the outboard motor is properly mounted.Propeller:The propeller's performance is essential to fuel efficiency and performance. If you own an outboard or stern drive motor be sure to inspect the propeller prior to starting. You must ensure that the propeller's bolt is secure, and you can tighten it up using a socket wrench when needed. Inspect for any damage, such as small dents, that could lead you to burn extra fuel. About once per year, remove the propeller so that it can be greased, and ensure that nothing has been stuck around it.Battery:Your motor's battery acts as the mainstay of your watercraft. Without the battery your engine won't begin and electrical components won't function properly. Take care of your battery , and test it at least twice a year, and more frequently during the boating season. Be aware that batteries will degrade as time passes, so it's something you'd be able to ignore. Test the battery's battery's power using a digital multimeter. Also examine the connections for signs of corrosion. Use a wire brush clean the connectors if needed.Bilge Pump: The bilge is an area on the bottom of the boat that collects excess water and the bilge pump is the one that takes water from the bilge. If the pump for the bilge doesn't perform as it should, your boat may sink. To keep your boat afloat be sure to inspect the pump hoses for any debris that may cause obstructions. Additionally, you should consider installing an additional bilge pump.Electrical lines:The cables that supply electricity need to be in good repair to ensure that the electrical system on your boat operating with ease, and damaged lines could be a danger to fire. To avoid electrical lines getting damaged, keep them neat and tidy. Also, use an electronic multimeter to make sure that everything's in order.Oil and filter:Stay on schedule with changing the oil and oil filter. If you don't change the oil, it could cause damage to the engine components. Before changing your engine oil you must let the engine run for about seven minutes after which you should shut it off. Then, put a container under the drain pipe. Detach the drain plug from the container and loosen the screw on top. The oil will drain for around 30 minutes. At the same time, you can change the filter on the oil. Once the oil has been drained out, replace the drain plug with a screw that is tightened. Refill the engine with correct oil.Other fluid levels:To make sure your boat is operating correctly, remember to check the other fluid levels , including coolant and power steering fluid.Hull:Inspect the exterior of your hull, and examine for blisters and cracks. Make sure drain plugs remain there.BOAT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE1. EVERY TIME YOU USE YOUR BOATBefore you begin your launch, you must follow these steps:Check the oil and top it off in the event of need.Inspect the propeller to see if it is damaged.Check steering movement.Examine the hull for any damage and fix it if needed.Clean the deck and the hull.Check the bilge valve.Check the battery for a suitable charge.Check that the electric systems function effectively.Inspect the fire extinguishing mechanisms.2. EVERY 20 HOURSWhen you have finished 20hrs of usage after 20 hours of usage, complete the following maintenance tasks:Verify the lower unit's level for fluid and then fill the tank with oil when need be.Treat the fuel using decarbonizer.Check the engine's RPM.Clean and protect the interior.3. EVERY 50 HOURSEach 50-hour period of use make these things a part of your agenda:Check fuel lines for degradation.Make sure to check the fluid in the steering system level and look for leaks.Polish and wax the hull and deck.Clean the filter of the bilge pump.4. EVERY 100 HOURSOnce you've spent 100 hours boating make sure to do these things:Make sure to grease points are properly lubricated.Make sure to check the power trim and tilt fluid , then refill if needed.Close all bolts, bolts and fasteners.Touch up paint.Make sure the engine mounts are checked.Replace the impeller of the pump.Replace fuel filters and oil.Verify the bow and sterneyes to ensure that they are mounted securely.Examine the rub rail for scratches.Have a professional mechanic inspect your boat.