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BOATS NEED MAINTAINED. Find out how from marine-silesia.Much like our cars our boats need regular maintenance in order for them to run smoothly and safely. With the proper care and maintenance, you can anticipate your boat to last for a long time and provide many memories, no matter if you go boating on lakes, rivers or seas.The most important aspect of boat maintenance is beyond the simple inspection of your boat each time you venture out. It is also important to take care for your boat after every outing, as well as following a scheduled maintenance program. There are many tasks that require maintenance that can be accomplished by most boat owners and do not require a mechanic. However, if you experience a needing assistance or have a major issue, we suggest you seek out professionals so you can get the most enjoyment from your boat. While you wait, let us help you get the most enjoyment out of your boat.In this guide to boat care it will provide you with the basic information. We'll explain how to keep your boat running, share information on boat cleaning, answer frequent questions and much more. If you take control of your yacht, you can enjoy a day filled with sky and water any time you feel the mood.WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR BOATThe most common way to maintain your boat requires keeping your boat in good condition and lubricated. Similar to how you wouldn't operate your car with no engine oil at all times, you shouldn't go on cruise without having the right fluid levels. Additionally, you're aware the impact of debris and weather on the exterior of your car. This same concept applies to boats. For instance, a wood boat that has dirty exterior will turn chalky when you don't wash and wax it often.To help you keep your boat clean and in great shape, we'll show you how to wash your boat in the following section. We'll also talk about proper storage options as well as boat motor maintenance.1. CLEAN THE EXTERIORIt is essential to keep your boat's exterior clean for a variety of motives, apart from displaying its splendor. To begin, keeping your boat clean helps keep out invasive species. You'll never know what species of plant or animal hitched the boat and it's vital to keep your boat clean every moment to guard our waterways.In addition, keeping your boat in good condition protects the structure of your boat by keeping the surface and finish intact. Over time, the salt from the sea will begin to dissolve creating scratches and abrasions that may be costly and difficult to remove.Additionally, a clean boat just performs better. A dirty vessel can increase fuel costs by as much as 30 percent.Be sure to clean your boat off the shore to prevent the pollution of the water. If you have to wash your boat on the water make sure you use safe products as well as avoid the use of toxic substances. Whatever way you clean your boat, you'll have to wash it in fresh clean water in order to get rid of the salt.I'm not sure where to begin in your cleaning? Here are some additional cleaning tips for various boat materials.Fiberglass: Most fiberglass boats come with a gloss gel coat finish, which shields the fiberglass from sun, salt and other weather elements. It is evident that an appearance of gel coat requires care when it develops a chalky look. To keep your fiberglass boat in good condition, make sure you polish or wax it with products that protect the gel coat. The goal is to apply a coat of wax twice throughout the year, and ideally in the spring time and prior to the time you put your boat away for winter. Alongside waxing your boat every now and then, be sure to clean off salt and dirt at the end of every trip. Use soap designed for boats along with a soft brush sponge.Canvas:Canvas is the common name used to describe the types of fabrics used in cockpits cover for boats and other aspects of the vessel. A good care routine will keep canvas in good condition and allow the material to last longer through keeping its waterproofing features solid. Canvas can be cleaned with small brushes along with mild soap and fresh water. If the canvas has PVC (PVC) windows, you should not use ammonia-based cleaning products. Ammonia can cause damage to the material over time, so it's recommended to wash clear PVC with a specific cleaner.Upholstery: It is likely that you have seats made of vinyl that you can cover with because vinyl is strong and simple to clean. Make sure you regularly clean and wipe down the seats in your boat to keep out grime buildup, mold and mildew. Clean a sponge with mild soapy water, wipe the seats down and wipe off soap residue with a dry, clean cloth, then dry the seats with a clean soft cloth. If possible, keep the seats covered or put them off between outings.woodwork Although woodwork is often not so common in traditional boats, older boats may feature woodwork in decks, handrails, steps or other elements inside the craft. In most cases, these wood elements are teak. This is a sturdy tropical hardwood. Cleanse the teak frequently using the mildest cleaning solution designed specifically for teak. Utilizing a soft bristle toothbrush and a gentle scrub, gently rub the teak over the grain to help maintain its top condition.2. PROPERLY STORE YOUR BOATProper storage is essential for protect your boat from weather-related damages, especially in the winter. It is important to keep ice, snow and rain off your boat while making sure that you allow airflow, ensuring that mildew doesn't accumulate. You should also prepare your boat for months of no activity to ensure it's working properly when you're ready for you to go back out on the water. Here are some storage options that you should consider.Outdoor This is one of the most sought-after methods and allows boat owners to keep sailboats with the masts up. Outdoor storage requires an appropriate cover that protects your yacht from elements. One of the best ways to keep your boat in the open is to hire experts to shrink wrap your boat. Proper shrink-wrapping ensures your boat is kept covered and cooled in the same time. You can also cover your boat with an apron over a wooden frame, then putting it over the boat.Indoor: In-door storage is an excellent option because it shields your boat from weather and the sun. If you don't have enough space to keep your boat in your garage, consider leasing a storage space during the winter. Also consider dry-stack storage. If you store your boat at an outdoor storage facility for dry-stacks then you'll be able to keep your boat mounted on a dock in a covered building - just ensure you pick a secure building.Water: There are many harbors that offer storage for boats on the water all year. Bubblers , or de-icers which help bring warmer water from the bottom to the surface that can help shield your boat from freezing. The idea of storing your boat on surface of the water is an solution if you have a larger vessel and deep water.After you've decided where you'll store your boat, adhere to these tips to prepare the vessel to be stored. You'll decrease the amount work you'll be required to complete prior to sailing:Make sure you clean your boat.Replace hoses with cracked or damaged connections.Lubricate spark plug holes.Replace inline fuel filters.Fill the tank to at least 90% . Then, add anti-bacterial stabilizing agent to the fuel.Connect the battery to the charger and store it in a cooland ventilated space.Be sure to remove all food, furniture, and electronic devices.Clean the propeller and shaft as well as test them for damage.Apply grease to the shaft.Unlock the drain plugs to allow the precipitation to drain.Keep the water valves and faucets open.If your boat is equipped with a refrigerator, leave opening the refrigerator's door.Cleanse the engine, water lines and water tanks with clean water to wash away the salt.The antifreeze should be topped off.3. PRIORITIZE BOAT ENGINE MAINTENANCEThere is no need for a degree in mechanics to maintain the boat's motor. When you take preventive actions, you can keep your engine operating for a long period of time and you can preserve the worth of your boat. Prior to doing any maintenance for your engine it's best to review the recommendations of your manufacturer first. With that said there are a few general tips to care for an outboard motor prior each trip:<img width="368" src="">Inspect for fuel and be sure the fuel tank vent is open.Make sure that the engine screws that mount the engine are tight and secure.Make sure that the intake of water is free of debris.Be sure to inspect your propeller for any caught in the fishing line, as well as oil buildup.Every time you travel, regardless of whether you're in saltwater or freshwater, you'll need to flush your motor to remove sand, dirt and other debris. To do this properly, take these steps:Buy "earmuffs" or a motor flushing attachment.Then, slide the earmuffs over the intake, then connect a garden hose.Start the engine, and then allow the water pump to do the job.While you're cleaning your motor Make sure that your water pump is flowing properly through a careful assessment of the temperature of the water stream.The water shouldn't get too hot and the outflow should be solid.If https://marine-silesia.pl doesn't function properly, shut down the engine off and put a piece of wire inside the flow tube in order to get rid of any debris.Restart the engine , and then re-check for flow -for If the flow is still low then it's time to replace the pump.Once the engine has been flushed then disconnect the fuel lines.Allow the engine to use all the fuel that is in the carburetor.Switch off the key and switch on the battery.Wipe the area clean and spray with an anti-corrosive product.Replace the cover and wipe it clean.Make sure to keep a canvas protection for your motor between excursions.Here are some more boat maintenance tips to apply frequently:Replace spark plugs when needed.Make sure you check regularly for water in the fuel.Pay attention to the level of oil in the engine.Check the fuel lines and check for cracks and wear.Check the propeller as well as the engine belts for wear. change them as required.Repair damaged fuel hoses.Make sure to inspect the fuel primer bulb for cracks.Inspect the clamps to see if they are rusty.Make sure the tank vent is open, and free of blockages.SALTWATER BOAT MAINTENANCESalt speeds up corrosion, so it's especially crucial to follow an annual maintenance schedule if you operate your boat in saltwater. There are two tasks that you must finish after exposing your boat to seawater. Make sure to complete the tasks as soon as you can after exposure to saltwater or at least within 24 hours.Cleaning your boat Wash your boat using clean water, to wash off dirt and salt, and also protect its finish. You'll also want to scrub the seats with soap and water to clean out dirt and salt. If salt remains on your vessel for a long time, it's possible to start corroding metal components.Flush to the motor: Make sure to flush your engine with water that is fresh as soon as you can. By doing this, you can prevent corrosion inside your engine and will prevent salt from accumulating in the lower unit.If you have the outboard engine, then flush it using the maintenance techniques for engines. If you're running an inside boat engine, you are able to flush the engine by following these steps using an inside motor flusherHook up a hose up in the flusher of the motor.Install the flusher on the water intake hole.Turn on the engine.Allow the water to pump through the engine while it runs.Pay attention to the water flowing out.Once the water flows out completely, you'll know the engine is in good shape.Then shut off the engine and water supply, and remove the hose.BOAT MAINTENANCE CHECKLISTWe've already talked about many details on how to maintain your boat, from prepping your boat for storage to flushing out the engine. To reduce the list more, we've compiled an essential checklist for maintenance on your boat. Make sure to check the items on this checklist as often as is possible and you'll be able to enjoy peace of mind during your boating trip.Engine: Check regularly the engine and check for cracked hoses, which you need to replace immediately. You should look for any signs of corrosion. Also, ensure that your outboard motor is properly mounted.Propeller:The propeller plays a vital role in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. If you own an outboard motor or stern drive You should check the propeller prior launching. Check that the propeller nut is secured, then tighten it using a large socket wrench in the event of need. You should look for any signs of damage such as small dents, which may cause you make use of additional fuel. Each year, remove the propeller and grease it, and ensure that nothing has become in its way.Batteries:Your engine's batteries form the core in your boat. Without it that powers your engine, it won't work or the electrical components won't work. Take good care of your battery , and test it at least every annually, or more frequently during boating season. It is important to note that batteries naturally degrade over time, so this is something you do not intend to overlook. Verify the battery's charge using a digital multimeter. Also verify the connection for corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean the connectors if you feel they need.Bilge pump: The bilge is that part on the bottom of a vessel that collects excess water, and the bilge pump is the part that removes the water to the drain. If the bilge pump does not function, your boat may sink. To keep the boat afloat be sure to inspect the pump hoses for any debris that could lead to obstructions. Additionally, you should consider installing a backup bilge pump.Electrical lines:The wiring needs to be in good condition to keep the electrical equipment on your boat up and running or be a fire hazard. To keep electrical lines from degrading, keep them clean, and use an electronic multimeter to make sure everything's running properly.Oil and filter:Stay on schedule with changing the oil and filter. In the event that you do not change your oil, it can damage the engine's components. If you want to replace the oil just let the engine operate for approximately 7 minutes, then shut it off. Then, you can place a container below the drain hole. Disconnect the drain and loosen the screw on top. Let the oil drain for around 30 minutes. At the same time, you can change the oil filter. When the oil is drained out remove the drain plug in the engine and screw it tight. The engine should be filled with the correct oil.Other fluid levels:To make sure your boat runs efficiently, be sure that you check regularly other fluid levels like coolant and power steering fluid.HullInspect? the hull and check for blisters or cracks. Be sure to install drain plugs put in place.BOAT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE1. EVERY TIME YOU USE YOUR BOATWhen you're ready to begin, ensure that you complete the following tasks:Make sure the oil is checked and top it off, as needed.Look for damaged propellers.Check steering movement.Inspect the hull for damage or repairs if required.The deck and hull should be cleaned.Check the bilge valve.Test the battery for proper charge.Check that the electric systems operate perfectly.Make sure you have fire extinguishing systems in place.2. EVERY 20 HOURSAfter 20 hours of use In the 20th hour, you should complete the following maintenance tasks:Examine the lower unit for water and refill oil , if the need arises.Use a decarbonizer to treat the fuel.Inspect the engine to determine the correct RPM.Clean and protect the interior.3. EVERY 50 HOURSEvery 50 hours you use your computer, add these items to your list of tasks to be completed:Check fuel lines for degradation.Check the fluid level and look for leaks.Polish and wax the hull and deck.Clean the water bilge pump.4. EVERY 100 HOURSFollowing 100-hours of boating ensure that you do the following:Grease points that are grease-lubricated.Check the power trim and tilt fluid , and replenish if needed.Lock all bolts in the area of access and fasteners.Paint touch up.Check the engine mounts.Replace the impellers of the water pumps.Replace the fuel filter and oil.Inspect the bow eyes and stern ones for mounting that is secure.Make sure to inspect the railing for signs of damage.Professionally inspect your boat.