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BOATS NEED MAINTAINED. Find out how with marine-silesia. Like our vehicles, our boats need regular maintenance to run smoothly and safely. When you maintain your boat properly and with regular upkeep, you can expect your vessel to last the long haul and offer many memorable moments, whether you take a boat trip on lakes, seas or rivers. Essential boat maintenance goes beyond an examination of your boat every time you leave. It's also essential to take care about your boat after every outing, and be sure to follow a maintenance routine. Most maintenance-related chores are easily handled by all boat owners and do not require a specialist. If you do find yourself in need of assistance or require a major repair, we recommend turning to experts in order to enjoy your boat with confidence. While you wait allow us to assist you improve the performance of your boat. In this boat care guide it will provide you with the basic information. It will show you how maintain your boat, offer boat cleaning tips, answer commonly asked questions and much more. If you take good treatment of the boat, you'll be able to enjoy a day filled with sky and water any time the mood strikes. WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR BOAT In general, boat maintenance means keeping your boat tidy and well-lubricated. Similar to how you wouldn't operate your car without engine oil or lubricant, you should not go on an excursion without proper fluid levels. In the same way, you're likely to know weather and debris can damage the exterior of your vehicle. This same concept applies to boats. A fiberglass vessel with an unclean exterior is likely to turn chalky , if you do not clean and wax it frequently. To keep your boat sparkling and in excellent condition Let us show you how to wash your boat in the next section. In addition, we'll cover the proper storage options as well as boat maintenance for motors. 1. CLEAN THE EXTERIOR It's critical to keeping your boat's exterior spotless for many reasons, aside from showing off its beautiful appearance. In one sense, keeping your boat clean helps to stop the spread of invasive species. You'll never know what animal or plant took the boat therefore it's crucial to keep your boat clean every time in order to safeguard our waterways. Secondly, keeping your boat clean can protect the structure of your boat by keeping the finish clean. Over time, the salt that comes from the ocean begins to break down leaving scratches and abrasions that can cost a lot of money to get rid of. Additionally, a clean boat just performs better. A dirty hull could increase costs for fuel by up to as 30%. Make sure to wash your boat on land , to avoid contaminating the water in any way. If you're required to clean your boat using water then use safe substances and stay clear of harmful substances. No matter where you clean your boat, you'll need to rinse it out with fresh sparkling water that is clean to remove the salt. Don't know where to begin in the cleaning process Here are some additional cleaning tips for different types of boat materials. Fiberglass Most fiberglass boats have a glossy finish which protects the fiberglass from sun, salt and other elements of the weather. It's easy to tell if it requires attention when it takes on the appearance of chalk. To ensure that your fiberglass boat is in good shape, make sure to wax or polish the surface with waxes that shield the Gel coat. The goal is to apply two coats of wax per season, with the best time being at the beginning of spring and just before you store your boat for winter. In addition to waxing your boat at intervals, it is essential to remove salt and dirt at the end of every trip. Use soap specifically designed to wash boats and a gentle brush sponge. Canvas:Canvas is the common name used to define the fabric used for cockpits as well as boat covers and other aspects of the vessel. Careful handling will keep the canvas in good condition and make the fabric last longer by keeping its waterproof properties intact. You can clean canvas using the use of a soft brush, mild soap and fresh water. If the canvas has PVC (PVC) windows don't scrub the PVC with ammonia based products. Ammonia may damage the materials in time, which is why it's recommended that you clean the PVC with a specialist cleaner. Upholstery Most likely, you'll have seats made of vinyl that you can cover with as vinyl is durable and easy to clean. Regularly wipe down and clean the seats on your boat to stop accumulation of dirt, mold and mildew. Make a clean sponge using mild, soapy water. wipe down the seats then wipe the soap off with a fresh, damp cloth, and then dry the seats with a dry soft cloth. If possible, keep the vinyl seats covered or stored somewhere safe between outings. Woodwork The use of wood typically less common in traditional boats, older boats might have woodwork at handrails, steps, decks as well as other areas inside the craft. Most of the time, these wood components are teak. It is the most durable tropical hardwood. You can clean your teak at least once a week with the mildest cleaner made specifically for teak. Use a soft bristle broom light scrub the teak over the grain to keep it in good condition. 2. PROPERLY STORE YOUR BOAT Storage is essential to safeguarding your boat from weather-related damage, especially in winter months. The aim is to keep ice, snow and rain off your boat, and permitting airflow, so mildew doesn't develop. You'll also want to prepare your vessel for a period of time that isn't active and ensure it's operating properly when you're ready to set sail again. Here are some storage options worth considering. Outdoor: Storage outdoors is the most popular method of storage and allows sailors to store their sailboats with the masts up. Outdoor storage requires a proper cover to shield it from extreme weather. The best way to keep your boat out in the open is to hire a professional to shrink-wrap your boat. Properly shrink-wrapping your boat will ensure it is kept covered and cooled at the same. You can also cover your boat yourself , by putting an overhanging tarp to a wood frame and placing this over the boat. Indoor: The indoor storage option is the best option since it shields your boat from the elements and sun. If you don't have room to store your boat in your garage, you might consider hiring a storage device for the winter. It is also possible to consider dry-stack storage. If you place your boat in an outdoor storage facility for dry-stacks, you'll keep your boat at a place on an enclosed structure - but be sure to select a secure building. In the water Most harbors have boat storage on the water all year. Bubblers , also known as de-icers, that allow warmer water to flow from the base to the surface they can safeguard your boat against ice. The idea of storing your boat on surface of the water is an alternative if you own large vessels and deep water. Once you've picked a place to store your boat, use these suggestions to prepare your boat for storage. You'll cut down on the amount tasks you'll need to perform when you're ready to sail: Make sure you clean your boat. Replace damaged hoses. Lubricate spark plug holes. Replace inline fuel filters. Fill the tank up to minimum 90%, and add anti-bacterial stabilizing agents to the fuel. Remove the battery from the socket and store it in a cool, well-ventilated space. Remove all food, carpets and electronic devices. Clean the shaft and propeller as well as inspect them for damage. Apply grease on the shaft. The drain plugs should be opened to allow the precipitation to drain. Leave water faucets and valves open. If the boat has a refrigerator, leave an open door. Flush the engine, water lines, and water tanks with water that is fresh so that salt is removed. Make sure to top off the antifreeze. 3. PRIORITIZE BOAT ENGINE MAINTENANCE You don't have you be an expert mechanic in order to keep your boat's motor running. If you take preventive measures, you can keep your engine running for a long time and you'll also be able to maintain the worth of your vessel. Before you begin any engine maintenance It is recommended to verify the specifications of your manufacturer first. As such there are some general tips for caring for an outboard motor prior to every journey: Inspect for fuel and ensure that the fuel tank vent is open. Check to make sure the engine mounting screw clamps tight and secure. Check that the water intake is clear of any debris. Be sure to inspect your propeller for any caught in the fishing line, as well as oil buildup. After each trip whether you travel in freshwater or saltwater. need to flush your motor to remove sand, dirt and other debris. To properly flush the motor ensure that you follow these guidelines: Purchase "earmuffs" or a motor flushing attachment. Slip the earmuffs onto the intake to connect to a garden hose. Start the engine and let the water pump to perform the work. When you're cleaning your motor check that the water pump has good flow through carefully assessing the temperature of the water stream. The water shouldn't be very hot The output should be robust. If the water pump isn't functioning correctly, shut the engine down , and insert a bit of wire into the flow tube to remove obstructions. Restart the engine and re-check that the fluid is moving -in the event that it is not working, if the output is still low the time is now to replace your water pump. When you have flushed the engine remove the fuel line. Allow the engine to exhaust all fuel from the carburetor. Turn off the ignition and battery switch. Make sure to clean everything thoroughly and then spray with an anticorrosive agent. Replace the cowling , and then wipe it clean. Put a canvas or plastic case on your motor for between journeys. Here are more advice on how to maintain your boat regularly: Replace spark plugs as necessary. It is important to check the water content of the fuel. Keep an eye on the level of oil in your engine. Look over the fuel lines for wear and cracks. Verify the propeller or engine belts for wear and replace them as necessary. Replace damaged fuel hoses. Examine the fuel primer lamp for cracks. Inspect clamps and check for rust. Make sure the tank vent is clear, with no blockages. SALTWATER BOAT MAINTENANCE Salt can cause corrosion to accelerate, which is why it's essential to follow the maintenance procedure if you are operating your boat in saltwater. There are two major activities you must take care of after exposure to seawater. You should complete these tasks whenever you can following saltwater exposure, or at least within 24 hours. Clear your vessel: Clean your vessel with water that is fresh to remove salt residue and protect its finish. You'll also need to wash the seats with soap and water, to get rid of salt and dirt. If salt is left on your boat for too long, it will start to corrode metal components. Clean an engine The engine needs to be cleaned with fresh water as soon as you can. Doing so will prevent corrosion on the inside of the engine and keep salt from gathering in the lower unit. If you have an outboard engine, flush your motor according to the maintenance techniques for engines. If you're using an inboard boat engine, you can easily clean the motor by following these actions and using an inboard motor flusher Attach a hose on the motor's aerator. Set the flusher above the water intake hole. Turn on the engine. Let the water run through the engine as it idles. Check out the water pouring out. When the water flow is clear, you'll know your engine is in good shape. Switch off the engine and water supply. Finally, remove the hose. BOAT MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST The previous articles have covered many aspects of how to maintain a boat starting with preparing your boat for storage and flushing the engine. To make things easier further, we've put together the most basic checklist for maintaining your boat. Examine the items included on this checklist as often you can for peace of mind during the duration of your journey. Engine: Check regularly the engine and check for cracked hoses, which must be replaced immediately. Check for signs of corrosion and ensure that the outboard engine is securely mounted. Propeller:The propeller's role is crucial in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. If you own an outboard or stern drive motor It is recommended to always inspect the propeller prior to launching. You must ensure that the propeller's bolt is secure and fix it with a strong socket wrench if needed. Inspect for any damage, such as tiny dents, which can cause you to burn extra fuel. About once per year, take the propeller off for grease to the shaft and be sure that there's nothing over it. BatteryYour? motor's battery acts as the core to your craft. Without it the engine will not start and the electrical components won't work. Maintain your battery , and test it at least once per year, or more frequently during the boating season. It is important to note that batteries naturally degrade with time, and it's something you'd do. Verify the battery's charge using a digital multimeter. Also, examine the connections for signs of corrosion. Make use of a wire brush to clean the connectors if needed. Pump for bilge: A bilge one of the lowest parts of the boat which is where you can collect water and the bilge pumps is the component that eliminates the water into the bilge. If the bilge pumps don't operate, your boat could sink. In order to keep your boat floating it is important to examine the pump's hoses for any debris that could lead to clogs. Consider adding an additional bilge pump. The electrical lineThe Electrical lines must to be in good repair to ensure that the electrical system is on your boat working but deteriorating lines could be a fire-risk. To prevent electrical lines from being damaged, make sure they are tidy, and make use of an electronic multimeter to make sure that everything's operating properly. Oil and filter:Stay on schedule with changing the oil and oil filter. Refusing to change the oil could damage engine parts. To change the oil start the engine for approximately seven minutes, then switch it off. In the next step, place a bottle under the drain hose. Then, remove the drain plug and loosen the screw above. Let the oil drain out for approximately 30 minutes. In the meantime, change the filter on the oil. After the oil has drained out in the meantime, replace the draining plug to tighten it. Inject the engine with proper oil. Other fluid levels:To make sure your boat is running properly, be sure to periodically check other fluid levels such as power steering fluid and coolant. Hull:Inspect the exterior of your hull, and look for cracks or blisters. Make sure drains are there. BOAT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 1. EVERY TIME YOU USE YOUR BOAT As you prepare to go live, make sure that you do the following: Check the oil and top it up, if needed. Examine the propeller for any damage. Check steering movement. Verify the hull's condition and repair if required. Clean the deck and hull. The bilge pump should be checked. Test the battery for sufficient charge. Ensure the electric systems work efficiently. Examine the fire extinguishing system. 2. EVERY 20 HOURS After 20 hours of usage Complete the following maintenance tasks: Make sure to check the lower unit for any water or oil and replace it if it is needed. Treat the fuel with decarbonizer. Make sure the engine is running at the correct RPM. Clean and ensure the interior is protected. 3. EVERY 50 HOURS After every 50 hours of use Incorporate these items into your agenda: Check fuel lines for degradation. Check the steering fluid level and check for leaks. Polish and polish the deck and hull. Clean the filter of the bilge pump. 4. EVERY 100 HOURS Following 100-hours of boating, make sure to take care of these things: Use grease to clean points. Check the power trim and tilt fluid , then refill if necessary. Tighten all accessible bolts and fasteners. Paint touch up. Make sure the engine mounts are checked. Replace the impeller in the water pump. Replace fuel and oil filters. Verify the bow and sterneyes to ensure that they are mounted securely. Be sure to check the rubrail for signs of damage. https://disqus.com/by/petstamp6/ should inspect your boat.