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BOATS NEED MAINTAINED. Find out how from marine-silesia. As with our cars, our boats require regular maintenance in order for them to run smoothly and safely. With the proper care and maintenance, your vessel to last several years and produce many memories, no matter if you enjoy boating on lakes, oceans, rivers, or rivers. A vital part of maintaining your boat goes beyond the simple inspection of your boat each time you venture out. You'll also want to look after and care for your boat after each outing, as well as be sure to follow a maintenance routine. Many of the maintenance-related tasks are doable by the majority of boat owners and do not need a professional mechanic. However, if you do think you'll need help or have a major issue, we recommend you consult the experts to enjoy your boat with confidence. In the meantime let us assist you enjoy the best you can from your boat. In this boat care guide will cover the fundamentals. We'll teach you how to maintain your boat, discuss suggestions for cleaning your boat and answering some of the most common questions and many more. If you take look after your boat, you'll be able to enjoy a day of sun and sea whenever you feel the mood. WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR BOAT In general, boat maintenance will keep your boat clean and well-lubricated. Similar to the way you wouldn't use your car with oil in it and engine oil, you shouldn't embark on an excursion without proper fluid levels. As you're probably aware, environmental elements and debris can destroy your car's exterior over time. The same applies to boats. For instance, a flimsy boat with dirty exterior will turn chalky if the owner doesn't clean and wax it regularly. To keep your boat clean and in top shape In this section, we'll show you how to clean a boat in the following section. In addition, we'll cover the proper storage options , as well as maintenance for motors. 1. CLEAN THE EXTERIOR It's vital to keep your boat's exterior spotless for many reasons, not just to show off its beauty. First, maintaining your boat's cleanliness helps in preventing the spread of invasive species. You never know what animal or plant took an excursion on your boat so it's important to clean your boat regularly time to keep our waterways safe. Secondly, keeping your boat clean will protect the structure of your craft by keeping the appearance and finish intact. In time, the salt from the sea can begin to lose its luster creating scratches and abrasions which can be expensive for removal. Furthermore, a boat that is clean is simply more efficient. A soiled hull can increase the price of fuel by as high as 30%. The goal is to keep your boat clean at a land-based location to avoid the risk of polluting the water in any way. If you are required to wash your boat in the water it is recommended to use safe materials and avoid using toxic substances. Whatever way you clean your boat, you will have to wash it with fresh clear water to rid it of the salt. Unsure of where to start with the cleaning process? Here are some cleaning tricks specific to various types of boat materials. Fiberglass Some fiberglass craft have a glossy and glossy finish that shields the fiberglass from sun, salt and other weather elements. It is evident that a gel coat finish needs attention when it begins to take on an appearance of chalk. To keep your fiberglass boat in good shape, make sure that you wax or polish the surface with waxes that ensure the protection of the gel coat. Make sure you apply one coat of wax a season, preferably in the spring , and prior to when you store your boat to be stored for winter. Beyond applying a coat of wax frequently, be sure to clean away salt and dirt after each outing. Make use of a soap made specifically for boats and a soft, soft brush or sponge. Canvas:Canvas is an umbrella term that is used to describe the types of fabrics used in cockpits as well as boat covers and other parts of the boat. Proper care will keep canvas beautiful and prolong the life of the material through keeping its waterproofing features solid. Canvas can be cleaned with lightly brushed brush along with mild soap and fresh water. If your canvas is made of an area of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) window, you should not clean the PVC with ammonia-based products. Ammonia may damage the materials in time, which is why it's best to clean PVC by using a specialist cleaner. Upholstery Most likely, you'll have seats that are covered with vinyl in your boat because it is durable and simple to clean. Be sure to clean regularly the seats on your boat to stop dirt buildup, mold and mildew. Take a sponge and moisten it with mild, soapy water, wipe the seats down, wipe away soap residue with a dry and clean cloth and dry the seats with a clean soft cloth. If possible, keep the seat covers covered or put somewhere safe between outings. Woodwork Though wood is commonly not used in the modern boat, older models may have some woodwork in handrails, steps, decks or in other parts or components of the boats. Typically, these wooden elements comprise teak which is a durable tropical hardwood. The teak should be cleaned regularly with the mildest cleanser designed for teak. By using a soft bristle tool light scrub the teak all the way across the grain, to keep it in good condition. 2. PROPERLY STORE YOUR BOAT Storage that is properly stored is crucial to making sure your boat is protected from weather-related damage, especially during the winter season. It is important to keep ice, snow and rain out your boat, while also allowing airflow, so that mildew does not accumulate. It is also important to prepare your vessel for a period of time that isn't active to ensure it's working properly when it's time to go sailing again. Here are some storage options worth considering. Outdoor: Storage outdoors is the most popular method of storage and allows boat owners to put sailboats in storage with the masts up. Outdoor storage requires an appropriate cover that protects your yacht from elements. A great way to store your boat outside is to employ a professional to shrink-wrap your boat. Correct shrink-wrapping will ensure that your boat is kept covered and cooled and cooled. You can cover the boat yourself by placing an aluminum tarp over a wooden frame and then covering the boat. Indoor: In-door storage is an ideal choice as it shields your boat from the elements and sun. If you don't have the space for storing your boat in your garageor garage, consider renting a storage unit for the winter. You might also think about dry-stack storage. If you put your boat in a dry-stack facility that will store your boat on a display in a covered building - just make sure that you choose an appropriate building. In the water Many harbors offer boat storage on the water all year. Bubblers or deicers, which can bring warmer water from bottom upwards to the surface protecting your boat from freezing. Storing your boat on the water could be an ideal alternative for those with more space and deep water. When you've chosen where you'll store your boat, adhere to these tips to prepare your boat for storage. You'll be able to reduce the amount work you'll need when it's time for sailing: Take care to properly clean your boat. Replace hoses with cracked or damaged connections. Lubricate spark plug holes. Replace inline fuel filters. The tank must be filled to the minimum of 90%. stabilize with anti-bacterial agents the fuel. Unplug the battery and store it in a cool, well-ventilated space. Clean up all food, carpets and electronic devices. Clean the shaft and propeller, then look for damage. Apply grease on the shaft. Open the drain plugs to let precipitation drain out. The water faucets and valves should be left open. If your boat is equipped with refrigerator, ensure that an open door. Rinse the engine, water lines and tanks with clean water to wash away the salt. Remove the antifreeze. 3. PRIORITIZE BOAT ENGINE MAINTENANCE There is no need to be a mechanic in order to maintain the motor of your boat. By taking preventive measures, you are able to maintain the engine for a long period of time and you'll be able to preserve the value of your vessel. Prior to performing engine maintenance it's a good idea to verify the specifications of your manufacturer prior to doing any work. However here are some general tips for caring for an outboard motor before every trip: Make sure you have fuel and that the fuel tank vent is open. Check that the engine mounting screw clamps secure and secure. Make sure the water intake is clear of any debris. Be sure to inspect your propeller for any caught fishing line as well as excessive oil buildup. After every single trip, whether you travel in freshwater or saltwater, it's a good idea to want to flush out the motor to rid it of sand dirt, and other particles. For a proper flush be sure to follow these steps Buy "earmuffs" or a motor flushing attachment. Slip the earmuffs onto the intake of water and connect a garden hose. Start the engine and allow the water pump to complete the job. While you're cleaning your motor be sure the water pump is operating properly by feeling the temperature of the water stream. The water should not be boiling hot as well as the output needs to be high. If the water pump isn't working properly, shut the motor down and insert a piece of wire into the flow tube to remove any debris. Restart the engine and check your flow -- If the output is still weak, it's time to replace the water pump. In the aftermath of flushing your engine and disconnecting the fuel pipe. Allow the engine to exhaust all fuel from the carburetor. Turn off the key as well as the switch to battery. Cleanse everything and spray with an anti-corrosive agent. Replace the cowlings and wipe it down. Put a canvas or plastic cover on the motor during the trips. Here are more boat maintenance tips to apply often: Replace spark plugs , if necessary. In regular intervals, check for water in the fuel. Check the engine's oil level. Check the fuel lines for cracks and wear. Check the propeller as well as the engine belts for wear, and change them as required. Repair damaged fuel hoses. Examine the fuel primer lamp for cracks. Check clamps for rust. Make sure the tank vent is open, and free of blockages. SALTWATER BOAT MAINTENANCE Salt is a catalyst for corrosion, and it's essential to follow regular maintenance procedures if take your boat on saltwater. There are two key steps you need to complete after having exposed your boat to saltwater. It is best to take these steps as soon as possible after saltwater exposure and at least within 24 hours. Cleaning your boat Wash your boat by using clean water to wash away salt and protect the finish. It is also recommended to wash your seats with soap and water to eliminate dirt and salt. If salt is left on your vessel for a long time, it's going to begin to cause corrosion to metal parts. Flush in the engine Your engine should be flushed with fresh water as quickly as is possible. The process will prevent the formation of corrosion of the interior of the engine and prevent salt from collecting in the lower unit. If you own an outboard or outboard motor, it is recommended to flush your motor with the above maintenance tips for engines. If you've got an inboard boat engine, you are able to flush the motor with these steps and using an inboard motor flusher Make sure to connect a hose onto the motor's flusher. Set the flusher above the water intake hole. Switch on the engine. Let the water run through the engine as it runs. Watch the water coming out. If the water flows clear, it will be clear that your engine is in good shape. Turn off the engine and water supply. Remove the hose. BOAT MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST We've covered many of the steps to maintain your boat starting with preparing your boat in storage until flushing out the engine. To reduce the list more, we've compiled an essential checklist for maintenance on your boat. Check the items on this list as frequently as you can so that you can have peace of mind throughout your journey. Engine Check regularly the engine to check the hoses for cracks. need to be replaced immediately. Inspect for corrosion, and make sure that the motor in the outboard is secure in its place. Propeller:The propeller's importance is for efficiency and fuel economy. If you are using an outboard motor or stern drive make sure you check the propeller prior launching. Make sure the propeller nut is securely secured and you can tighten it up using a socket wrench if necessary. Check for any damage, such as small dents, which can cause you to consume more fuel. Each year, take the propeller off and grease it and make sure nothing has gotten over it. BatteryYour? vessel's battery serves as the engine for your vessel. Without it your engine can't start and the electrical components won't work. Be https://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/2468283 to take good care of the battery and inspect it at least every annually, or more frequently during boating season. You should be aware that batteries tend to degrade as time passes, so it is something you shouldn't want to neglect. Take a look at the battery's current charge using a digital multimeter, and verify the connection for corrosion. Make use of a wire brush to cleanse the connectors in case you need to. A bilge pump The bilge is an area on the bottom of the vessel that collects excess water and the bilge pumps is the component that eliminates water off the bilge. If your bilge pump isn't able to work, your boat could sink. In order to keep your boat floating make sure to check the pump hoses for any debris that may cause blockages. Consider also adding https://michigan.budtrader.com/author/ruthvalley9/ . Electric linesThe electrical lines need maintain their condition to ensure that the electrical system on your boat working, and deteriorating lines could be a fire hazard. To avoid electrical lines wear out, keep them well-maintained and utilize a digital multimeter to be sure everything's functioning properly. Filter and oil:Stay on schedule with changing the oil and oil filter. In the event that you do not change your oil, it can damage the engine's components. So, to alter the oil just let the engine operate for about seven minutes, then shut it down. Now, you need to put a bin underneath the drain plug. Remove the drain plug and loosen the screw on top. Let the oil drain out for approximately 30 minutes. In the meantime, change the oil filter. After the oil has drained out replacing the drain pipe with a screw that is tightened. Inject the engine with proper oil. Other levels of fluid:To make sure your boat functions properly, remember regular checks of other levels of fluids, such as power steering fluid and coolant. HullInspect? this hull. find blisters, cracks, or cracks. Be sure to install drain plugs properly installed. BOAT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE 1. EVERY TIME YOU USE YOUR BOAT When you're preparing to launch, make sure to follow these steps: Examine the oil and top it up, depending on the need. Verify the propeller for damage. Check steering movement. Examine the hull for any damage and make repairs if necessary. Cleaning the deck and hull. Check the bilge valve. The battery should be checked for a suitable charge. Verify that the electric systems function properly. Inspect the fire extinguishing mechanisms. 2. EVERY 20 HOURS Following 20 hours usage After 20 hours of use, you must complete the following maintenance tasks: Make sure to check the lower unit for water , and fill it with oil if need be. Treat the fuel by using a decarbonizer. Verify that the engine is operating at the right RPM. Clean and ensure the interior is protected. 3. EVERY 50 HOURS Each 50-hour period of use You can add the following items to your to-do list Check fuel lines for degradation. Inspect the fluid level and look for leaks. Polish and polish the hull and deck. Clean the bilge pump. 4. EVERY 100 HOURS At the end of 100 hours spent on the boat be sure to follow these things: Make sure to grease points are properly lubricated. Inspect the power trim tilt fluid , then refill if required. Squeeze all bolts to the tightest possible position and fasteners. Touch up paint. Examine the engine mounts. Replace the impeller of the pump. Change the fuel and oil filters. Be sure to inspect the bow and the stern eyes for mounting that is secure. Examine the rub rail for problems. Have a professional mechanic inspect your boat.