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BOATS NEED MAINTAINED. Find out how by consulting marine-silesia.As our automobiles, our boats require regular maintenance to ensure that they run smoothly and safe. By taking care of them and giving them regular maintenance, your boat to last many years and bring many memories, whether you cruise on lakes or seas or rivers.A vital part of maintaining your boat goes beyond the simple inspection of your boat every time you leave. Also, you'll need to take care for your boat after each excursion, and following a scheduled maintenance program. Many of the maintenance-related tasks are easy for the majority of boat owners and do not necessitate a mechanic. However, should you have a need for assistance, or require a major repair we suggest contacting the experts to get the most enjoyment from your boat. In the meantime let us assist you optimize your boat.In this guide to boat care covering the basics, we'll walk you through. We'll show you how you can keep your boat running, share information on boat cleaning, answer frequent questions and much more. If you take and care for your boat, you'll be able take pleasure in a day of blue skies and water anytime the mood strikes.WAYS TO MAINTAIN YOUR BOATGenerally speaking, keeping your boat in good condition is the process of keeping your boat clean and properly lubricated. Similar to the way you wouldn't use your vehicle without engine oil at all times, you shouldn't take your boat out for rides without proper fluid levels. Similar to that, you're probably aware environmental elements and debris can destroy the exterior of your vehicle over time. The same principle applies to boats. For instance, a flimsy vessel with an unclean exterior can turn chalky if you don't wash and wax it on a regular basis.To keep your boat sparkling and in great shape learn how to clean your boat in the next section. In addition, we'll cover the proper storage solutions and boat maintenance.1. CLEAN THE EXTERIORIt is essential to keep your yacht's exterior clean for various reasons, aside from showcasing its beautiful appearance. Aside from that, cleaning your boat helps to stop the spread of invasive species. You'll never know what species of animal or plant took a ride to your boat, so it's essential to clean your boat at least once a time in order to protect our waterways.The second reason is that keeping your boat clean protects the structure of your vessel by keeping its finish clean. With time, salt from the sea will begin to disintegrate, causing abrasions and scratches which can be expensive and difficult to remove.A clean boat is able to perform better. A soiled hull can increase fuel costs by as much as 30 percent.It is recommended to clean your boat on land , to avoid contaminating the water. If you must clean your boat using water it is recommended to use safe materials and stay clear of harmful substances. Whatever way you clean your boat, you will be required to rinse it off with fresh pure water to wash away the salt.Not sure where you should begin in the process of cleaning? Here are some additional cleaning tips for different types of boat materials.Fiberglass It is common for fiberglass-based boats to come with a shiny gel coat finish to protect the fiberglass from salt, sun and other weather elements. It is evident that this finish requires be watched for when it has the appearance of chalk. To ensure that your fiberglass boat is in good condition, make sure that you wax or polish it with waxes specifically designed to guard the surface of the gelcoat. Aim to apply two coats of wax each season, usually in the spring before you store your boat in winter. In addition to waxing your boat regularly, you should get rid of salt and dirt after every excursion. Make use of soap that is specifically designed for boats and a light brush or sponge.Canvas:Canvas is the broad term used to describe the materials used in cockpits boats, boat covers and various parts of the boat. Properly maintained, it will keep your canvas looking fantastic, and keep the material in good condition because its waterproofing capabilities remain unaffected. Canvas can be cleaned using gentle brushes together with mild soap as well as clean water. If the canvas has vinyl chloride (PVC) windows, you should not remove the PVC using ammonia-based products. Ammonia can cause damage to the material in time, which is why it is recommended to clean PVC with a specific cleaner.Upholstery: There's a good chance you've got seats with vinyl coverings in your boat as vinyl is durable and simple to clean. It is recommended to regularly clean and wash the seats in your boat to avoid the buildup of dirt, mold and mildew. Wet a sponge with mild, soapy water, wipe the seats clean remove soap residue by using a clean, damp cloth. Dry the seats with a clean, soft cloth. If possible, keep the seats covered or put them somewhere safe between outings.woodwork Even though wood is more rare in the modern boat, older models could have woodwork within handrails, steps, decks or other areas that make up the vessel. The majority of these wooden parts include teak, the strongest tropical hardwood. It is recommended to clean the teak regularly using the mildest of cleaners designed for teak. Making use of a soft bristle 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 safeguarding your boat from weather-related destruction, particularly in winter. The aim is to keep snow, ice and rain out your boat, and permitting airflowso that mildew doesn't accumulate. You should also prepare your vessel for extended periods of inactivity to ensure it's functioning properly when it's time for you to go back out on the water. Here are some storage options you can think about.Outdoor outdoor storage a well-known method and allows boat owners to store their boats with the masts up. Outdoor storage requires a dependable cover that protects your vehicle from damage. The best way to secure your boat out in the open is to employ a professional to shrink-wrap your boat. Properly shrink-wrapping your boat will ensure it remains covered and ventilated and cooled. It is possible to cover your boat yourself by putting the tarp on top of a wooden frame and then covering the boat.Indoor: Indoor storage is an ideal choice as it shields your boat from weather and the sun. If you don't have enough space to keep your boat in your garage, you might consider leasing a storage unit during the winter. You could also think about dry-stack storage. If you keep your boat at a dry-stack-storage facility then you'll be able to keep your boat at a place on the covered area - but make sure that you choose the most secure structure.Water: Many harbors offer boat storage in the water all year. Bubblers , or de-icers which allow warmer water to flow from the lowest point to the uppermost level they can safeguard your boat from ice. Placing your boat on water can be a sensible solution if you have the capacity of a larger boat and deep water.Once you've decided where to keep your boat after you've decided, follow these suggestions to prepare your vessel to be stored. You'll reduce the amount of work to be done when it's time for sailing:Be sure to clean your boat.Replace hoses with cracked or damaged connections.Lubricate spark plug holes.Replace inline fuel filters.Fill the tank with minimum 90% and add anti-bacterial stabilizing agent to the fuel.Disconnect the battery and keep it in a cooland aerated area.Dispose of all food and carpets and electronics.Clean the propeller and shaft and look for damage.Apply grease on the shaft.Remove the drain plugs and allow precipitation to drain out.Let the water taps and valves open.If your boat is equipped with refrigerator, ensure that the door open.Inspect the engine, the water lines, and water tanks with fresh water to flush out the salt.Remove the antifreeze.3. PRIORITIZE BOAT ENGINE MAINTENANCEYou don't have the skills of a professional mechanic in order to keep your boat's motor running. By taking preventive measures, you can keep your engine operating for a long period of time and you'll also be able to maintain the worth of your boat. Prior to doing any maintenance for your engine it's best first to go over the recommended maintenance schedule of your company first. That said, here are a few general guidelines for maintaining an outboard engine prior to each trip:Make sure that you have fuel and ensure that the fuel tank vent is open.Verify that the engine screws that mount the engine are tight and secure.Verify that the water source is free of any debris.Examine your propeller for a caught the line of fishing, or excessive oil buildup.Following each and every trip whether in fresh or saltwater, you'll need to flush the motor to clear away sand dirt and other debris. For a proper flush be sure to follow these stepsPurchase "earmuffs" or a motor flushing attachment.Then, slide the earmuffs over the water intake and attach an extension hose for the garden.Start the engine and wait for the water pump perform the work.While you're cleaning your motor, make sure the pumps are running at a good rate by carefully measuring the temperature of the water stream.The water shouldn't get too hot as well as the output needs to be strong.If the water pumps aren't functioning in a proper manner, shut the engine up and place a piece of wire inside the flow tube in order to get rid of the debris.Restart your engine and test how much flow -- If the flow is still weak It's time to change this water pump.If you flush the engine, disconnect the fuel line.Allow the engine to burn all the fuel in the carburetor.Turn off the key as well as the switch to the battery.Clean everything off and spray with an anti-corrosive spray.Replace the cowling and clean it down.Use a canvas or a plastic cover for the motor between excursions.Here are more helpful tips for maintaining your boat often:Replace spark plugs as required.Make sure you check regularly for water in the fuel.Make sure you are aware of the level of oil in the engine.Examine the fuel lines for wear and cracks.Check the propeller as well as the engine belts for wear and make sure to replace them as needed.Repair damaged fuel hoses.Verify the fuel primer bulb for cracks.Inspect the clamps to see if they are rusty.Make sure that the venting in the tank is clean and free of obstructions.SALTWATER BOAT MAINTENANCESalt speeds up corrosion, so it is crucial to adhere to regular maintenance procedures if utilize your boat with saltwater. There are two key tasks to do following exposing your boat to seawater. It is best to take these steps in the shortest amount of time after saltwater exposure or at a minimum within 24 hours.Make sure you clean your boat Clean your vessel using clean water, to wash off salt and protect its finish. You'll also need to clean the seats with soap and water to eliminate dirt and salt. If salt remains on your boat for too long, it could begin to corrode metal components.Clean in the engine Your engine should be flushed with water that is fresh as soon as you can. This will prevent corrosion in the interior of the engine , and also prevent salt from entering the lower part of the unit.If you have an outboard motor, you can flush your motor using these cleaning tips for the engine. If you're using an inboard boat engine, you can easily clean the motor by following these steps , and also using an inboard motor flusherMake sure to connect a hose on the motor's aerator.The flusher should be placed over the water intake hole.Switch on the engine.Allow the water to flow through the engine as it is idle.Pay attention to the water flowing out.If the water runs without a trace, you'll know your engine is clean.Shut off the engine, as well as the water supply, and then remove the hose.BOAT MAINTENANCE CHECKLISTWe've talked a lot about how to keep your boat in good condition starting with preparing your boat to store it in your storage area to flushing the engine. To reduce the list further, we put together the basic checklist for boat maintenance. Review the items on this list as often as it is possible and you'll have peace of mind throughout your journey.Engine Every now and then, look at the engine and check for damaged hoses. If you find any, must be replaced immediately. Examine for corrosion, and check that the outboard motor is securely in place.Propeller:The propeller plays a vital role to fuel efficiency and performance. If you have an outboard motor or stern drive make sure you check the propeller prior the time you launch. Make sure that the propeller's nut is in good condition, and then tighten it with a deep socket wrench, if required. Look for any damage such as tiny dents, which could result in you having to consume more fuel. A few times per year, remove the propeller in order to grease its shaft, and make sure that nothing else has got the shaft.Battery:Your engine's batteries form the mainstay for your vessel. Without it, your engine won't start, and electrical components won't work. Take care of your battery by checking it at least once per year. It is recommended to check it more frequently in the summer months when you are boating. It is important to note that batteries naturally degrade over time, so it is something you shouldn't intend to overlook. Make sure to check the battery's charging with the aid of a digital multimeter. You can also check the connections for corrosion. Make use of a wire brush to clean the connectors as needed.A bilge pump The bilge one of the lowest parts of the boat , and it collects any excess water, and the bilge pump is the part that removes water off the bilge. If the bilge pump fails to function, your boat might sink. To keep your boat in the water ensure that the pump hoses are checked for any debris that could lead to blockages. Consider also adding an additional bilge pump.Electrical linesThe electrical cables need to be in good order to keep the electrical system of your boat running. Lines that are deteriorating could create a fire danger. To prevent electrical lines from breaking down, keep them tidy, and make use of a digital multimeter to be sure everything's functioning properly.Oil and filter:Stay on schedule with changing the oil and filter. Doing not change the oil could cause damage to the engine components. In order to change your oil it is necessary to let the engine idle for approximately seven mins, after which you should shut it off. In the next step, place a bottle below the drain hole. Unplug the drain plug, then loosen the screw on top. Let the oil drain for about 30 mins. In the meantime, change the filter on the oil. After the oil has drained out remove the drain plug in the engine and screw it tight. Replace the oil in the engine using the appropriate oil.Other levels of fluid:To make sure your boat is operating correctly, remember regular checks of other levels of fluid, for instance, coolant and power steering fluid.HullInspect? an hull. look for any blisters or cracks. Check that drain plugs are installed.BOAT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE1. EVERY TIME YOU USE YOUR BOATIf you're planning to start, be sure to finish the following tasks:Check the oil and top it off, when needed.Check the propeller for damages.<img width="325" src=" |
