Boat Maintenance Tips
Owning a boat can be a fun and rewarding experience. But as any boat owner knows, it also comes with plenty of responsibilities. One of the most important things you need to do to keep your vessel looking good and running smoothly is to perform regular boat maintenance. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Maintain the Hull
People sometimes take the hull of their boat for granted and don’t put enough time or thought into making sure it’s clean and well-maintained. It’s important to keep your hull clean and free of algae, barnacles, and anything else that can grow on it. These add drag to your boat, making it have to work harder to reach the same performance, and in some extreme cases, they can even weaken the hull and make it more prone to cracking or breaking.
The other reason it’s important to clean and inspect your hull as part of your boat maintenance routine is that it’ll allow you to catch and fix small problems before they get worse. A crack caught when small and insignificant won’t be able to grow into a larger fissure.
Wash the Deck
Keeping the deck clean is important for aesthetic reasons and safety reasons alike. A dirty deck looks gross and can start to build up a strange smell. This is especially true if you use your boat for fishing because bait and fish guts can build up causing a foul stench. Of course, a dirty deck can also be more dangerous. Any standing water can lead to a slippery layer of algae film. Dirt, grease, and grime can all make your deck more of a slipping hazard. Make sure to wash all areas of the deck thoroughly and remove all the removable carpets to wash them separately.
Store It Correctly
If you won’t be using your boat for several weeks or months, you’ll want to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank for protecting your engine components as fuel can break down and separate into more corrosive substances. Also, remember that batteries that are left connected to the device they power will gradually lose energy. When storing your boat, it’s crucial to remove your battery from the engine compartment. Keep it stored in a cool, dry place elevated off the ground. If you can find one, a battery tender can be a helpful way to keep it at the correct operating range.
If you’re not mechanically inclined or don’t have the time for boat maintenance tasks like these, you can always contact us at L&M Marine LLC in Stapleton, AL. Our service department will make sure that your vessel is in tip-top shape. We proudly serve all those in Mobile, AL, and Pensacola, FL, so get in touch with us today!