Basic Boat Maintenance Tips

Now that spring is here and people are pulling their boats out of storage, it’s time to get to a topic that isn’t anyone’s favorite, but it’s still important: boat maintenance. In order for your boat to serve you well on all your marine adventures, you’ll need it to be in good condition and that requires you to do some repairs at home in your garage. Here are some basic maintenance tips to help you keep your boat functional.

Inspect the Engine

You should remove the cover on your engine and give it a good inspection, especially if your boat has been in storage for a long time. You’ll want to check the belts to make sure they’re taut, then inspect your hoses for any signs of leaks or cracks in the rubber.

Change Fluids

Next, you’ll want to take care of the fluids in your engine. Ideally, you’ll have stabilized your boat fluids over the winter or drained your fuel tank. Gas that sits in a tank for a long time can become corrosive without stabilizer. Once you’ve determined that the gas tank is in good shape, you can refill it with fresh fuel.

You also need to check the coolant levels in your engine. Check for any signs of damage in this system, empty the strainer, and fill up the reservoir with fresh fluid. Finally, you should check and change your oil as needed.

Give Your Boat a Good Wash

Keeping your boat clean helps to reduce the risk of corrosion and it also gives your boat passengers a nice, tidy place to relax. You’ll want to rinse and scrub the hull thoroughly and apply a boat wax or polish once it’s dry. Make sure to sweep out and wipe down the interior of your boat as well.

Check Over Your Safety Equipment

Finally, you should make sure that all of the emergency gear and safety equipment you have on board your boat is in good shape. Fire extinguishers can expire and life jackets can become sun-damaged over time. Replenish your first-aid kit, check your toolkit over, inspect all your personal flotation devices, and generally make sure that everything is ship-shape.

Looking for some professional assistance with maintaining your boat and getting it ready for summer? Contact the Midwest Marine Boat Co. service department so you can schedule an appointment with our mechanics. We can answer any questions you have and address issues that you might be having.

When you want to shop new and used boats for sale, visit our dealership near Harrisonville, MO, to check out our inventory. We’re happy to assist you with financing options and anything else you might need, since we’ve been in business for over 30 years. Midwest Marine Boat Co. serves the cities of Raymore and Pleasant Hill, MO.