Did you know that boating has increased by 12 percent since 2020? And as this hobby grows in popularity, so does interest in learning about maintaining a boat. Fortunately, there are plenty of boat maintenance companies that can do it for you, but it’ll cost you quite a bit.
But, the good news is that there are some things you can do yourself to keep your boat in tip-top shape. That’s why in today’s post, we’re going to help you by telling you some tips about caring for a boat.
Regularly Flush the Engine
Since you’re a boat novice, you may wonder what flushing an engine means. In simple terms, flushing an engine means using fresh water to remove salt crystals and deposits (if you use your boat in saltwater) or muck or sand (if you use it in freshwater) from your engine.
Of course, there are many types of boats, and some of the more modern ones have a self-flushing mechanism, so be sure to find out if your boat can do that.
Check the Hull for Barnacle and Algae
Taking care of a boat is more than making sure the mechanical parts are working. It also means checking the boat’s structure to see if it has barnacles or algae. These organisms can lay waste to the boat’s hull, which means that the next time you bump a rock, it may crack the frame.
To avoid this, you should periodically have a new coat of antifouling paint done on the hull. If you have further questions concerning the hull of your boat, be sure to visit fathombay.com for a more detailed explanation.
Inspect the Flooring
Even though most modern boats have self-draining floor panels, a lot of older boats lack this useful feature. As you can imagine, water will weaken the floor of your boat over time, which can pose a serious danger for those who occupy it. Additionally, standing water can cause mold to grow, which is also a health hazard.
So, be sure to have a water pump on hand so you can remove any excess water from your boat. You can also hire a company to install a self-draining floor, but it won’t be cheap!
Keep Your Safety Equipment Updated
A common mistake new boat owners make is forgetting to update their safety equipment every year. For example, you should make sure to change your lifejackets at least once a year since they lose their buoyancy over time.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the fire extinguishers are still working, as nothing is worse than trying to put out a fire with a faulty extinguisher.
Boat Maintenance Made Easy
Hopefully, you know everything about boat maintenance with this comprehensive guide. As you can see, owning a boat is a huge responsibility, so be sure to keep this post saved so you can refer to it when needed. So, don’t wait any longer, and make sure your boat is in tip-top shape today!
Did you find this guide useful? If so, be sure to check out our other posts, as we have other helpful guides that you may find interesting!
