You just bought your first boat and you’re eager to get out on the open water. As a new boat owner, you’re likely excited to hit the open water and enjoy all that boating has to offer.
But before you set sail, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your boat is in good shape. Maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your boat and avoiding costly repairs down the road.
Here are a few common boat maintenance mistakes to avoid.
- Not Winterizing the Boat
If you don’t winterize your boat, you run the risk of the engine freezing and the boat sinking. It can also lead to the hull cracking and the interior of the boat being ruined.
Make sure to winterize your boat before storing it if you want to keep it in good condition and avoid costly repairs. This includes draining the water from the engine and adding antifreeze to the cooling system.
- Not Knowing How to Clean the Boat
Another mistake is not regularly cleaning and waxing the hull. This can lead to the hull becoming stained and scratched.
It’s also important to invest in a good set of boat cleaning supplies to clean and lubricate the moving parts on your boat, like the winches and cleats.
Interior boat cleaning is also just as important as keeping it clean on the outside to prevent the build-up of mildew and mold.
Finally, don’t forget to clean and disinfect all areas where food is prepared and eaten
- Not Storing the Boat Properly
If you don’t store your boat properly, it could end up with severe hull damage. Even if you put it away for the winter, if you don’t take the time to properly clean and store it, you could come back to a boat that’s in bad shape.
Take the time to clean it thoroughly and make sure it’s dry before you put it away, and you’ll be much happier with it when you take it out again in the spring.
- Not Getting the Boat Serviced Regularly
If you don’t get the boat serviced regularly, you could end up stranded out at sea with a broken-down vessel. Not only is this a major inconvenience, but it could also be dangerous.
If you’re not sure how to properly maintain your boat, check out freedomboatclub.com to find out more information about regular boat maintenance.
Avoid These Boat Maintenance Mistakes
As a new boat owner, it’s important to be aware of the common boat maintenance mistakes that can result in serious damage to your vessel. Avoiding these mistakes will help keep your boat in good condition and save you money in the long run.
By taking the time to properly maintain your boat, you can avoid costly repairs down the line and ensure a safe and fun boating experience for years to come.
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