BOAT MAINTENANCE: DECKEE'S ESSENTIAL GUIDE
After spending the warmer months on your boat exploring the waterways, winter is the time to give your vessel some TLC. Taking care of all those little maintenance issues means that when summer rolls around again, you will get plenty of use out of your boat.
The last thing you want to do is boat maintenance, but everything on your boat needs a check to keep it running for longer so you can get maximum enjoyment out of your purchase.
The right boat care will extend the life of your boat and prevent further repairs in the future.
CHECK ALL SAFETY EQUIPMENT ONBOARD
There are legal requirements to ensure your gear onboard is well-maintained, stored correctly and meets industry standards. All safety equipment must be:
In good condition and meet appropriate standards or specifications
Maintained or serviced according to the manufacturer’s specifications
Replaced before the manufacturer's expiry date
Easy to find and access
Life jackets are the most important bit of gear on a boat, so it is vital that they are maintained properly as they should be constantly in use. Look after your life jackets by rinsing them off with fresh water and checking for damage after use, then storing them in a dry, well-ventilated area out of sunlight to prevent mould.
Your EPIRB should always be in working order, and has handy in-built self-test features which allow the electronics, battery and antenna to be tested without generating a false alarm. Check that metal components are free of rust, the plastic casing has no visible signs of warping and there are no signs of moisture inside the unit. Check the battery and hydrostatic release expiry dates are valid. Also, the lanyard should be securely attached to the EPIRB. Store the EPIRB in a waterproof and buoyant case that can be accessed quickly and easily.
Ensure your flares are still in date and haven’t been exposed to water. Flares have a life span of 3 years and must be replaced before they expire.
Vessels also require a bailing system or bilge pump, working marine radio, fire fighting equipment, anchors and a first aid kit, so read Deckee's boat safety equipment checklist to make sure you have everything you require.
You can set reminders in the Deckee app to alert you and keep a record of anything that needs to be renewed. Set a yearly reminder that you can set and forget, which becomes a handy guide of whats needs to be maintained.
WASH YOUR HULL
If you take your boat out frequently, it’s best to give your boat a clean.
Whether your boat is made from fibreglass or aluminium it is advisable that you regularly wash down your boat with fresh water. Saltwater that accumulates on the boat wears down the paint job and leads to corrosion.
Wash with a soft sponge and warm soapy water, with a mix of all-purpose cleaner. Scrub off any natural build-up to prevent growth on the side of the boat. You may even be inclined to give your boat a wax and a polish, but this generally only needs to be done once a year.
If you want to clean the interior, make sure all your electronics are covered to prevent any water from seeping into the instruments or mould developing in storage spaces. Take your bungs with you if the boat is not in use for a while so that excess water can drain and is not sitting stagnant for long periods of time.
MAINTAIN YOUR MOTOR
Making sure your motor is in tip-top shape is crucial, and potentially life-saving. It is also important for prolonging the lifespan of your boat.
If you aren’t already, you should be flushing your motor with fresh water after every trip to prevent corrosion and damage.
You should also run your motor regularly as months of inactivity is not good for it. Even if you don’t have the time to take the boat out, running the engine for a while wards off those corrosive effects.
Perform an overall check of your motor’s condition and look at your fuel lines for any damage.
Finally, have your motor serviced by a professional at least once every 100 hours of use and follow the Skippers ticket guidelines.
ADDITIONAL SYSTEMS CHECK
There are a number of other checks you should do to keep your boat running smoothly. It’s a good idea to have a checklist to make sure you have covered as much as possible. You can create your own reminders in the Deckee app.
Charge the battery. Run a test of the battery to see that it has enough charge to get you out on the water and back, and if the battery is old, replace it straight away.
Navigation lights and electrical equipment. Check that all exterior and interior lights, power and gauges on your boat work properly and make a note if anything needs replacing.
Measure fuel levels. Check the fuel isn’t contaminated with excess water, if the boat won’t be used for a while, drain the fuel and refill it when the boat is ready to use.
Damage to propellers. Check for any nicks and dents to the propeller and its bearings, and that it moves freely.
STORE YOUR BOAT PROPERLY
If you want to protect your boat from the weather during the winter, then finding the right place to store your boat will keep it in prime condition, especially if you are not planning to use it for a couple of months.
You will want to keep it out of the elements, while at the same time storing it in a cool, well-ventilated place so mould doesn’t build up.
Most owners will store their boats outside, as it is often cheaper and easier. Whether left on a trailer or on the rack, your boat will require a proper cover to protect it. Many industry leaders recommend shrink-wrapping your boat to make it water-repellent while allowing moist air to escape. At the least, cover your boat in a tarp to protect your instruments and upholstery from rain and weather.
For those with the means and access, dry boat storage is a great option. It keeps your boat out of the sun and rain, as well as out of the way of thieves and vandals. Moving it in and out of storage can be easy and convenient if your marina uses a high-capacity forklift to lift and raise your boat. Read Deckee’s guide to the pros and cons of dry boat storage for more tips.
While there are a number of other boat maintenance checks you could perform, depending on the make and size of your boat, this guide will give you peace of mind that the next time you use your boat, it will be ready to handle its next adventure.