The summer season is in full swing which means that it’s time to get break out your boat and make the most of the beautiful open water! However, it is important to make sure that your boat is water-worthy and safe to use throughout the season. Boating accidents have been steadily rising across the US in 2021, with a lack of boat maintenance being one of the main reasons why such accidents occur.
That’s why you should know exactly how to take care of a boat before you ever set sail. Fortunately, maintaining a boat is simple, straightforward, and does not need to break the bank. Read on to find out the essential boat maintenance tips that will see you through summer 2021 and beyond.
1. Watch the Engine
Boat maintenance begins and ends with your engine. You should always conduct a thorough boat engine inspection before you set sail. Make sure all of the moving parts are in good order. Check your oil levels thoroughly. Look closely for wear and tear. This simple inspection task will dramatically reduce the boat maintenance cost for you.
2. Flush the Engine
Believe it or not, salt water can be a boat’s worst enemy. That’s why you should always flush your engine out with fresh water after each and every outing. Flushing the engine out takes about 30 seconds and will prevent corrosive salt crystals from building up, which could potentially destroy your boat.
3. Good Storage Means Good Boat Maintenance
When Googling “boat maintenance near me”, it is all too easy to forget about the importance of quality storage. If you want to keep your boat in perfect working condition, you need to select a suitable storage facility that will look after your vessel all year round. For example, this boat and RV storage company in Alabama protects your boat from all of the elements and uses climate control to prevent any and all degradation.
4. Keep Her Clean
A clean boat is a happy boat. Simply cleaning your boat out every now and then will substantially reduce the chances of any serious damage occurring. Always clear all water out from the bottom of your boat. Sweep up and remove all dust and debris. Scrub the surface of your boat and remove barnacles whenever possible. This will make a significant difference.
5. Keep Your Boat Moisture-Free
It is difficult to overstate the damage that can be caused by excess moisture on a boat. Any and all moisture on your boat can corrode, rot, and degrade. This means that you need to do more than simply bail out those puddles after use. Use towels to wipe down all of the surfaces of your boat every time you take her out. The goal should be to remove all moisture completely. This will automatically remove the number one cause of boat damage.
More Simple Hacks for Better Living
Understanding the basics of boat maintenance will ensure you enjoy the outdoor lifestyle without stress. For more straightforward life hacks for better summer living, we have got you covered. Make sure to consult our expert Lifestyle guides to learn more.
