Boat owners know that keeping their vessel in top shape is essential to enjoying a trouble-free boating experience. Not to mention that, if the time ever came that you were looking to part ways with your boat, she'd command a much higher market value in top condition! There are countless things to consider when it comes to maintaining a vessel: there's the operational kinks, exterior nuances, and even its aesthetic and ambience!
So much to consider can make it challenging for a boat owner to keep up with their ship and its seemingly never-ending demands. That's why we're here! Get ready for some high-quality tips and tricks that you can use to keep your boat in peak condition.
A boat's operational maintenance should always be the highest priority when it comes to upkeep. No matter how nice the cabinets look or the different candles you put up, it all won't be worth a thing if she can't float!
We divide operational maintenance into two primary categories: the engine and the hull. The engine is, of course, what gives your boat the ability to generate power and thus move through the water. On the other hand, a boat's hull is responsible for keeping the vessel afloat and stable within the water.
Here are some operational tips to help maintain your engine and hull!
Make sure that you're regularly checking the engine's oil levels and adjusting it as needed. Unfortunately, there's no general rule-of-thumb that applies to every boater and every situation. The best approach is to check your engine oil as frequently as you use your vessel. If you only take her out once a month, check a few days before then. If your usage is more frequent, then vary accordingly.
While preventing maintenance issues is certainly the ideal choice, sometimes they’re out of our control. That’s why it’s critical to stay aware of any occurrences that are out of character for your vessel. It might seem harmless to shrug off an unexplained leak or ignore the odd sounds coming from your engine, but this is planning for failure. If something doesn't seem right, it's always best to consult with a professional who's trained to diagnose and fix the issue before it turns into a bigger problem.
As we mentioned earlier, your boat's hull is what enables the vessel to maintain buoyancy in water. As such, a bad hull can cause you all sorts of problems — think of the Titanic. Before taking it out on the water, we recommend glancing over your boat’s hull to make sure there aren’t any glaring signs of damage. Once again, if it seems like your vessel’s structure is compromised, make sure to seek out professional opinions to decide how to move forward.
The next hull-related tip we have for you is more catered towards the long-term performance of your boat. After all, we want to make sure it's a viable and enjoyable ride for as long as possible! To make sure of this, remember these three key tips: clean, polish, and coat.
Cleaning your hull with freshwater after every ride you take can help prevent unwanted debris from staying behind. Moreover, it actually reduces the risk of spreading invasive aquatic species that might be hanging around. After some time, it'd be wise to give your boata deeper cleaning as well to get rid of any stains that might build up after repeated use.
Polishing is an effective way of doing this — it works as a protective layer for your boat's hull, providing an added barrier against potential threats. Just keep in mind that too much polishing can end up damaging your boat’s gel coat! Finally, you should regularly coat your hull with gel coating to offer optimal marine protection against long-term corrosion; we recommend doing this no more than once a season or if there are any wear or rub marks on the hull.
Once you've knocked out the operational guidelines and made sure that there are no high-priority issues with your engine or hull, we can move onto the fun stuff: how your boat looks. Even with the best engine and hull, no one wants to ride in a dingy boat with no charisma! Let's take a look at a few ways to elevate your boat's charm.
A fundamental way to keep your boat feeling young and new is to accessorize! After all, how you look is how you feel, right? Every so often when you start feeling tired of the same old environment, change up the items you keep in your boat. This could be as subtle as adding a strategic painting to a lonely corner, or as drastic as entirely redoing your upholstery. Be creative and use these accessories to craft the ambience you're looking for.
One maintenance tip that's often overlooked by avid boaters is the state of their interior cabin. Despite the finest wood flooring and furniture, many owners fail to notice the mess that they've simply gotten used to! Be conscious about tidying up your boat after every use so that you return to the kind of place you'll love.
Maintaining your boat in top shape offers plenty of benefits. Not only will it ensure that the time you spend with your vessel is both memorable and enjoyable, but proper maintenance will also help you extend its useful life for as long as possible! If the day ever comes that you’re ready to part ways with your boat, come check out the Boat Stop! Our one-stop solution offers both boat-buyers and sellers everything they need for a smooth selling experience.
