Essential Boat Maintenance

Owning a boat is a lot of fun, but it comes with important responsibilities. How well you maintain your boat will impact your safety and enjoyment of the craft. This quick guide will provide you with some simple tips boat maintenance tips you should keep up with.

Battery Care

Your boat will come equipped with a marine battery that needs to be secured in a battery box or frame to protect the battery and your passengers. The cables should be checked during routine maintenance to ensure they are tight on the terminals, as loose cables could cause the engine to start improperly. If your boat is docked for a week or more, you should switch the battery off, disconnecting the battery from the boat system. If you fail to do this, the battery may drain over time.

Fuel Systems

Use ethanol-free gas to ensure your engine works great. If that's not an option, then E10 is also safe. However, you don't want to use E15 or E85 for your boat, as this type of fuel isn't approved for marine engines and could cause problems. If you are unsure of which fuel is best, consult your boat's manufacturer.

You may need to use a marine-specific fuel stabilizer in the correct ratio every time you fill the tank. This can help to prevent oxidation and phase separation which can happen in as little as 15 days with modern fuel. If you aren't sure if you need a fuel stabilizer or not, talk with your local boat maintenance ship.

Changing Engine Oil

Just like engine oil is crucial to a car's engine, it's important to a marine engine as well. A marine engine runs a much heavier load than a vehicle and often under rougher conditions, so you should check your engine's gasoline before every outing to be safe. You should also stick to the oil change schedule for your boat model. The more attentive you are to this type of maintenance, the more reliable your craft will be and the longer life you can expect from your investment.

According to IBISWorld, there are an estimated 98,260 boat repair businesses in operation in the U.S., so finding the right one will be easy. You want the right repair shop for your boat, though. If you are in need of boat maintenance, contact Seaview Boatyard today!