You’ve bought a boat—now what? Beyond enjoying the beautiful Florida sunshine, there are a few essential boat maintenance tasks to prepare for. Here’s a quick breakdown!
Welcome to the Boating Lifestyle
First things first, congratulations on becoming a boat owner! Owning a boat is exciting, but it comes with responsibilities too! This guide will help you keep your boat running smoothly for years.
Create a Maintenance Schedule
Crack open that owner’s manual and pull out your calendar—it’s time to make a boat maintenance schedule! Your owner’s manual provides specific maintenance recommendations and intervals. This includes regular engine checks when to replace fluids, 20-hour and 100-hour service information, and more. If your owner’s manual lacks any of this information, ask Fish Tale Boats for recommendations. The knowledgeable and certified marine technicians at Fish Tale can also give you tips on when to perform hull cleaning and inspections as well as how often to evaluate electrical systems based on your specific make and model of boat.
Routine Cleaning and Care
Once you buy your boat, make a habit of performing routine cleaning and care every time you take your boat out of the water. This is a crucial step to prevent corrosion and maintain the appearance of your boat. Wash your boat with the appropriate cleaning product for different surfaces. Then, wax and polish your hull to protect against UV damage, especially if your boat will be regularly sitting out in the sunlight. Running freshwater through the outboard block is a beneficial maintenance routine with the hose inlet on the back of the outboard. If possible, use a lower unit flusher at the same time to thoroughly flush saltwater after each boating adventure.
Handling Basic Repairs
Occasionally, you may encounter a small issue on your boat that requires a quick repair or a repair you are capable of doing on your own. To be ready for these situations, always keep tools and spare parts aboard your boat. That includes parts like hose clamps and bilge pumps that might spring leaks. Include tools like screwdrivers and pliers to fix screws that may loosen with use on the water.
Storage and Protection
When you aren’t using your boat, it’s important to come up with a good storage plan. You might store your boat at a dock, marina, or dry storage facility. If your boat won’t be protected from the elements, make sure to purchase and use a boat cover to avoid damage.
You’ll also want to perform a few simple lay-up procedures before storing your boat for a long time.
First, you’ll want to fog the engine. That means running the engine until it reaches operating temperature and the oil and fuel are well circulated through the system. Then, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank (or drain it completely) and spray fogging oil into the air intake while the engine is still running. Alternatively, for some outboard engines, you’ll need to remove the spark plugs and spray the fogging oil directly into the cylinders.
Next, disconnect the fuel line from the engine and disconnect the batteries. If you keep your batteries connected, use a trickle charge to keep them well charged over the storage period.
Lastly, remove the propeller and apply a coat of waterproof grease to the propeller shaft. Then, store your propeller in a secure, dry area. If this sounds like a lot of work, Fish Tale offers a lay-up service. This is great if you don’t plan on using the boat for a couple of months or longer.
Understanding Legal and Safety Requirements
If you purchased your boat from Fish Tale Boats, it will have come with all the necessary safety gear on board. However, it’s worth doing a check every once in a while, to make sure nothing is missing. Count your life jackets, check the expiration dates of your fire extinguishers and flares, and ensure all your safety equipment is in working order.
You’ll also want to stay on top of the local boating laws and navigation rules to make sure you have all required licenses, and registrations, and know what you can or can’t do out on the water. Florida’s boating regulations can be found on the FWC website here.
Invest in Professional Services When Needed
While you can do some basic boat maintenance and boat fixes on your own, it’s important to know when to call the professionals. You’ll always want to hire a professional for complex repairs or installations, but it’s worth scheduling regular maintenance checks with a certified marine technician too. This will ensure your boat runs smoothly for years to come and you don’t perform any DIY disaster fixes that could cost you more in the long run.
Enjoy Responsible Boat Ownership
Responsible boat ownership makes owning a boat a breeze. Setting up a maintenance schedule, cleaning your boat after each use, and properly storing it is key. Staying updated on boating laws and knowing when to call for professional help is also important. Ready to take the first step in responsible boat ownership? Schedule your first maintenance check with Fish Tale’s certified marine technicians to ensure your boat is in top condition!
