How To Maintain Your Boat

The waves crashing around you, the wind whipping past, and the sun on your face are all reasons we love boating—and that doesn’t even cover the simple joy of fishing! Your boat works hard making sure you stay safe and happy while you’re out on the water. It’s only right that you do your best to keep it in good shape, as well. But boat maintenance can be tricky, and it might sometimes feel like you don’t know where to start.

Luckily for you, we here at The Sports Center are here to help! We’ve gathered a few of our favorite tips for keeping your boat in good working order and looking nice. If you have more boat maintenance questions, or you’re just looking for a new vessel to try these on, contact our store in Perry, Georgia. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find what you need at the prices you want!

Hull Cleaning

Your boat tends to gather dirt, grime, and various other debris on its hull while it’s out and about. Wash your boat regularly to remove harmful saltwater buildup, oil residues, moss growth, and more. Clean boats are happy boats, and they tend to operate more efficiently and smoothly without all that muck on the hull. Obviously not all boats operate in saltwater, but for those that do, removing the saltwater buildup is of the utmost importance. Otherwise, it can corrode metals and dull gel coats and paint finishes over time. 

We recommend using a marine boat wash that’s specifically intended for a boat of your type. Consult your owner’s manual for recommendations, or contact our service department for direction. During the cleaning process, use a soft-bristle brush to avoid scratching your boat with abrasive sponges or powders. Clean the vessel in small sections to avoid having the soap dry onto the boat, which can also damage the finish. 

Rinsing your boat frequently can help reduce the difficulty of your regular scrubbings, ideally after any trip into saltwater. This can keep loose debris from crusting your hull and damaging the finish or the structure itself. Rinsing should only add a few minutes on to every outing, but it saves a lot of time that would otherwise be spent scrubbing.

Propeller Inspection

If you own an outboard or sterndrive vessel, you should be checking your propeller regularly. Use a deep well socket to remove the propeller and check it for things like loose fishing lines that might have gotten wrapped around the shaft. This will require professional attention. Look over the blades for any chunks or dents, which might require a total replacement. Riding with a damaged propeller can cause further damage, like loose bearings or weakened seals. Make sure to address all propeller issues before going back on the water to avoid damaging your boat.

Motor Care

Whatever type of motor or system your boat utilizes for propulsion, the motor will require attention on a regular basis to ensure its internal combustion remains functional and efficient. Most importantly, make sure your oil is clean and topped off to prevent the moving parts in your engine from grinding down against each other. 

Check the oil before every trip to make sure it’s at the proper level, which you can double check with the owner’s manual. Top off the oil whenever it’s low, and if it seems cloudy or thick, it might be time to replace the oil entirely. You should be replacing the oil after every 100 hours of operation as is. 

Regular oil changes are another preventative cure, keeping the motor running smoothly and avoiding hefty maintenance fees down the line. Checking the oil frequently also helps you catch issues before they become too costly. For instance, if you ever find metal shavings in your oil, parts of your motor are grinding down despite the oil. This is a serious issue and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Battery Check

Last but certainly not least, check your battery regularly to make sure it’s functioning well. If your boat is going to be in storage for an extended period of time, remove the battery entirely and place it on a tender or trickle charger to keep it from draining beyond the point of no return. Obviously, stronger batteries are better and more efficient, and replacing them can be expensive. 

Hopefully you found some of these tips useful! If you have further questions, or you’re just hoping to browse our inventory of boats for sale, contact us at The Sports Center. We proudly serve the people of Macon and Columbus, Georgia—let us serve you today!