Top 10 Tips for boat maintenance

Are you conducting a regular maintenance and servicing schedule on your boat to ensure you, your friends and family's safety at sea?

Poorly maintained vessels result in problems on the water which can be disastrous. Breakdowns, battery and fuel problems on boats account for over 50% of the calls for assistance that Coastguard receives every year.

Things to check every time you head out

Checking over everything in the image below is a good habit to get into, especially if the boat has been laid up over winter.

1

Wash your boat regularly with fresh water.

This removes salt water buildup that can be corrosive to your boat and equipment. DeSalt is a great product for removing existing buildup, and for flushing the motor.
2

Service your engine at least once a year.

Don’t wait until everybody wants to get their boats serviced before summer to book yours in! Spark plugs should be changed with your engine service, and you should carry a spare set including a sparkplug spanner on your boat. Keep an ear out for new or different noises or vibrations, they can be the first sign that something isn’t quite right.
3

Check the water pump from your motor regularly to ensure a strong discharge.

Every time you start your motor, make sure that water is being discharged from the motor. A blocked cooling system can quickly overheat and damage a motor.
4

Check your battery each season.

Batteries cause the most headaches for boat users - about one quarter of all incidents attended by Coastguard volunteers relate to flat batteries. Check your battery is charged, that it continues to hold charge, and is kept topped up with distilled water. Make sure that the connections are not corroded or loose.
5

Check fuel lines at least 4 times a year.

Make sure that there are no cracks in your fuel line and that any connections are not corroded.
6

Check your oil 3-4 times a year.

Check the oil level regularly, and keep an eye on the oil colour. Like in a car, if it's starting to turn dark make sure you change it. If it turns milky or magically starts appearing, i.e. the level is moving up the dipstick, you may have a serious issue and need to consult an expert before it lets you down or serious damage occurs.
7

Check your prop for damage or rubbish.

Make sure that there is no fishing line wound around your prop and make sure it is not damaged. A damaged prop can be very fuel inefficient.
8

Check the hull for any visible signs of damage.

Look for any unexpected scratches and dents and look inside the boat for water leaks. Make sure the bung plugs still fit securely and check that the navigation lights and bilge pumps are working correctly.
9

Check the trailer frequently as well as the boat.

Have a quick scan of the trailer immediately after launching your boat. Check that the rollers are in good condition, the winch cable is secure, the lights are working and that corrosion is minimal. Check out our other tips for checking over your trailer here.
10

Finally, be sure to check all electrical joints and connections to keep them secure.

You should do a boat walk through (inside and out) about 3-4 times a year to look for normal wear and tear and to keep a general eye out for problems. Also check all ropes for wear and tear or damage.