Owning a boat is an exciting prospect. There is so much you can do with a boat; if you have family over, you can arrange a neat trip, take it out for fishing, or thread your boat through the water and enjoy the passing season.
However, what happens when it’s off-season and you can no longer use your boat? One of the downsides of owning this vessel is the amount of maintenance and care that goes into ensuring its longevity. If you are not careful with your boat, it may get worn out long before its time, so unless you’re willing to risk this situation from occurring, here are some care tactics:
1. Put Your Boat Into Storage
When you’re not using your boat, it is best to look for storage to keep it away for the season. Storage gives your boat the essential covering to be safe from weather and seasonal changes. The last thing you would want is to deal with rust, chipped paint, or internal damages when you try to take it out during the charter season. Think of it this way: During summer, you know that you must put away your winter clothing, so without hesitation, you shift all your winter gear into storage; you need to apply the same logic with your vessel. If your boat is docked, it’s time for you to invest in suitable boat storage and lock away your vessel for the season. You can handle the booking process online and customize a storage space that fits your needs.
2. Take it for a Test Drive
Before you put your boat away for the season, you should drive it once more. Taking your boat for a spin ensures that there are no lingering mechanical issues in your boat or internal problems that can get worse with time. While driving, you’ll get an idea if your boat is lagging, unnecessarily rattling, or running smoothly. Getting these issues fixed before you put your boat away is highly recommended. You never know what gear may get jammed when you finally take your boat out for a ride. The more your damaged boat stays idle without getting fixed, the worse these issues will get.
3. Cover Your Boat
If you don’t plan on moving your boat around, you can choose to cover it. During the off-season, you must invest money to protect and keep your boat safe from the weather’s harm. Likewise, you want to ensure it doesn’t get scratched or damaged when it’s not in use. You can choose from various boat covers in the market. You can use simple tarps as a cover if you’re new to the system. But you must secure the tarp and ensure it’s taut against your boat. Most of these coverings are made from an abrasive material, so if it’s not attached carefully, it can scratch and damage your boat’s finish.
On the other hand, go for materials like vinyl or cotton; these are much easier to manage and far less damaging than a tarp. Additionally, if your budget allows you to spend more, you can get a customized cover that accounts for all the dimensions of your boat. Why not take it a step further and invest in a water-repellent material? This way, you stay safe from the rain and prevent mildew from growing.
4. Get The Boat’s Engine Checked
Your boat’s engine is an integral part of your vessel. If the engine is in bad shape, you will need to get it fixed, and depending on the extent of the damage, you may be looking at an exuberant bill. Therefore, when locking your boat away for the season, give the engine a once over. Start by checking for any obvious signs of damage, then check the boat’s oil levels. Generally, you should strive to change the boat’s oil for every fifty to hundred running hours. As you try to replace the oil, it would help keep the engine running so that it warms up the fluid, making it easier to drain.
Furthermore, you should look for leaks, rust, and mildew and get them treated immediately. Once the boat is empty and the engine is drained, you will need to flush the engine using an antifreeze. The next step is to change the transmission, remove the spark plugs, and keep them in a safe place, while the final stage is to use a fogging spray to give the engine a final clean. There are many layers to cleaning the engine, which list all the tasks you need to do and chronologically handle them.
5. Clean Up Your Boat
Your boat’s engine isn’t the only component that needs to be cleaned and inspected. You will also need to pay attention to the hull, propellers, shafts, and interior drawers to ensure they’re in good shape and ready to be locked away. Removing items like electronics, fire extinguishers, and flares is essential. You never know if you may accidentally set them off in your attempt to clean up your boat. Additionally, when you remove emergency flares from your boat, it’s best to look into how to store them. If your boat has cushions, you should also keep them away.
However, if you want to leave them on the boat, tilt them so air can flow into your boat. You may need extra precautions during winter since moisture can get into storage and further impact your boat. Line the seats with a weather-resistant material and use a dehumidifier to decrease the humidity. You will also need to pressure wash the hull and remove other residues clinging to the exterior.
Final Thoughts
Off-seasons are detrimental to your boat’s health. When you’re not using your vessel, it’s best to tuck it away and save it from the weather and debris. However, storing your boat is a process. You have to clean, wash, and inspect the vessel to ensure you’re not housing any damages. Try not to be careless while you pack up your boat; while it is a hassle to wind everything up, it can keep your boat in excellent shape for the long term. Hence, pull out your checklist and start curating a list of everything you need to do to confirm you’re taking all the essential steps. All parts of your boat need to get sorted, from the engines to the hull.