Boat Maintenance Checklist

After a long day of boating activities like fishing, tubing, or water-skiing, checking your boat's vitals should be the last thing you worry about. Boat days are meant to be spent with water, sun, and sand, not oil leaks or engine failure. If you don’t maintain it properly, your vessel can get exposed to various corrosive elements like rain and salt, especially if you live in Florida. Owning a boat requires constant upkeep and care, and repairs can be costly if you do not maintain it. We made a checklist of necessary boat maintenance activities to keep your precious investment running longer and smoother.

Engine and Propeller

To keep your boat running smoothly, it is necessary to inspect the propeller for any dents or tangled fishing line. The result of this could kill the fuel economy or even worse, destroy the propeller. You always want to keep an eye on the oil pressure as you venture out into the water and throughout your boat excursion. As always, don’t forget to flush the engine with fresh water before putting your boat up to prevent salt corrosion.

Battery

Depending on how much you take your boat out, you should be checking the charge of the battery at least once a year or more. A marine battery should read between 13.2 to 13.4 volts and can easily be tested with a multimeter. If you aren’t using the battery because it is off-season, take the battery out to clean and lubricate it. This extra step will save you on costs of a new battery caused by corrosion and rust.

Oil

It is imperative to stay on schedule with your boat's oil filter and oil changes for the sake of the engine's health. Experts' general rule of thumb is that you change your boat's oil every 100 hours, or once a year. It is also essential to keep in mind the number of days the boat has been sitting idle, or if you only use your boat for short periods. The less you use the boat the less likely it is that the engine will get up to full temperature. It will also be more likely to turn into contaminated oil that needs a replacement. 

Fluid Levels

Fluids like power steering and coolant need to be maintained for a smooth ride and keeping the boat engine cool. Before your boat outings, always regularly check all pumps and hoses for clogs or leaks. If you find that any levels are not normal during your journey, there may be a leak that needs to be sealed, or a part replaced, depending on what levels are out of whack. Also, if you notice any odors, smoke, or idle engine performance, you may need to treat the fuel with a decarbonizer.

Give It a Good Rinse

Washing your boat prevents any marine critters or plant species from building a home on your property. Not washing your boat, and then taking it out in a different area can also bring invasive bacteria into the environment and may stress the ecosystem. Rinsing your boat will also prevent saltwater from eroding your paint, interior, and more importantly, your engine. Letting your boat dry is also essential to stop mold from growing on your beloved captain's chair. Overall, a cleaner boat performs better, as a dirty hull can waste fuel. 

Use the Correct Trailer

At Tropic Trailer, we find exactly what size trailer you need, so storing and traveling on your valuable boat is made easy from slipway to docking. Whether storing your boat inside or outside, we offer safe, high-quality, trailers at the best prices, because we know how valuable your time and money are. If you already own a boat trailer and are simply looking for some new boat trailer parts, we also offer maintenance and boat trailer part installation for your convenience.

Preventing Damage

Keeping your boat and trailer inspected prevents wear and tear that can arise from heavy use, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, not using them for a long time. Boats are already costly as is, so maintaining your vessel on your own is one less cost you have to worry about. If you do have un-fixable issues with your boat or trailer, see a professional; after all, knowing that you and your family are safe is priceless.

Like any other vehicle, boats require constant maintenance and check-ups to keep them running even better than the first day you bought them. While it may seem like a lot of things can go wrong with your water vessel, we are here to prevent issues and make it simple to fix those that do arise. We strive to make your trailers safe for you, your 1st mate, and your crew. At Tropic Trailer, we exist to cut down on time spent maintaining your boat and increase the time spent doing what you love on the water.