Key Tips to Keep your Boat Afloat

Like anything to do with transport, repairs and replacements do not come cheap, and no matter how many do-it-yourself jobs you think you can manage, there will always be that one time when you have to take your car or bike to a garage and fork out hundreds of pounds to repair them. This goes the same for your boat, if this is one of your hobbies, a regular holiday choice, or if you are lucky enough to live on the waters. Boat maintenance can be a costly job, and even more so if you do not look after it. We all know that we try to avoid fixing a problem or spending any money, and before you know it, the problem just gets a whole lot worse over time. So in order to avoid this, you want to look after your belongings and motors, and to look after your boat, try these handy tips.

Firstly, the main areas of the boat to check will be the engine and the mechanical elements that functionally run the boat. This can include the engine oil, as this needs to be changed after 100 hours of sailing, or at least once a year, and also checking that any propellers are in good condition without any cracks or dents, and can also rotate smoothly. You will also want to check the battery, and that it is clean and still running well. Dampness and dirt can affect the running of the battery, and can be a hefty job to fix. The cooling system will also need to be checked regularly to ensure that the engine does not overheat, and lastly, check the bilge pumps to avoid sinking!

Electronically, you must always ensure that these are kept dry, for obvious reasons! Boating failures often arise due to corroded electrics. To protect your electrics, you can spray them with an inhibitor, which is water repellent, and also non-conductive.

Up on board deck, check any ropes for fraying or any loose fittings. Not having these securely in place could mean for a dangerous accident, particularly when docking and getting on and off the boat. If these are not secure, for example the walkway, and jolts out of position while someone is standing on it, it could cause an awful incident.

To keep your boat looking as good as when you bought it, you should ensure that you regularly clean it, particularly if you are sailing in sea water or dirty water. Environmental wear and tear will gradually take its toll on your boat, so it’s essential that you keep the boat in its best condition possible. Invest in a boat cover to avoid leaves, bird droppings and sunlight damage which could discolour carpets and other belongings. Ensuring you have the right products to keep your boat clean will help to protect it too, you can’t just wash it with soapy water!

If you have had a check up on your boat recently and have discovered a few problems, then visit www.keypart.com/volvo-penta for any replacement mechanical parts or advice.