If you’ve purchased a boat, you’re probably experiencing those tingles of excitement that come with new ownership. However, you don’t want to find yourself in a sticky situation when you’re out on the water just because you’ve forgotten to maintain your boat or simply didn’t know how to.

The following tips will give you basic guidance on boat maintenance to ensure that you’re as safe as possible on every voyage.

Checklist for Every Voyage

• → Ensure that the propeller is in a safe working condition
• → Check that the battery is properly charged and in working order
• → Scan the hull for any signs of damage and perform repairs as needed
• → Thoroughly clean the hull and deck
• → Top up the oil if necessary
• → Check that the bilge pump, electric systems, and fire extinguisher are all up to standard

Long Term Maintenance Fundamentals

1.  The Engine

• Ensure that the fuel lines are crack and rust-free and check that there is no water in the fuel at least once every month
• Replace the spark plugs during your annual service
• If you sail in saltwater, it’s advisable to flush the engine with water after every voyage
• Ensure that the hose clamps are up to standard

2.  The Hull

• Barnacles are a threat to the safety of your hull, so to prevent a build-up, paint your hull with anti-fouling or barnacle-repelling paints and try to store your boat out of the water if possible.
• Other cracks or damage to the hull should be repaired regularly
• Ensure that the drain plugs are in their proper position

3.  The Batteries

• Check that the batteries are firmly secured in their battery box or frame to avoid shortening their lifespan.
• Ensure that the cables are tightly attached to the terminals
• Consider installing a battery maintenance charger that will keep your batteries fully charged and ready until your next outing, simultaneously lengthening their lifespan
• Use only marine batteries on your boat to avoid premature replacement
• Use a wire brush to clean your batteries.

Find out if boats have VINs in this article.

4.  The Propeller and Propshaft

• Regularly remove the propeller to check for any build-up of the fishing line on the prop shaft
• Double-check that the fishing line has not caused any damage to the prop shaft seal
• Grease the prop shaft
• Tighten the propeller nut if necessary
• Examine the propeller for any physical damage and perform repairs if needed, as these could cause fuel wastage if left unattended

5.  The Bilge Pump

• The bilge pump is imperative to keeping your boat afloat, so ensure that you check it regularly for any blockages that could cause it to malfunction.

6.  Other Fluids

• Regularly check to make sure that your coolant and power steering fluid levels are up to standard.

The Bottom Line on Boat Maintenance

Boat safety is of the utmost importance, so if you’re excited about taking your boat out regularly, it’s vital that you know the basics on how to properly care for it. If you feel a bit overwhelmed or you aren’t sure which tips apply to your specific vessel, it may also be helpful to ask a seasoned sailor for a quick tutorial.