Boating in Florida is a year round endeavor, so regular boat service and maintenance is a must. It’s easy to forget the proper maintenance due to taking it out most weekends. Proper maintenance can help protect your pockets from larger problems down the road. Boat maintenance is similar to auto maintenance. Although some people can do it themselves, usually peace of mind comes from leaving it to a professional.
So what does it involve?
- Oil changes
- Gear oil change
- Fuel filter
- Oil filter
- Fuel water separator
- Water pump change
These are a few things conducted on 100, 300, 1000 hour services and are standard for an outboard motor service. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance to know when service is needed. Keeping a regular maintenance schedule is pertinent to saving you money down the road. Always be sure to flush your engine with fresh water after a ride. It will help prevent any clogging or corrosion from the salt.
Winterization
Although it doesn’t get cold for longer than 2-3 months, winterizing your boat is always a good idea. It will assist in preventing problems when it starts to warm up again. Give your boat a good cleaning and prime the hull with a nice coat of wax. When you’re ready to go, your boat will be too! Check the propeller performance. This is the perfect time to decipher if the prop needs attention or not. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the engine prevents any varnish from building up as well. It’s also a good idea to drain any water from the engine in the off case it gets cold enough to freeze.
Regular maintenance is necessary for the performance and upkeep of your boat. Keeping the engine running smooth is what your guys are trained for. Give us a call to schedule your next routine maintenance.
