8 Everyday Boat Maintenance Tips to Give You Total Peace of Mind

Sure, you winterized your boat. You also have an annual servicing and cleaning routine in the spring to de-winterize your boat.

After that, you may assume that everything will be fine, that is, until something breaks, tears, blows or just stops working entirely. 

The frequency of your boat care routine all depends on your boat and how you use it. Older boats need more time and attention, as do boats used for frequent trips or speedy, adrenaline-pumping excursions.

No matter your boat and how you treat it, you definitely want to follow these basic tips for boat maintenance throughout the boating season to prevent incidents on the water later. You might even want to go through this list a time or two in the off-season, especially if you're leaving it in the water.

These tips hold true for pontoons, deck boats and runabouts alike, but keep the particular needs of your boat in mind. You know your boat better than I do.

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1. Keep a close eye on the engine

Like all machines with engines, it's important to winterize your boat before it gets too cold, especially if you live up north. If you're in a place like Maine or Canada where the water is likely to freeze, this is essential.

First, deal with the fuel. For a built-in tank, fill it to about 95 percent, add a marine fuel stabilizer, and run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes so treated fuel reaches the lines and engine. A small portable tank can simply be run dry. The goal is to keep old, untreated fuel from breaking down over the winter and damaging the engine at the start of the next season. The full process is in the guide on how to winterize an outboard motor.

Next, you should change the oil. Dirty oil may settle and sludge when left to sit during the colder months, which could harm your engine, especially if you start it up with the same oil next season. It's best to change the oil ahead of time to be safe.

Finally, give your boat a thorough cleaning and waxing, cover the boat to protect it from the elements, and store it somewhere safe and out of the water. Doing this can help your boat start the next season with fewer problems. You may still have to jump-start the battery.

Here's the thing about boats, they use combustion engines like cars, and the natural enemy of engines is, you guessed it, water. The problem is that boats stay in the water for long periods. This is one of the reasons why boats have such a strong reputation for failure.

Luckily, this doesn't have to be a problem if you check the oil regularly enough. If you notice that there is water in the engine, it's time to flush it out immediately. Turning on the engine with water in it could destroy it, so it's essential to remove the water immediately.

It's also a good idea to check your fuel for water every once in a while as well. Checking every couple of days during boating season will only cost you a minute or two of your time, and it could save your boat from the worst.

Changing your fuel filter at least once a year is a good idea. Always read your manufacturer's recommendations for these routine maintenance steps, as some may require more frequent changes for oil, oil filters, engine air filters, and fuel filters. Try to stay as close to these time schedules as possible.

We mentioned that old fuel is bad for your engine, so don't run your boat if it has any in it. Storing emergency fuel for the boat is fine, but it should only be used for emergencies. Leaving old cans of fuel to fill up your boat is never a good idea.

I've seen plenty of boaters break down due to engine failure, only to be towed back to the marina. Sometimes the breakdown could have been prevented beforehand, sometimes not.

Regardless, routine engine inspection, whether outboard, sterndrive or inboard, is vital to trouble-free cruising.

Confused where to start? Always begin with the basic boat maintenance tasks.

First, check the oil. Low oil levels or no oil at all mean problems sooner rather than later. Give it a top-up whenever it's looking low to keep your engine running stronger and for longer. You'll want to do the full oil change at least once every 50 to 100 running hours.

Always refer to your manual for what type of oil to use and how frequently to change it. Many outboards nowadays are built to allow quick and easy oil checks.

Once this is done, and with the engine's cowling already off, it never hurts to:

• Check for fuel or oil leaks. If something looks suspicious, contact your local boat repair shop or the engine manufacturer for recommendations.

• Lubricate all moving parts with an anti-corrosive.

• Inspect all lines and hoses for wear.

• Check clamps and fuel lines for corrosion.

Additionally, your outboard should be well-secured to the transom. Constant use during the season can potentially loosen hardware and misalign the outboard.

Check that all bolts are secure. Tighten things up as needed.

2. Flush the engine after each outing

Yes, we're still stuck on the engine business. That's because this is perhaps the most important part of your boat to look after.

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Whether you run in salt or freshwater, flushing your engine with fresh water and an outboard flush kit should be done after every outing.

Flushing the engine means preventing the salt crystals and deposits from damaging internal components (in saltwater applications) and getting rid of muck, sand or other crud (after running in freshwater).

Most modern outboards feature built-in freshwater flushing systems and the process is very simple. Just be sure to consult with your operating manual for the proper procedure.

Here's a video of how to properly flush and de-salt your engine:

If you don't have a flushing system on your outboard, it's time to get old school with motor flushers, usually referred to as earmuffs.

Attach the system to a garden hose, cover the water intake with the earmuffs and turn on the water. Before turning the outboard over, be sure there's enough flowing water for it to run.

Let it run for at least five minutes to ensure sufficient flushing.

3. Honor thy prop

Without your prop, your boat isn't going anywhere.

A testament to this is a situation I found myself in while fishing a few years ago. After a morning of being successful, I decided to call it a day. I pulled the anchor, started the engine and pushed the throttle. Nothing happened. All I heard was a high-pitched whizzing sound.

Confused, I turned the engine off, lifted the leg and was shocked to see there was no prop on the drive. Instead, looking further down, it was 15 feet below the water's surface, directly off the stern.

I then dropped anchor and went for a swim to get it. After my morning dip, I got the attention of a nearby angler, who happily towed me into the marina.

So, take this boat maintenance tip from me. Ensure the prop nut and cotter pin are secured to the manufacturer's specifications before any outing. I was lucky that I was in shallower water. Otherwise, it would have been a very costly mistake.

Other prop maintenance includes:

• Checking for dings, nicks or bent blades. A bent blade or even a ding can hinder your performance. Remember, hitting rocks, the bottom or other hard objects can damage the prop shaft or other internal components.

• Inspecting the prop shaft and hub for fishing lines or debris (this is also a good time to ensure the water intake is clean).

• Make sure the prop shaft is properly greased with a quality marine grease. The key is to keep the shaft lubed so the prop doesn't corrode onto the shaft.

4. Dedicate one area to "dry storage"

Having a dedicated dry storage area is highly underrated. Everyone with a boat should be on top of this.

I know, it's hard to keep things dry on a boat, but it's worth the effort. 

A dry storage area keeps all essentials organized. Throwing life jackets, water toys, clothing or other gear in these spaces makes for convenient quick clean-ups. Yet, wet gear means water, which can turn into an ugly mess, especially when left for long periods.

• Dedicate a dry storage compartment for certain gear. Anything prone to water retention or mold and mildew stains should live here.

• Dry out your life jackets, water toys, towels and clothing before putting them in a storage compartment. Shake them dry, towel them off or let them hang to dry for a while before stowing them.

5. Be a clean machine

Mold or mildew stains can appear in seams, cracks, and crevices much quicker than you may think, so it's essential to stay ahead of them. Aim for a quick clean every day or two that the boat is in use and a deep clean once a month during boating season.

Also, always make sure you're using the right boat cleaners and soaps for your vessel. Certain chemicals may harm your boat or make it challenging to clean, so always use boat-specific products when cleaning and do as thorough of a job as possible.

If you can't decide which cleaning products to use, you may want to read our article on choosing the best boat cleaners.

Clutter, dirt, mold stains and mildew stains can accumulate very easily.

While it often takes some time at first, the more I do it, the less I have to really clean, and the less often I have to spend an entire day of my life getting things neat and tidy.

But what deserves special attention with this common chore?

Here are some words of wisdom on boat maintenance tasks from a clean freak like me:

• If you're cleaning storage compartments or live wells, use a good boat-specific cleaning solution. Many live wells are self-draining, but only drains that are flush to the bottom get rid of the majority of the water. Sponge up any excess.

• For dry storage areas, use an outdoor vacuum to clean up dirt or other debris.

• For gunnel storage, ensure everything is stored without protruding gear or lines.

6. Mind the flooring

Many cockpit floors are self-draining, making them extra handy for cleaning (among other things). If you have marine-grade snap-in carpeting, remove it. Water, dirt, food crumbs and you name it will find its way underneath.

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For best results, shake the carpet, vacuum debris, pressure wash and then let it hang to dry. 

Scrubbing the foredeck with a scrub brush is one of the most important boat maintenance tasks. It gets rid of stains and dirt in a few simple steps.

When done properly, it also adds longevity and value to your boat. Better Boat offers boat cleaning products for decks, hulls, and interiors.

7. Clean and repair upholstery as needed

Sand, mud and even mucky water accumulate constantly on upholstery. The longer it sits, the more cleaning and scrubbing is required.

So, maintaining your upholstery is something you want to stay on top of.

A dedicated boat interior vinyl cleaner and a soft upholstery brush set help lift that grime from seats, cording, and stitching.

Cording and stitching in the upholstery also collect copious amounts of crud and require attention. These areas are also vulnerable to wear and tear, especially tears, as the threading may come loose after a season or two of use.

To fix rips in seats along the cord and stitching, simply sew along the dotted line. All that's required is outdoor thread, a curved needle and some patience.

To start, insert the needle and thread through the existing hole (or near it) and simply sew along the cording and upholstery until it's tight. It may take a few times to get in the groove, but it will work.

For tears and rips in more open areas of a seat or along the gunnel, a vinyl repair kit from a marine or hardware store will keep the tear or hole from getting worse.

8. Create your own boat maintenance checklist

A routine checklist for maintaining a boat can go on and on. However, I find it important to conduct a simple walk-through when I first board, checking to see that everything is in working order. 

This includes:

• Are all the running lights working? If not, replace them.
• Are the rails secure? If they aren't, fix them.
• Are the fenders in good shape?
• Are the lines frayed or worn?
• Is the Bimini top torn?

You know what gear, equipment and features your boat has. You know what's important to you and you know what needs attention. Who could know a boat better than its owner? 

Create your own daily boat maintenance task checklist that you follow every single time you step on board. Don't neglect the little quirks and details.

Keep an eye on every inch of your boat, and you'll never be taken by surprise on the water. Performing detailed, regular maintenance on your boat like this ensures longevity and value. It also means you're practicing many elements of boating safety and precaution not only for you and your guests, but for other boaters on the water.

At least once a week, give your boat a thorough inspection and try to keep an overall eye out for issues. Check the following items.

• Mold or mildew stains (especially in upholstery seams)
• Battery terminals (keep them clean)
• Fuel and oil (check for water)
• Dents, scrapes, or scratches
• Concerning noises or behaviors while running

If you notice something, remember that old phrase, "A stitch in time saves nine?" Fixing a problem now could take only a few minutes of your time. Leaving it to persist could lead to serious repair costs, so always be preemptive.

When you dock your boat, make sure you have the correct bumpers and rope to hold your boat in place and away from any obstruction. Don't forget to look under your boat to ensure you aren't hitting any rocks or miscellaneous items that may have fallen off the dock.

Bumpers are essential to preventing scrapes or scratches, which can open your boat to water intrusion or damage. Always make sure that the only things your boat is touching are water and soft materials like bumpers.

Also, don't forget to secure your boat every time you dock. If it gets loose, there's no telling what could happen.

You can trust our durable dock ropes to safely secure your boat.

Keeping your boat covered from the sun, water, and harsh weather conditions is highly recommended. Not only will it keep your boat looking like new for much longer, but it can help prevent long-term damage and increase the resale value later on. When you aren't using the boat for more than 24 hours (at most), always throw a cover on it, with cover support poles to keep water from pooling.

If you have a boat mechanic that you trust, consider having your boat checked on once a year, even if you don't think anything is wrong with it. More importantly, communicate to them if you've noticed any issues or heard any concerning noises while operating.

A great time to do this is prior to winterizing the boat. If you've already taken the boat out of storage, why not bring it in for a quick checkup before putting it away for the year?

Keep reading

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