5 DIY Steps to Take Care of Your Boat
There’s a lot you can do to ensure that your boat continues to perform well for years to come. One of the most important responsibilities you have as a boat owner is to keep up with routine maintenance. This might not be the most exciting activity, but if you want to continue having memorable experiences on the water, you’ll need to take proper care of your boat.
If you’re a beginner or you simply need a refresher on boat maintenance, you’ve come to the right place. Hampton Watercraft & Marine has crafted this DIY guide to help you take care of your boat and keep it in peak condition. If you have questions or you’d like to check out some high-quality boats for sale in Hampton Bays or Eastport, NY, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at our dealership. Our team looks forward to serving you.
1. Read the Owner’s Manual
Before you start with any boat maintenance tasks, you should consult your owner’s manual where you’ll find the most specific tips related to your vessel. You’ll also find a list of things you should avoid and things to be aware of. The owner’s manual is the best resource to help you take care of your boat, so keep it safe. Always refer to it first when planning to do any maintenance work on your craft.
2. Perform an Inspection
You should regularly check your boat for signs of wear and tear, leaks, rust, or anything else that could be a cause for concern. Walk around the exterior and examine the hull for any signs of damage or build-up of algae or other debris. If you find scratches or dents, you’ll need to get these repaired as soon as possible.
Next, check the inside of your boat to make sure there are no signs of pest infestation, mold, or mildew. All of these problems need to be addressed promptly as well. A thorough cleaning of the exterior and interior of your boat will make it much nicer for you to enjoy your time on the water!
3. Maintain Your Engine
Keeping your engine maintained is important in any boat. Make sure that the oil and coolant are topped up and changed on a regular basis. If you’ve left your boat sitting for a while, you’ll want to drain the fuel in the tank and replace it with fresh fuel. Check spark plugs for any evidence of corrosion. Examine the gaskets and engine heads, looking for signs of leaks or other issues that could affect the performance of your vessel. If you see something you can't repair yourself, get in touch with the service department at Hampton Watercraft & Marine. Our expert mechanics will be happy to help you!
4. Wash & Wax Your Boat
To make your boat look brand-new even years after you bought it, clean it thoroughly on a regular basis. You should wipe down the floors and furnishings and let them dry before covering or storing your boat so that moisture doesn’t accumulate and cause mildew growth. After washing off saltwater and debris, let your boat dry in the warm sun and then apply a good wax coating to the entire hull to protect it from sun damage. Remember to wax your vessel at least once every season.
5. Keep Your Boat Covered
One of the easiest steps you can take to keep your boat in great shape is to cover it whenever it’s not in use. Sun, wind, rain, and general exposure to the elements can all take their toll on your boat’s paint, finish, and upholstery. Leaves and debris can gather on an uncovered boat, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Excessive sunlight can fade fabrics and weaken them over time. Get a good sturdy cover for your boat or store it in a shed or other dry shelter.
We hope that by following these DIY steps, you’ll be able to take proper care of your boat and keep it in top shape. If you’re still in search of the perfect vessel, contact us or browse our website to know more about our wide selection of new boats for sale near Eastern Long Island, NY. Hampton Watercraft & Marine proudly serves all of our New York customers in and around Hampton Bays and Eastport.