Whether you’re a first-time boat owner or a seasoned expert, keeping your boat in good shape is essential. It’s important to understand the basics of boat maintenance and upkeep, so your vessel can continue to remain seaworthy. If you’re looking for a beginner’s guide to boat maintenance, read on!

Engine Care

Regularly checking and maintaining your engine is essential for keeping it in top condition. Check the oil levels, spark plugs, and filters regularly and replace them when necessary. Additionally, you should clean off any build-up of salt or dirt on the engine parts with warm water and soap before lubricating them with oil.

Cleanliness Matters

Keeping your boat clean is one of the most important aspects of proper maintenance. Washing down your deck with fresh water after use will help prevent salt build-up and corrosion of metal surfaces. You should also inspect your hull for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and if necessary, apply a protective wax coating to preserve the finish. Finally, make sure that you always remove any garbage from the vessel after each use; otherwise, it can attract pests like seagulls or rodents that could cause further damage over time.

Take Stock of Your Safety Gear

Ensuring that all safety equipment onboard is ready for use is also extremely important when it comes to boat maintenance. Double-check that life jackets are properly fitted, flares are in working order, and bilge pumps are functioning correctly — these are all things that need to be taken into consideration if you want to keep yourself safe while out on the water! Also, make sure that you have plenty of fuel onboard in case of emergency, as well as spare parts just in case something goes wrong while out at sea.

We hope that these boat maintenance tips have been helpful. If you need assistance with your boat, be sure to contact us at our dealership in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. Blue Water Boats proudly serves those in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.