3 DIY Boat Maintenance Tips, Auto
There is nothing else like the feeling of gliding across the open water on a boat. However, water is known as one of the greatest solvents on Earth. Therefore, any aquatic vehicle is going to need preventative maintenance to keep it safely afloat.
There are some maintenance tasks, such as ceramic coating Maryland, that you should leave to the professionals. However, there are also plenty of maintenance tasks that you can take care of yourself.
- Check the Bilge Pump
Sometimes water collects in the bottom of your boat. If this is allowed to fill up, it could cause the boat to sink. A bilge pump removes the excess water, making it one of the most important pieces of equipment you have on your boat.
Sometimes debris gets caught in the hoses of the bilge pump, preventing it from functioning adequately. You should prevent this by unhooking and unclogging the hoses frequently.
- Grease the Propeller
Like any other fast-moving piece of equipment, the propeller can build up a lot of friction. You should periodically grease the propeller to keep this under control. At the same time, you can check the propeller for debris wrapped around it and other signs of significant damage, which can affect the overall engine efficiency. Any time you prepare to launch, use a deep socket wrench to make sure the propeller nut is still tight.
- Inspect the Engine
Pay particular attention to the bolts that secure the outboard motor to the transom, tightening them as necessary. You should inspect clamps and fuel lines for corrosion and use an anti-corrosive to lubricate all moving parts. Prevent leaks by checking hoses that are starting to crack.
In addition to these boat-specific maintenance tasks, there are other things you should do on a regular basis just as you would for any other motor vehicle, such as change the oil and replace the battery.
