Friday 5 April 2013

Add Years To Your Boat By Taking Care Of It

You invested a lot of money to buy your favorite boat, so why not spend some time taking care of it to make sure that it stays good for long. Whether you are planning to take your boat to the water or have just returned from a fishing expedition with friends, it is important that you thoroughly check the engine and other components to detect the problems, if any, and solve them before they become major issues. In this article, we will share some tips to help you add more years to your boat by taking good care of it. First of all, you need to check the engine, bilges, and fuel system. The engine is undoubtedly the most essential machinery of your vessel and a problem in the engine can not only take a lot of time to get sorted but also cost you dearly. Furthermore, as this is the messiest part of the boat, it is advisable that you start from here. If the oil filter was not changed last season then you must do it now. You should remember to drain the fuel tank before the commencement of winter or fill it about 95 percent to avoid any water vapor from collecting. Water is the biggest enemy of the fuel tank and if it enters mistakenly, it would lead to rusting, corrosion and create a breeding space for a bacterial formation that damages the fuel. This formation may form lumps that clog the filters and ultimately lead to more expensive damage. In order to treat and rectify this problem, the antifreeze should be replaced and cooling system flushed. Check to see if the batteries are in good condition and replace them if required. Start the boat engine to make sure that its running smoothly. You must also check the bilge pump after confirming that there's no oil present in the bilges. Make sure that the pump works perfectly and filters are free from any type of blockages. Another important factor while taking care of your boat is to check that the electronic and safety items are working fine. You must perform a thorough test to ensure that all the components are working fine, without any complications. When checking for the safety parameters, make sure that you have the proper sized life jackets for yourself and all other crew members on the boat. You should also have auto releases, a fire extinguisher and right-sized spare gas cylinders on board. When cleaning the boat inside out, make sure you check the canvas, vinyl, and other upholstery items carefully to make sure that there are no mildew, dirt, and tears. You must repair the tears and holes if any, and clean the surface using the recommended cleaner. You must examine the hull thoroughly to detect any chips, cracks, blisters and repairs, if any. The sail should also be checked for any possible damage to see whether you can rely on them during the windy conditions. This is just a rough guide to help you take care of your boat to add more years to it. For more detailed information, you must rely on the instructions provided in the boat manual. Are you looking for right Yamaha Outboard Propellers for your boat? To find more information check out PT Propeller

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