Salt air can cause damage to your boat, and not just the parts that are directly in contact with seawater. When we maintain our boats regularly, we can enjoy safe and pleasant journeys, and much more. Do not neglect your boat’s care. The benefits are many.
Why should you prioritize boat maintenance and repairs?
- Ensure safety at the water
- How to extend the life of your boat
- Maintaining its value
- Your boat is ready for sailing whenever you want it
- Fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 30% when sailing and motor performance is improved.
- Proper boat maintenance protects not only the motor but all equipment from the fiberglass to the rigging.
It may seem like a long list, but you can do many of the tasks yourself. The engine is the most important component of your boat, so we recommend learning as much about it as possible. Do not dismiss the idea by saying “I am not a mechanic.” You can maintain the health of your engine by regularly performing certain checks and using maintenance tips that are easily learned. You will only have to call in professional like Kappler’s Marine Detailing and Repair for boat motor service for major repairs or maintenance. If the list of boat maintenance and repairs you have ahead of your exceeds your abilities, it is essential that you seek help from a boat service.
Cleaning is essential
Boat Cleaning is an important part of boat maintenance. If you don’t regularly clean and polish a dirty fiberglass boat surface, it can become chalky. Bird droppings and the damaging effects from the sun and sea will dull and deform the deck. Maintaining your boat’s appearance and structural integrity is easier when you keep it clean. Saltwater’s corrosive properties will wear down your boat over time. This can cause costly damage, including scratches, and may be hard to repair.
Teak requires special care
Teak is an amazing wood that’s known for its resistance against saltwater and extreme temperatures. It also repels pests like wood-boring insect. It’s no wonder that it is a popular choice among sailors for decking. Teak, however durable, still needs your help to maintain its wonderful qualities. Teak’s natural oils will decrease over time, making it more vulnerable to sunlight and salt. Annual boat deck maintenance will extend the life expectancy of your teak decking. Your teak deck can last for years if you maintain it properly.
Hull maintenance protects more than just your boat’s hull
The bottom of your boat is known as the “hull” and it’s the part that comes in direct contact with the seawater. This makes it vulnerable to wear and tear. A boat that is left stationary or does not receive regular hull washing can become a breeding place for marine fouling bacteria. Fouling is a phenomenon that can cause serious damage to wood boats, but it can also be a danger to fiberglass boats. Fouling affects not only performance, but also fuel consumption. In extreme cases, it can damage metal components of the engine. Regular hull maintenance is essential. You can extend the life of your boat by scheduling annual hull maintenance and cleaning as part of your routine boat care.
Regular boat maintenance has many benefits
Regular boat maintenance is a worthwhile investment in many ways. It not only ensures your safety and the longevity of your boat but also helps to maintain its value. You can keep your boat ready for adventures by following a regular maintenance schedule. This will optimize the sailing and engine performance, which can result in significant fuel savings. Proper boat maintenance also protects all components and preserves their integrity, which can prevent costly repairs.