MUST-KNOW TIPS FOR POWERBOAT AND SPORT YACHT MAINTENANCE
Now that you’ve finally purchased the sport yacht or powerboat of your dreams, you want to make sure you know exactly how to take great care of it.
You know that it’s important to address potential problems as soon as possible. After all, you don’t want to risk doing irreparable or costly damage to your engine and other critical parts of your boat.
You want to focus on being able to enjoy it while staying safe out on the water.
So, what are the most important boat and yacht maintenance tips you need to know? Don’t worry — they’re not as complicated as you think!
Keep on reading this post to find out how to keep your boat in tip-top shape.
BASIC BOAT AND YACHT MAINTENANCE TIPS
First, let’s discuss some basic yacht and boat maintenance.
In general, you’ll need to service your engines annually, even more often when you’re spending a lot of time on the water. All engines are different, so be sure to check your engine’s manual for exact instructions for upkeep.
Never use automotive oil or parts on your boat (you’d be surprised how many people attempt to do this.) Use only manufacturer-approved marine oil and replacement parts.
Before you hit the water, always double-check your boat’s battery and fluid levels, and check your bilges and hoses for any sign of leaks.
When not in use, your boat should always be stored out of direct sunlight and covered. This prevents the boat’s interior from fading and helps to keep out water, dust and animals that might be trying to hitch a ride.
PAY ATTENTION TO PROPELLERS
One of the best places to start when you’re learning how to maintain a boat is with the propellers.
Properly-functioning, balanced propellers ensure that you avoid a choppy, uncomfortable ride and help to protect and efficiently run your engine.
Ensure that a qualified marine technician checks your propellers every time you take it in for any kind of inspection or service. You should also immediately take your boat into a professional if you hit a log or a rock to avoid further damage and to be able to get back out on the water ASAP.
It’s easy for these objects to throw your propellers off balance and damage them. Above all, collision with an object can cause a spun hub — check out this helpful post if you suspect that’s what happened.
If your blades are bent, missing chunks of metal, or even if you notice tiny nicks in the metal, you need to get the propellers serviced. The same thing goes if you notice that saltwater has corroded your metal propeller blades.
USE PROPER CLEANING PRODUCTS
Proper, thorough and frequent cleaning is one of the most important aspects of yacht maintenance.
You need to be aware, however, that not all cleaning products are safe to use on your boat or yacht. You don’t want to risk the damage and corrosion that certain cleaning products can cause.
The quality and safety of the marine cleaning products you use are even more essential when conducting saltwater boat maintenance. There are even boat cleaning products specifically designed for saltwater vessels.
We suggest you rely on this list of the most effective marine cleaning products to ensure you make the right choice. Always use a fiberglass reconditioner to remove oxidization stains and watermarks on your hull. For delicate areas, use a mix of standard dish soap and water.
You should aim to clean your boat or yacht at least every other time that you take it out on the water. If you boat in saltwater, always wash it and flush the engine with fresh water every time you remove it from the water to remove any saltwater residue.
Above all, remember to never acid wash your boat. If you’re unsure about the proper way to clean it, leave it in the hands of a professional.
NEVER NEGLECT BILGE PUMPS
Make sure you keep a close eye on your bilge pumps. Their job is to pump any excess water out of the interior of your boat or yacht.
It doesn’t take too long for bilge pumps to stop working if they get clogged up with debris and dirt. Sometimes, you may encounter electrical failures within the bilge pumps.
At the start of every season, before you take the boat out, test to ensure your bilge pumps are working by putting a bit of water in your boat.
Also, be on the lookout for odd noises or a boat that doesnât plane as quickly as usual, as these are both signs of a bilge pump issue.
WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS
The golden rule of yacht and boat repair and maintenance?
If you’re not certain of the best and safest way to clean your boat, replace a part on your yacht or even properly diagnose a problem, it’s best to simply leave it to the professionals.
Ask members of your local marina for their recommendations for an experienced boat technician to use, and even ask the company you purchased your yacht/boat from for their input.
Make sure that the technician has plenty of experience working with your specific make and model of boat.
ALWAYS TAKE BOAT REPAIR AND YACHT MAINTENANCE SERIOUSLY
If you follow these boat and yacht maintenance tips, you’ll help extend the life of your boat and its parts.
More importantly, you’ll be able to truly relax and enjoy yourself when you’re out on the water. We strongly suggest that you take your boat in for professional servicing and inspection at least twice a year. If you have any questions or concerns about the maintenance of your Intrepid please call our Customer Care desk at our factory.
Ready to finally customize the new boat or yacht you’ve always wanted?
We invite you to browse through our collection of incredible powerboats so that you can experience the Intrepid difference firsthand.
After all, isn’t it time you treated yourself?
